China Visa for India Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to China as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Chinese L visa (tourist visa) application: required documents including passport, photos, and travel itinerary, fees starting from ₹2,900 for a single entry plus service charges, and processing times of 4-6 working days. With proper documentation and preparation, you can successfully obtain your China tourist visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.

Visa Application process

The China tourist visa (L visa) for Indian citizens must be applied for in person at one of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in India.1 Here is the step-by-step process:

Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the official CVASC website at visaforchina.cn and complete Form V.2013 online.2 Fill all fields accurately, as inconsistencies can lead to rejection. Print the completed form and the confirmation page, then sign by hand.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents:23 • Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages • Completed and signed application form with confirmation page • Two passport photos (33mm × 48mm, white background) • Round-trip flight booking • Hotel reservation or invitation letter • Cover letter explaining purpose of visit • Bank statements showing minimum ₹1,00,000 • Employment certificate or business documents

Visit the CVASC

Submit your application in person at the CVASC during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).2 No appointment is required since November 2023. Fingerprints will be collected at this time.

Pay Fees and Collect Receipt

Pay the visa fee and service charge.3 You will receive a receipt indicating your collection date: 6th working day for regular service or 4th working day for express service.

Collect Your Visa

Return to the CVASC on your collection date with your receipt. Collection hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.2 Your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete the Online Application Form
2. Gather Required Documents
3. Visit the CVASC
4. Pay Fees and Collect Receipt
5. Collect Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Visa Fee (INR)	Single Entry: ₹2,900	Double Entry: ₹4,400	6-Month Multiple Entry: ₹5,900	1-Year+ Multiple Entry: ₹8,800	For express processing (3-4 working days), add ₹1,800 to the visa fee and ₹935 to the service fee.34 Payment is accepted in cash or by demand draft.	The Chinese Embassy has extended reduced visa fees until December 31, 2025.4

What you need to prove

Chinese visa officers assess applications based on several factors:

Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings and detailed itinerary
Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover all expenses without working in China
Strong ties to India: Employment, property, family: reasons you will return
Complete documentation: All documents meeting technical specifications with consistent information

Required documents

Valid Passport
Completed Visa Application Form
Passport-Size Photographs
Round-Trip Flight Booking
Hotel Reservation
Cover Letter
Bank Statement
Proof of Employment/Income
Fingerprint Biometrics

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank pages • Minimum six months validity from date of entry to China; • At least two completely blank visa pages; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Previous Chinese visas and entry/exit stamps copied] (Tip: Submit photocopies of the bio-data page and any previous Chinese visa pagesIf your passport expires within 6 months, renew before applying)

Completed Visa Application Form

Online application form filled through the official CVASC portal • Complete Form V.2013 online at visaforchina.cn; • Print the completed form and confirmation page; • Sign the form by hand in the designated area] (Tip: Fill all fields accurately; inconsistencies lead to rejectionKeep a copy of your completed form for reference)

Passport-Size Photographs

Recent colored photographs meeting Chinese visa specifications • Size: 33mm × 48mm (Chinese visa standard); • White background only, no patterns; • Full face, front view, neutral expression; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Eyes open, clearly visible; • Two identical photos required] (Tip: Photos must strictly meet specifications; this is a common rejection reasonProfessional photo services familiar with Chinese visa requirements recommended)

Round-Trip Flight Booking

Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from China • Must show passenger name matching passport; • Clear departure and return dates; • Booking confirmation with PNR number] (Tip: Book refundable tickets until visa is approvedDates should align with requested visa duration)

Hotel Reservation

Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in China • Must show guest name matching passport; • Check-in and check-out dates; • Hotel name, address, and contact details in China; • Booking confirmation number] (Tip: Alternatively, provide an invitation letter from a host in China with their Chinese ID copyBook refundable accommodation until visa confirmation)

Cover Letter

Personal letter explaining the purpose of your trip • Your full name and contact information; • Purpose of visit (tourism, sightseeing, etc.); • Detailed travel itinerary with cities and dates; • Who is funding the trip; • Declaration of intent to return to India] (Tip: Keep it concise but comprehensiveAddress it to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center)

Bank Statement

Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of transaction history; • Minimum balance of ₹1,00,000 recommended; • Must show account holder name clearly; • Original statement with bank seal preferred] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateShow regular income and stable balance over several monthsHigher balance improves approval chances)

