Visa Types
China Visa Application Process
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through China.
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Visa Exemption for China
There is a visa exemption for China for citizens of the following countries and special administrative regions:
- Singapore
- Brunei
- Japan
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
- Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Citizens of these countries and regions are exempt from a visa for tourism purposes for a period of up to 15 days. However, if their stay exceeds 15 days, or if they are traveling to China for business, study, or other purposes, they will need to obtain a visa.
Nationals of all other countries must obtain a visa to enter China. Visas can be obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
Key Points for China Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to China.
China visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application form can be filled out online or offline, but the submission of documents is done in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in India.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.(under the age of 14 or over the age of 70)
Is there an interview required to obtain a Chinese visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Chinese visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from China?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 11-12-2023)
| Visa Category | Visa Fee |
| Single entry | Rs2900 |
| Double-entry | Rs4400 |
| Six months multiple-entry | Rs5900 |
| 12 months or above multiple-entry | Rs8800 |
| Group visa/Each applicant | Rs1800 |
| Official group visa/Each applicant | Rs1800 |
| Service fee | |
| Extra fee for express service | Rs2700 / 1800 |
| Regular Service(6th working day collection)
(Inclusive of Service Tax) |
Rs1861 |
| Express Service (third working day collection)
(Inclusive of Service Tax) |
Rs2742 |
| Postal Service (Inclusive of Service Tax)
|
Rs2742 |
| Premium Lounge Service (Inclusive of Service Tax)
|
Rs2742 |
Note:
- Visa Fees go to the Chinese Embassy.
- Application Service Fees are charged by the Centre and cannot be refunded.
- To apply, pay the total in cash: visa fees + application service fees.
- Fees change quarterly based on the USD to Rs exchange rate.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Accurately determine the visa type based on your purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, visiting relatives) to apply for a Chinese visa. Each type has specific requirements and procedures.
- Identifying the correct visa type increases the chances of a successful application by ensuring you provide the necessary documents and follow the correct process.
- Take the time to understand and select the right visa type for a smooth and successful application process when visiting China.
- Based on the type of visa you are applying for, collect all the necessary documents. Commonly required documents include: Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay), Completed visa application form, Recent passport-sized photograph(s), Proof of travel itinerary (flight tickets or hotel bookings), Supporting documents specific to visa category (invitation letter, business documents, admission letter, employment contract, etc.)
- Schedule an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in India. Visit their official website or contact their visa application center to obtain information on appointment booking procedures, availability, and any specific requirements for the appointment.
- Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Double-check for any errors or missing information.
- Ensure that you provide all the required supporting documents along with the application form.
- When submitting your application, you will need to pay the visa application fee. The fee amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Verify the accepted payment methods and fee details from the embassy/consulate's website or visa application center.
- Submit your completed application form, along with the required documents and the visa application fee.
- Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) at the scheduled appointment time.
- Keep track of your visa application's progress. The embassy or consulate may provide a tracking system or updates on their website. It is advisable to regularly check for any updates or notifications regarding your application status.
- The processing time for Chinese visas can vary, but it typically takes around two weeks. Be patient during this period and avoid making any travel arrangements until you receive your visa.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a comprehensive document checklist for applying for a visa to visit China (Holiday, visit friends/family, attend a wedding etc.) visitor visa to China across different categories. Documents to be provided by all visa applicants must be in English/Chinese and must be Original.
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry and has blank visa pages.
- Completed China visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. You can usually find the form online on the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Recent passport-sized photograph(s): Provide one or two recent color photographs that meet the specific requirements set by the Chinese authorities. The guidelines typically include specifications regarding size, background color, and facial expression.
- Proof of travel itinerary: Present your round-trip flight tickets or detailed travel itinerary showing your planned destinations, dates, and accommodations in China.
- Proof of accommodation: Provide hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a Chinese host with their contact information, confirming your accommodation arrangements during your stay.
- Financial documentation: Submit proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in China, such as bank statements for the past three to six months. The Chinese authorities may require evidence of stable financial resources.
- Travel insurance: Obtain travel insurance that covers your entire stay in China. The insurance should include medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
- Previous passport and visa copies (if applicable): If you have previous Chinese visas or passports with Chinese visas, provide copies of these documents to support your application.
- Additional supporting documents: Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter of employment, proof of enrollment if you are a student, or a letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
- Invitation letter (if applicable): If you are visiting China based on an invitation from a Chinese individual or organization, obtain an official invitation letter specifying the purpose, duration, and details of your visit.
Purpose of Visit Documents:
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Letter of employment or crew contract from the Chinese employer or shipping company.
- Letter of guarantee or invitation from the Chinese organization or individual.
- Seaman book or seafarer's identity document.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of legal and valid residence in China (such as work permit or study permit).
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in China.
- Health examination certificate (medical check-up report).
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Invitation letter from a Chinese host or organization.
- Proof of travel itinerary, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of onward travel or connecting flight tickets.
- Valid visa for the destination country (if applicable).
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Letter of invitation from a Chinese media organization.
- Press card or proof of employment in the media industry.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of travel itinerary, such as flight tickets or hotel bookings.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization.
- Business registration certificate of the inviting company.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of relationship to a Chinese citizen or resident (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- Invitation letter or proof of family relationship from the Chinese family member.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Letter of invitation or work permit from the Chinese employer or organization.
- Proof of professional qualifications, skills, or talents.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Proof of relationship to a foreigner working or studying in China.
- Proof of the foreigner's employment or study status in China.
- Other supporting documents as required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Admission letter from a Chinese educational institution.
- JW201 or JW202 form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your study in China.
Note: It is important to note that the document requirements may vary depending on the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction and the specific details of your trip. It is advisable to check the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate or consult with a visa service provider for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the document checklist for a tourist visa to China.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.
Download Visa Applications Form:
Online Visa Application Form:
Note: It is important to acknowledge that visa requirements and procedures are subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the official website of the respective embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Chinese visitor visa from India.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Chinese visitor visa (F Visa) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the Type of Visa: Identify the appropriate visa type for your visit to China. Common visa types for visitors include the L Visa for tourism and the F Visa for business visits. Check the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information on visa types and their requirements.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your visa application. The specific requirements may vary based on the visa type and purpose of your visit.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and legibly. Double-check all the information before submission.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in India responsible for processing Chinese visa applications. Visit their official website or contact their visa application center to obtain information on appointment booking procedures, availability, and any specific requirements for the appointment.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa application fee as per the requirements specified by the embassy or consulate. Ensure you have the payment ready in the acceptable form.
- Submit the Application and Documents: Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or an authorized visa application center to submit your application and supporting documents. Bring the original documents, photocopies, application form, and fee payment receipt, if applicable.
- Track the Application: After submitting your application, you may be provided with a reference number or receipt to track the status of your visa application. Check the embassy/consulate website or contact them for updates.
- Collect Your Passport: Once your visa application is processed and approved, collect your passport with the visa affixed. Verify the details on the visa to ensure accuracy.
Note: It’s important to note that the visa application process and requirements may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate. Therefore, always consult the official website or contact the embassy/consulate directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process for a Chinese visitor visa.