China Eases Visa Rules For Indian Travellers—Here's What You Need To Know

In a bid to boost tourism and cultural exchange, China has significantly eased visa rules for Indian travellers, leading to a sharp rise in the number of visas issued this year. As of March 17, 2025, more than 50,000 visas have been granted to Indian applicants, signalling a positive shift in travel between the two countries.

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, shared this information in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He encouraged Indians to visit China in the spring to experience the beautiful blossom season.

In January 2025, India and China also agreed to negotiate a framework on resuming direct flights (details here), which had been suspended for five years due to the pandemic. COVID-19-related restrictions and diplomatic tensions led to a halt in visa processing for extended periods. Even after reopening, Indian travellers faced stricter entry requirements, including additional documentation, quarantine rules, and limited visa issuance.

Updated Visa Rules For Indians Visiting China

The updated rules that make the visa application process smoother for Indians are as follows:

• No online appointment required: Applicants no longer need to schedule appointments in advance; they can now submit their documents directly at the relevant visa centre.

• Biometric exemption: Travellers are not required to provide biometric data for short-term single or double-entry visa applications for China, which reduces processing time.

• Faster visa processing: Visa processing has been expedited, resulting in a more efficient approval timeline for issuance.

• Reduced visa fees: The Chinese Embassy in India has extended the reduction of visa fees until December 31, 2025. Now, a single-entry visa will cost INR 2,900; a double-entry visa costs INR 4,400; a six-month multiple-entry visa costs INR 5,900; a 12-month multiple-entry visa will cost INR 8,800; while a group visa amounts to INR 1,800 per applicant.

How To Apply For A Chinese Visa

To apply for a Chinese visa, visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website. Make sure that your passport has a validity of at least six months and that you apply for it three months before your departing flight.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)