China visa requirements for Indians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Indians visiting China

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Chinese Visa.

  • A completed visa application form.
  • One passport-size picture of size 45mm x 35mm with a white background.
  • An original passport valid for more than six months and one photocopy of the passport.
  • At least two passport pages for visa stamps.
  • One colored passport-sized photograph.
  • A bank statement of not less than three months to the period of application of visa. 
  • Travel insurance covering the applicant's medical insurance.
  • A travel itinerary.
  • Return flight ticket to India or Onward ticket to another country.
  • Receipt that showing payment of the visa application fee.

China Visa for Indians

Facts about China

China, officially the People's Republic of China is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion in 2017. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometres, it is the third or fourth-largest country by total area.  China’s political system was based on hereditary Monarchies or dynasties beginning with the semi-mythical Xia dynasty in 21st Century BCE.


China as a whole was ravaged by feudal warlordism with Japan during World War II. The Chinese civil war resulted in a division of territory in 1949 when the communist party of China led by Mao Zedong established the people’s republic of China on mainland China. Also the Kuomintang led nationalist government retreated to the Island of Taiwan where it governed until 1996 when Taiwan changed to democracy.


China’s economy has been one of the world’s fastest-growing with its annual growth rates consistently above 6 per cent. According to the World bank China’s GDP grew from $150 billion in 1978 to $12.24 trillion in 2017. In 2018, its GDP increased to $13.5 trillion (90 trillion yuan). Since 2010, China has been the country with the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity in 2014.


China is also the world’s largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods and also the home to some of the world’s largest tech giants such as Huawei, Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba as it is the world’s most technologically advanced nation. Since 2019, China has the highest number of rich people in the world.

Types of China Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 30 days
Business visa 10 working days 30 days
Work visa 10 days For the period the work contract states.
Student visa 10 working days As long as the course of study takes to be completed.

General Requirements for China Visa

  • A completed visa application form.
  • One passport-size picture of size 45mm x 35mm with a white background.
  • An original passport valid for more than six months and one photocopy of the passport.
  • At least two passport pages for visa stamps.
  • One colored passport-sized photograph.
  • A bank statement of not less than three months to the period of application of visa. 
  • Travel insurance covering the applicant's medical insurance.
  • A travel itinerary.
  • Return flight ticket to India or Onward ticket to another country.
  • Receipt that showing payment of the visa application fee.
China Tourist visa China Business visa China Work visa China Student visa

China Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for touring and sightseeing. This visa is referred to as the L-visa for short.
  • Single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visas are all available for tourists.
  • This visa allows tourists to stay (each visit) for 30-60 days. 
  • Proof of travel such as flight confirmation and hotel reservation are required.
  • In some cases, applicants may need to submit a certification letter from the employer of the applicant with details such as:-
    • The name and contact number of the employer. 
    • The applicant's income statement.
    • An original copy of the recent 6-month bank statement of the applicant.
  • If traveling with an organized tour group, you might not have an individual visa in your passport. Instead, the tour group will be issued a group tour visa bearing all the members' names.
  • In such situations supply your details to the travel agency beforehand.

China Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
  • It is referred to as the M Visa and is usually issued for single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry.
  • The duration of stay (each visit) is normally 30-60 days based on a particular Chinese Consulate.
  • This visa allows activities such as visiting clients, attending trade fairs, negotiating with clients, and signing contracts.
  • The validity period of China M visa is three months.
  • Applicants are expected to have proof of legal stay or residence from their origin country.
  • There should be an invitation letter issued by a Chinese business or trade partner.
  • There should also be an invitation letter or confirmation letter of invitation issued by duly authorized Chinese institutes or relevant units.
  • The invitation letters should state the applicant’s information including full name, birth date, passport number.
  • It should also have information about the intended business visit and information about the party inviting the applicant.

China Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who have been given paid employment in China. It is referred to as the Z visa.
  • The Z visa is also issued to people conducting commercial performance in China.
  • Applicants would be asked to present a government issued working permit or employment license.
  • The Z visa is issued for single-entry only.
  • Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, register and apply for the residence permit in Public Security Bureau (police station). 
  • The residence permit allows multiple entries into China.
  • The permit is valid for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 years.
  • Note that the duration of stay for applicants is solely determined by what is stated on the Temporary Residence Permit you get after entering China.
  • The age limit for applying for the Z visa is 18 - 60 for all applicants.
  • Applicants not in this bracket can liaise with an employer to help with the process.
  • Applicants might be required to submit supporting documents which include an authentic medical form and criminal history check.
  • If you are not required to submit the medical form, you still need to take a medical check when applying for the Temporary Residence Permit in China.
  • Note that the most common employment in China for foreigners is teaching English for which the minimum qualifications are stated as having English as a first language and having at least a Bachelors's degree and two-year teaching experience.

China Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is issued to those who have been admitted by an educational institution in China.
  • The China Student Visa is sub-divided into X1 and X2.
  • X1 is issued to foreign students who come to China to study for more than 6 months.
  • X2 is issued to those who come to China with the same purpose but for less than 6 months. 
  • X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entries with validity for up to 5 years.
  • The validity for both is 90 days from the date of issue. 
  • For those issued the X2 visa, they are to file for an extension before the visa expires.
  • Students issued the X1 visa are expected to apply for a residence permit from the local Exit and Entry Administration within 30 days upon entry into China.
  • The temporary residence permit can be issued with the validity of up to 5 years.
  • The applicant is required to show an original admission notice sent from a school in China and a copy of it should be made.
  • It is in the form of a JW201 or JW202 Form (for X1 application only).
  • Travelers on this visa are not allowed to work in China. But part-time work and internships off-campus may be authorized. 

China Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

30.00 (USD)

Business visa

30.00 (USD)

Work visa

90.00 (USD)

Student visa

90.00 (USD)

China Visa Application Centres & Embassies in India

Location

Address

Chinese Embassy in New Delhi

50-D Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India.

in.china-embassy.org

chinaemb_in@mfa.gov.cn

(+91) 11-2611 2345

Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai

227 Backbay Reclamation, 11th floor Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021, India.

mumbai.china-consulate.org

chinaconsul_mum_in@mfa.gov.cn

(+91) 22 5632 4303

Frequently Asked Questions

Is China safe for Tourists?

China is a safe country for tourists especially in cities that have been developing rapidly and steadily. A lot of foreigners from different parts of the world find it a safe country.

Is it better to tour in China independently?

Small travel group or private tours offer many benefits to travelers. There are advantages such as a guide to show you around, planned visits to attractions, less waiting in queues, pre-arranged pick-ups and drop-offs, no guesswork around accommodation and transport. The structure of an organized tour with a Chinese travel specialist allows you to enjoy every aspect of your trip.

Is there internet access for foreigners?

Most hotels will offer free wi-fi, however, if you don’t wish to pay hotel rates, there are numerous internet cafes at which wi-fi can be sourced. Service rates vary between locations and providers, but if you have any questions, you need only ask your tour guide for help. Be aware that Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media websites aren’t accessible in China yet. You should seek an alternative email service provider before departure to avoid any communication issues while on tour.

What is the best way to pay for things in China?

Major credit cards, such as Visa, Master, etc, are widely accepted in China. This applies to large shopping malls, stores, hotels, and restaurants. In small specialist shops, in small towns and remote areas, cash is the preferred payment method. Traveler’s cheques may be cashed in major banks, however, they are not accepted as a way of payment at any other places.

Are foreigners restricted from using phones in China?

In terms of phone coverage, mobile communication is available via 2G and 3G data networks. The three major mobile service suppliers in China are China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom. SIM cards can be purchased at any service booths, outlets of these suppliers and cell phone stores, once you’ve provided identification and paid for phone credit. All phone numbers are 11 digits. Phone credit can be accessed by recharging online or at convenience stores. Follow the signs, and if you’re confused, be sure to ask for help.