About China Visa
Travelling to China can be an inspiring experience, as the country offers a mix of culture, history, and modern development. As an Indian passport holder, visiting China requires a visa, which is a permit authorised by the Chinese visa authorities.
Depending on the type of visa issued, this permit allows entry, exit, or transit through the Chinese territory.
| Key Facts | Description |
| Country | China |
| Capital City | Beijing (Peking) |
| Time Zone | China is 2:30 hours ahead of India. |
| Currency | Yuan Renminbi (1 Chinese Yuan = 11.52 Indian Rupee) |
| Official Languages | Mandarin Chinese |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Shanghai (largest city), Beijing (capital), Chengdu (home of giant panda) |
| Visa Processing Time | 3-4 business days |
Chinese Visa Fees
The Chinese visa fee for Indian tourists depends on the number of entries and the duration of your stay.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee (INR) |
| Single Entry | INR 2,900 |
| Double Entry | INR 4,400 |
| Multiple Entry – 6 months | INR 5,900 |
| Multiple Entry – 1 year | INR 8,800 |
| Extra Fee for Express Service | INR 2,700 |
*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Service Fee (includes Service Tax)
| Regular Service | INR 1,883 |
| Express Service | INR 2,775 |
| Postal Service | INR 892 |
Other Important Notes:
- Total Visa Fee = Visa Fee + Service Fee
- All fees charged are non-refundable
- Visa Centre accepts only cash Fees
Documents Required to Apply for a China Visa
Before applying for a China visa, it is crucial to gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth application process. The following table outlines the key documents required for Indians applying for a Chinese Visa:
General Documents
| Documents Required | Description |
| Valid Passport | Minimum six months with at least two blank pages. |
| Passport Copies | Photocopies of the front and back of current and previous passports (if any) that have expired within the last 5 years. |
| China Visa Application Form | Completed and printed online form. |
| Previous China Visa | Photocopy of previous Chinese visa (if applicable). |
| Passport-size Photographs | Two recent photographs (33 x 48 mm) with a white background. |
| Travel Arrangements | Proof of flight tickets and hotel reservations. |
| Itinerary or Travel Plan | Copy of the travel plan for the trip to China. |
| Letter of Invitation | Letter from the Chinese host or travel agency (if applicable). |
Additional Documents for Chinese Visa
Some of the other documents are required based on Chinese visa type, along with the general documents mentioned above. These have been mentioned in the table below:
| Visa | Additional documents |
| Tourist Visa | Self-written statement with details of the visit. Birth certificates (for minors below 18 years). |
| Study/Student Visa | Admission letter from the university/college/school. Original and photocopy of visa application form JW201 or JW202. |
| Work Visa | Valid notice for the Foreigner’s Work Permit. |
Chinese Visa Types
There are multiple types of Visas available for Indians travelling to China. The type of visa will depend on your purpose of visit. The Chinese visa type can be broadly categorised as follows:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
| Tourist Visa (L) | For tourism purposes, it allows independent tourists and tour group members to visit China. | Depends on the itinerary/individuals, typically 30 days |
| Work Visa (Z) | Employment in China requires a Foreigner's Work Permit issued by the Chinese Government. | Depends on work contract, usually up to 1 year |
| Student Visa (X1 & X2) | For studying in China, an X1 Visa is a long-term study visa for courses of more than 180 days, while an X2 Visa is a short-term study visa for 180 days or less. | Based on the course length |
Who can Apply for a Chinese Visa?
All Indians with a valid passport who wish to travel to China for tourism, work, or study can apply for a China visa.
How to Apply for a Chinese Visa?
Applying for a China visa involves the following steps:
Step 1: Online Form Completion
Fill out the online Chinese visa application form on the official government website and upload the required documents.
Step 2: Appointment Scheduling
Schedule a visa appointment through the official website. You can choose a time and visa date at your convenience.
Step 3: Application Submission
Visit the application centre on the scheduled day and submit the completed form along with all the required documents.
Step 4: China Visa Fee Payment
Pay the applicable fees for your Chinese visa at the centre and keep the fee receipt safe for future reference.
Step 5: Visa Collection
Visit the application centre again to collect your visa.
How to Check Chinese Visa Status?
To check your China visa status, follow these steps:
- Visit the visa application centre where you applied.
- Click on "Manage Application".
- Input your application number and passport number.
- Click on "Check" to view your visa status.
Chinese Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q: Can Indians get a visa on arrival in China?
Ans: No, Indian citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival in China. -
Q: How long does it take to process a China visa for Indians?
Ans: The regular service time is 4 business days, and for express applications, it is 2 business days, although some applications may take longer. -
Q: Is there a possibility of extending my stay in China?
Ans: Yes, but you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. -
Q: Can I work in China with a tourist visa?
Ans: No, you cannot engage in any employment activities on a tourist visa. -
Q: What should be the validity of my passport when applying for a Chinese Visa?
Ans:Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity to apply for a Chinese visa.
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