India Says Visa System Fully Functional for Chinese
India has fully reinstated its visa services for Chinese tourists and business travellers, marking a major step toward normalising bilateral exchanges after years of restricted mobility. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the visa regime for Chinese citizens is now “fully functional,” ending a suspension that began in 2020 following the border standoff between the two nations.
Tourist visas, which were partially reopened earlier this year, have now been restored worldwide. Business visas had already resumed, enabling Chinese professionals and companies to travel to India for commercial activities. Indian missions across multiple countries have begun processing new visa applications from Chinese nationals without restrictions.
The decision aligns with ongoing confidence-building measures between India and China throughout 2025, including the resumption of direct commercial flights in October and the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrimage route. Officials say these steps reflect a gradual thaw in relations and are expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people engagement.
With visa operations fully reinstated, both countries anticipate stronger business cooperation and increased visitor inflow in the coming months, signalling a cautious but clear shift toward improved diplomatic ties.