India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After 5-Year Suspension

In a significant diplomatic move, India has officially resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, ending a five-year suspension. The decision comes as part of broader efforts by both nations to stabilize and improve bilateral relations that have been under strain in recent years.

According to reports, this marks the first time since 2019 that Chinese nationals will be able to apply for Indian tourist visas. The visa halt was initially imposed amid rising tensions and border disputes, followed by COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Tourist Visa Restart Seen As Sign Of Diplomatic Softening

The resumption of visa services signals a possible thaw in relations, with both governments taking gradual steps toward normalizing exchanges in trade, tourism, and diplomacy. Indian officials have not yet released detailed guidelines, but the move is expected to boost people-to-people contact and revive tourism ties between the two countries. While diplomatic dialogue continues on multiple fronts, the reopening of tourist visa channels is being viewed as a positive gesture that could pave the way for more sustained engagement.

Reuters, citing the Indian Embassy in Beijing, reported that India will resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens starting Thursday, July 24. Chinese outlet Global Times shared the announcement posted by the Indian Embassy on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

"From July 24, 2025, Chinese citizens can apply for a tourist visa to visit India. They must first fill out the visa application form online on the web link and print it, and then make an appointment on the web link. Then they must take a passport, visa application form and other related documents to submit an application at the Indian Visa Application Center," says the post.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the country had taken note of India’s decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals. “China is ready to maintain communication and consultation with India and constantly improve the level of personal exchanges between the two countries,” spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters.

Why The Five-Year Suspension

The suspension of tourist visas between India and China dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when both countries imposed strict travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. India halted the issuance of all tourist visas, while China also suspended entry for most foreign nationals, including Indians.

In 2022, China began easing restrictions and allowed the return of certain categories of foreign travellers, including students, businesspeople, and families. However, despite this partial reopening, many Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities were still unable to return for in-person classes.

In response, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued a notice in April 2022 stating that all Indian tourist visas for Chinese nationals would be deemed invalid.

The recent decision by India to resume tourist visa services for Chinese citizens in July 2025 ends this long-standing freeze and is being viewed as a step toward restoring normalcy in bilateral travel and people-to-people ties.

Before The Pandemic

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up a significant share of India’s foreign visitors, with over 3.4 lakh arrivals in 2019—about 3.1 per cent of the total. Many were drawn to the famous Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, with the Taj Mahal being a particularly popular attraction. India’s deep cultural and historical ties with China, especially as the birthplace of Buddhism, have long attracted Chinese travelers interested in spiritual and heritage tourism. The resumption of tourist visas opens the door for these visitors to return and explore India’s rich legacy once again.