Proof of Employment/Income

Documentation proving your employment status and income • Employment certificate from employer on company letterhead; • Letter should include: name, position, salary, tenure, leave approval; • Self-employed: Business registration documents and income tax returns; • Students: Enrollment letter and parent's financial documents] (Tip: The letter should confirm your leave has been approved for travel datesInclude company contact information for verification)

Fingerprint Biometrics

Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment • All ten fingerprints collected digitally; • Must be done in person at CVASC; • Valid for 5 years once collected] (Tip: Exemptions: Children under 14, adults over 70, diplomatic passport holdersIf fingerprints were collected in the last 5 years for a Chinese visa, you may be exempt)

Optional documents

Previous Chinese Visa Copy

Photocopies of any previous Chinese visas • Copy of all previous Chinese visa pages; • Copy of relevant entry/exit stamps] (Tip: Previous positive travel history to China improves approval chances)

Comparison

Visa Type	Visa Fee (INR)	Service Fee (INR)	Total (INR)
Single Entry	₹2,900	₹1,973	₹4,873
Double Entry	₹4,400	₹1,973	₹6,373
6-Month Multiple Entry	₹5,900	₹1,973	₹7,873
1-Year+ Multiple Entry	₹8,800	₹1,973	₹10,773

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
32%	Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
22%	Photo Specification Issues
18%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
15%	Weak Ties to Home Country
8%	Inconsistent Information
5%	Previous Visa Violations

32% - Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check every document against the official checklist before submission. Ensure the application form is completely filled with consistent information across all documents.

22% - Photo Specification Issues

How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa specifications. Photos must be recent (within 6 months), with white background, front-facing, and neutral expression.

18% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least ₹1,00,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits matching your employment letter. Avoid large deposits close to application date.

15% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure, property documents if owned, and mention family members in India. A strong cover letter explaining your ties helps significantly.

8% - Inconsistent Information

How to avoid: Carefully verify all information matches across documents. Cross-check dates, names, addresses, and amounts before submission.

5% - Previous Visa Violations

How to avoid: Always disclose previous visa rejections honestly. If you have overstay history, wait and build a stronger profile before reapplying.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from India?

Standard processing takes 4-6 working days with collection on the 6th working day. Express service is available for 2-3 working days with an additional fee of ₹1,800. Processing times exclude weekends and Chinese/Indian holidays.

What is the China tourist visa fee for Indian citizens in 2026?

The visa fee is ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for six-month multiple entry, and ₹8,800 for one-year or longer multiple entry. Additionally, CVASC service fees apply: ₹1,973 for regular service or ₹2,908 for express service.

Where can I apply for a China visa in India?

You can apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. Your application location depends on your jurisdiction: Delhi handles most regions, Mumbai handles Maharashtra and Karnataka, and Kolkata handles Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.

How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?

A single-entry L visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The duration is determined by the visa officer based on your itinerary and supporting documents. Extensions can be requested at local Public Security Bureau offices in China.

Do I need an appointment to apply for a China visa?

No appointment is required since November 2023. You can submit your application documents at the CVASC on any working day during submission hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for regular service). However, you must apply in person as fingerprint collection is required.

Is fingerprint collection mandatory for China visa?

Yes, fingerprint biometrics are required for most applicants. Exemptions apply to children under 14 years old, adults over 70 years old, diplomatic passport holders, and those who have had fingerprints collected for a Chinese visa within the last 5 years.

Can I get a multiple-entry China visa?

First-time applicants typically receive single-entry visas. If you have traveled to China in the past five years with good compliance history, you may be eligible for multiple-entry visas. The visa officer makes this determination based on your travel history and documentation.

What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?

Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form, passport photos (33mm × 48mm, white background), round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, cover letter, bank statements (minimum ₹1,00,000), and employment proof. Fingerprints are collected at the CVASC.

Can I apply for a China visa online?

The application form must be completed online through the CVASC website. However, you must submit your documents in person at the CVASC for fingerprint collection. A new online system launched in December 2026 allows document upload, but passport submission and biometrics still require an in-person visit.

What happens if my China visa is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. There is no mandatory waiting period. Review your documents for errors, ensure all requirements are met, and consider seeking assistance from a visa agency. Common fixes include providing higher bank balance, clearer photos, and complete documentation.

Apply for China tourist visa online

Sources

Chinese Embassy in India - Visa Information

https://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/

Chinese Visa Application Service Center

https://www.visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/

CVASC Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

https://www.visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/feiyongbiaozhun/

Chinese Embassy Notice on Reduced Visa Fees

https://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/tzts/202412/t20241231_11524402.htm

Travel China Guide - India Visa Information

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/india.htm

At a glance