China Changes Visa Application Process In India; Here’s What Travellers Need To Know

China has changed how Indian travellers and business visitors apply for visas, with applications and consular legalisation requests now being handled directly by its diplomatic missions in India. The new arrangement came into effect on October 26, 2026, ending the application services previously offered through Chinese Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

In a notice issued on October 22, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India announced that the embassy in New Delhi and the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai would directly process applications. Applications falling under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata will temporarily be handled by the embassy in New Delhi.

Where Indian Travellers Need To Submit Visa Applications

The revised system divides applications according to the applicant's place of residence. Applicants living in Maharashtra and Karnataka must approach the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai. Those residing in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh must temporarily submit their applications to the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.

Applicants from all other Indian states and Union Territories must also apply through the embassy in New Delhi.

These arrangements cover both Chinese visa applications and consular legalisation services. For legalisation requests, however, the relevant jurisdiction is determined by where the documents were issued rather than where the applicant resides.

The Chinese Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata stopped accepting new applications from October 26. Those who had already submitted their documents can collect their processed documents from the existing centres until 12 pm on October 30, 2026, according to the notices issued by the centres.

Online Application And Review Remain Mandatory

Although applications are now being handled directly by the embassy and consulate, applicants must still complete an online process before submitting their documents in person.

Travellers must fill out the application form and upload the required supporting documents through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official visa application portal. The application will then undergo an online review.

Once the application is approved at this stage, applicants will receive an email notification. They must submit their passport, completed application form and other relevant documents to the designated embassy or consulate within 30 days.

Applicants should check the latest instructions on the official website of the Chinese Embassy in India before beginning the process. This is particularly important for those applying for the first time or travelling for business, as the documentation requirements may vary depending on the visa category.

Visa Application Service Centre Fees Removed

The revised arrangements also bring a change in application-related charges.

According to the official notice, visa application service centre fees will not apply to online visa applications submitted after 5 pm on October 23, 2026. However, applicants who paid these charges for applications before the deadline will not receive a refund.

It is important to distinguish between service centre fees and visa fees charged by Chinese authorities. The removal of service centre charges does not necessarily mean that all visa-related costs have been waived.

Applicants should refer to the embassy's published consular service fee schedule for details of the applicable charges, including those for different visa categories and express processing.

Fingerprint Exemptions And Tourist Visa Requirements

China has also updated its fingerprint collection rules for visa applicants. Under a temporary arrangement, applicants seeking short-term visas for stays of up to 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection until December 31, 2026.

However, the exemption does not cover every visa category. Travellers should confirm the specific requirements applicable to their visa before submitting their documents.

Tourist visa applicants must also provide financial documents as part of the application process. These include bank statements covering the previous six months and showing a consistent average monthly balance of at least INR 1 lakh. An eligible deposit certificate for a similar amount, made at least three months before the application, may also be accepted under the stated requirements.

The embassy has advised applicants to consult its official notices for the latest documentation requirements. The new arrangements apply to mainland China, while Hong Kong and Macao have separate visa procedures.

Indian Businesses Continue To Face Visa Challenges

The changes come at a time when some Indian companies are already reporting difficulties in securing Chinese business visas.

According to a media report published in August 2026, approval rates for Chinese business visa applications at some Indian companies have fallen to between 20 and 40 per cent. Executives at certain firms have also reported rejection rates as high as 95 per cent.

Business visas were once considered relatively routine for Indian companies with regular commercial ties in China. However, the process has become slower and less predictable in recent years, according to the report.

Although rejected applications can be submitted again, approval is not guaranteed. This has created uncertainty for businesses that depend on regular travel to China for meetings, supplier visits and other commercial activities.

For Indian travellers and business professionals planning a trip to China, the key takeaway is to check the revised jurisdiction rules, complete the online application and confirm the required documents well before the intended date of travel.

(With inputs from various sources)

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