China Visa for Indians 2026: Fees, Process & Visa Types

Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to enter mainland China  there is no visa-on-arrival and no eVisa for Indian citizens. You must apply in advance through a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.

Only narrow exceptions exist: transit visa waivers at certain airports for short layovers (for some nationalities/conditions), and visa-free travel to Hong Kong and Macau under specific conditions. For itineraries flying into mainland China, a visa is always required.

China has reduced visa fees for Indian applicants until 31 December 2026, making it cheaper than standard rates. A single-entry tourist visa costs ₹5,007 total (₹2,900 visa fee + ₹2,107 CVASC service fee).

Not sure which visa you need? Match your purpose of travel below. Each guide covers documents, fees, and the full application process for that visa type.

Quick rule of thumb: Tourism = L, Business = M, Family = Q. Applying under the wrong category is one of the top rejection reasons — if you travel for trade shows or client meetings, do not apply as a tourist.

Every applicant files the same core set. What changes is the supporting evidence, and that depends entirely on your visa category. Use the two lists below, then open the full checklist for your category, or the condensed China visa requirements checklist.

Sources: the Chinese Embassy in India notice on application requirements and the CVASC category pages.

Documents every applicant needs

• Your original passport, valid at least 6 months with 2 or more blank visa pages, plus photocopies of the personal-details pages. Expired passports issued within the last 5 years must also be provided. If your name differs between passports, an official name-change document is required
• One recent colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months — 33mm × 48mm, white background, glossy print. See the photo FAQ for the full specification
• Your printed, signed online application form and confirmation page — the form is completed and the electronic photo uploaded on the CVASC/COVA portal
• A copy of any Chinese visa you already hold, if you have one

Additional documents by visa type

This is the summary. The linked checklists carry the full item-by-item list.

If one of these applies to you

• Applying outside your country of citizenship — a valid certificate of residence, employment or student status, or other legal-stay certificate from the country where you apply
• Former Chinese citizens holding another nationality — photocopies of previous Chinese passports or visas; first-time applicants should provide the last Chinese passport held
• Name changed between passports — an official document certifying the change
• At the consular officer's request — you may be asked for further documents or called for an interview. The officer decides the outcome, validity and number of entries

What every invitation letter must contain

Wherever an invitation letter is required, the official standard is that it states the applicant's full name, gender and date of birth; the purpose of visit, places of intended residence, intended duration, arrival and departure dates, your relationship to the inviter and the financial source for the visit; and the inviter's name, contact number, address, official stamp and signature. A fax, photocopy or computer printout is acceptable, though the original may be requested.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have extended reduced visa fees through 31 December 2026. After this date, standard (higher) rates apply.

Official visa fees (Indian passport holders):

Source: CVASC India official fee schedule — visa fees as collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.

CVASC service charges (added on top):

Real total costs: Tourist single entry = ₹5,007 · Double entry = ₹6,507 · 6-month multiple = ₹8,007 · Single + express = ₹4,700 · Single + urgent = ₹5,600.

Note: Visa fees are refunded if your application is rejected; CVASC service fees are non-refundable. INR figures are approximate — CVASC adjusts fees quarterly with USD/INR exchange rates.

Note: these are embassy processing times after CVASC submission. With the COVA online pre-approval stage (since December 2025), plan 2–4 weeks total and apply 6–8 weeks before travel.

Plan ahead: Since the COVA online system launched on 22 December 2025, China visa applications are a two-stage process: an online pre-approval stage (via the COVA form at visaforchina.cn), then embassy processing at the CVASC. For a regular application, embassy processing is usually 4 working days after submission, but total turnaround including the online pre-approval stage is typically 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel — and 8–10 weeks during Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (Oct), when processing can stretch further.

Where and how to apply — CVASC centers in India

Since November 2023, no appointment is needed — walk in on any working day. You must apply at the centre for your state of residence:

The process in 5 steps (full details in the tourist/business/student guides):

1. Fill the online form on the COVA system (Chinese Online Visa Application System, launched 22 December 2025) at cn — complete the COVA form online, upload a digital photo and scanned documents, then print the confirmation page. Every detail must match your passport exactly; a COVA name mismatch is an instant rejection
2. Prepare documents — passport and online application form, photographs, and the documents for your chosen category. For an L visa this includes a tour itinerary with a round-trip air ticket booking and hotel reservation, bank account deposit proof of not less than ₹1 lakh, and an invitation letter where necessary
3. Visit your CVASC with originals + A4 photocopies (no stapling)
4. Pay the fees (cash or demand draft) and collect the tracking receipt
5. Track & collect — usually 4 working days for a regular application; courier or in-person pickup

Common errors that delay applications: name mismatch with passport, wrong passport number, wrong visa category, and photos in the wrong size (use 33mm × 48mm, white background — not the Schengen 35mm × 45mm).

China's 2026 fee reduction makes it cheaper than Japan and South Korea. Compare full guides: Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore

Our casework shows the same handful of mistakes cause most rejections and delays (full real-case analysis: China visa rejection reasons & fix):

• Wrong photo size — Indians commonly use the Schengen 35×45mm; China requires 33×48mm
• Business invitation letters without the official red stamp (chop) — the letter is legally invalid without it
• Sudden bank deposits — the official requirement for an L visa is a savings balance of at least ₹1 lakh held consistently for the past six months, and the CVASC states that temporary deposits will not be accepted and that if this consistency is not met *"the application will not be accepted"*
• Vague cover letters — an L visa requires a tour itinerary, and your invitation letter must state the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited and accommodation arrangements. A day-by-day breakdown is our practical recommendation, not an official requirement.
• Bank statements older than 7 days at submission — get them printed fresh

Post-arrival reminder: all foreigners must register their accommodation with the police within 24 hours (Article 39). Hotels do this automatically; if staying with family or a rental, register at the local police station (or online — now available in 7 pilot provinces since March 2026). Non-registration carries a fine of ¥500–2,000.

Common Rejection Reasons for China Visa

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