How Indian passport holders get a visa for China: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: L tourist visa — apply via Chinese Visa Centre in India
- Government fee: Reduced fees effective through 31 December 2026: single entry ₹2,900; double entry ₹4,400; 6-month multiple ₹5,900; 12-month+ multiple ₹8,800. CVASC service fee ₹1,973 (regular) or ₹2,908 (express), plus optional ₹1,800 for express processing.
- Processing time: Standard: 4–6 working days. Express: 2–3 working days (extra fee). Apply in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata.
- Maximum stay: Up to 30 days per entry on a standard L visa (some applicants get 60 days)
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 25/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Completed COVA online application form (printed)
- Recent colour photo (white background, 33 × 48 mm)
- Day-by-day itinerary with cities and dates
- Confirmed round-trip flight bookings
- Confirmed hotel bookings for every night OR Chinese host's invitation letter
- Proof of funds (bank statement, ITR)
- Old passports / previous Chinese visas (if any)
How & where to apply
Apply through a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in India — New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata. Submit the online COVA form printed out, plus documents, in person. Indians are NOT eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit, only the 24-hour airside transit waiver for genuine same-airport layovers. Chinese Visa Application Service Centre — CVASC (official)
Transit & connections
Indian passport holders are excluded from China's 240-hour and most other transit visa-free schemes. The 24-hour airside transit waiver (no immigration clearance, same airport, onward ticket) generally applies, but always confirm with your airline. Any landside connection needs a full L (tourism) or G (transit) visa.
Good to know
Fingerprint collection is waived for L visa applicants until 31 December 2026 under the same facilitation programme that cut fees. Tibet/Kailash Mansarovar travel requires the standard L visa PLUS a separate Tibet Travel Permit arranged through an authorised Chinese tour operator — apply for the L visa first. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for China?
L tourist visa — apply via Chinese Visa Centre in India. Fingerprint collection is waived for L visa applicants until 31 December 2026 under the same facilitation programme that cut fees. Tibet/Kailash Mansarovar travel requires the standard L visa PLUS a separate Tibet Travel Permit arranged through an authorised Chinese tour operator — apply for the L visa first.
What documents do Indians need for a China visa?
Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages; Completed COVA online application form (printed); Recent colour photo (white background, 33 × 48 mm); Day-by-day itinerary with cities and dates; Confirmed round-trip flight bookings; Confirmed hotel bookings for every night OR Chinese host's invitation letter; Proof of funds (bank statement, ITR); Old passports / previous Chinese visas (if any)
How long does a China visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Standard: 4–6 working days. Express: 2–3 working days (extra fee). Apply in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata.. Government fee: Reduced fees effective through 31 December 2026: single entry ₹2,900; double entry ₹4,400; 6-month multiple ₹5,900; 12-month+ multiple ₹8,800. CVASC service fee ₹1,973 (regular) or ₹2,908 (express), plus optional ₹1,800 for express processing.. Maximum stay: Up to 30 days per entry on a standard L visa (some applicants get 60 days).
How do Indians apply for a China visa?
Apply through a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in India — New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata. Submit the online COVA form printed out, plus documents, in person. Indians are NOT eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit, only the 24-hour airside transit waiver for genuine same-airport layovers. Official source: https://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/