Embassy
Embassy of the People's Republic of China, New Delhi
New Delhi
50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
China visa requirements for Indian citizens
Indian citizens need a visa for China, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
IND
India
Going to
CHN
China
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting mainland China for tourism.
- Visa
- Required
- Fee
- ₹2,900
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Indian citizens in China
Indian passport holders need a visa for China
- Eligible travellers: 24-hour visa-free transit through international airports, including domestic transfers.
- Travellers from Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh receive stapled visas.
- Officials from Arunachal Pradesh cannot apply for Chinese visas.
- India does not allow departure with stapled visas.
What to do
Find China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your China visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into China
Get a tourist visa unless your passport allows visa-free entry.
eVisaShanghai electronic port visaAn online port visa for invited travellers who meet the entry rules.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Valid for
- 15 days
- Fee
- Pay after approval
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Fill in the form and sign the declaration.
- Send passport scans, photos and papers to your host.
- Ask your host to submit the online application.
- Ask your host to pay and download approval.
- Carry your passport and approval when travelling.
Documents required
- Application form
- Signed declaration
- Full passport scan, including blank pages
- Recent digital colour photo
- Host's application letter
- Proof of visit purpose
- This route needs an invitation; it is not a general tourist eVisa.
- The 15-day entry window starts on the day the visa is made.
Visa on arrivalUrgent port visaA visa for urgent trips when you cannot get a visa abroad in time.
How to apply
- Contact officials at your planned entry port before travel.
- Seek approval before travelling.
- Provide your passport and proof of the urgent need.
- Apply at the agreed port when you arrive.
Documents required
- Valid passport or accepted travel document
- Proof of urgent need
- Business invitation, if needed
- Written reason for urgency, if needed
- Advance acceptance notice, if provided
- Port officials decide approval; an acceptance notice is not a visa.
- Tour groups need advance applications by their Chinese travel agency.
Visa requiredL tourist visaA visa for people visiting mainland China for tourism.
- Fee
- ₹2,900
- Processing
- 4–7 days
How to apply
- Fill in your embassy's online form.
- Wait for the online review.
- Submit your passport and the other papers requested.
- Pay and collect your passport as told.
Documents required
- Passport
- Application form
- Photo, if requested
- Proof of residence, if requested
- Past Chinese documents, if needed
- Trip details or invitation, if requested
- 2 blank pages
- Fee shown is for Indian passports and single entry.
- Regular service: 7 working days; express: 4 working days.
- Count from the day after passport submission; online review adds time.
- Passport must have over 6 months left and 2 blank pages.
- Check your visa for your stay, entry deadline and number of entries.
- Fees, wait times and required papers depend on where you apply.
Sources (30)Last updated 11 November 2026
- National Immigration Administration: transit policies, 20 August 2026
- National Immigration Administration: transit policies in Chinese
- National Immigration Administration: unilateral exemption countries
- Foreign ministry consular service: mutual visa exemption list
- National Immigration Administration: mutual exemption FAQ
- National Immigration Administration: regional exemptions, 20 August 2026
- National Immigration Administration: regional exemptions in Chinese
- National Immigration Administration: Xishuangbanna group exemption
- National Immigration Administration: port visa FAQ
- Foreign ministry: China Online Visa Application System; JavaScript required
- Embassy in the United States: visa application requirements and procedures
- Embassy in the United States: reduced visa fees through 2026
- Embassy in the United States: visa-free entry FAQ
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: mainland visa classes and visa terminology
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: reduced visa fees through 2026
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: fingerprint exemption through 2026
- Embassy in India: visa application notice updated 22 October 2026
- Embassy in India: consular fee schedule
- Consulate in Barcelona: visa-free FAQ updated 21 May 2026
- Embassy in Russia: unilateral exemption extended through 2027
- Embassy in the Bahamas: visa requirements, updated April 2026
- Embassy in Papua New Guinea: Q1 and Q2 visas
- Embassy in Pakistan: visa application instructions
- Embassy in Iran: visa requirements including medical S2
- Shanghai Public Security Bureau: electronic port visa portal
- Shanghai Public Security Bureau: individual port visa application
- Shanghai government: electronic port visa service guide
- Shanghai government: individual port visa service guide
- Shanghai government: current 240-hour transit scheme
- Sanya government: Guilin group exemption
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate general
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Kolkata
Kolkata
Consulate general
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Mumbai
Mumbai
Coming from India
- Plugs A IAdapter needed
- MoneyCNY ¥
- Time+2h 30m
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageChinese
- Emergency110 police120 ambulance
Planning your China trip
- Forbidden City, BeijingA major historic palace attraction. Tickets must be reserved online in advance and are linked to your identity document.
- GuilinKnown for its striking limestone landscapes, which have inspired painters and poets.
- HuangshanIts granite peaks have inspired Chinese art and poetry for generations.
- JiuzhaigouThe source highlights its breathtaking natural scenery.
Scams to watch for in China
- Fake antiquesA seller presents a modern item as an antique. Most supposed antiques offered to visitors are fakes, even when they look convincing.
- Pyramid and Ponzi investment schemesCriminals draw people into dishonest investment schemes. These schemes are described as widespread in Chengdu. Operators may become violent if they think they will be exposed.
- Unofficial taxi and queue-jumping toutsA tout approaches you before you reach the official taxi stand. They offer a fixed fare or a way to skip the queue. The fare can be much higher than a metered ride.
About China
China is an East Asian state, third in the world by land area, bordering fourteen countries.
- Capital
- Beijing
- Money
- Chinese yuan (¥)
- Languages
- Chinese
- Time zone
- UTC+08:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +86
Other Asia passports
Going to China
Easier trips nearby
Places close to China with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to China restricted for Indian citizens?
Indian passport holders need a visa for China. Special visa restrictions affect people from Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Indian passport holders need a visa unless they qualify for the 24-hour visa-free transit exception. Visa-free transit is available for up to 24 hours through any international airport in China and allows domestic travel between airports.
Do indian citizens need a visa for China?
Indian citizens need a visa for China, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a China visa?
At China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help indian citizens enter China?
We have no record of China relaxing its rules for indian citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do chinese citizens need a visa for India?
Chinese citizens need a visa for India, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Asia passports get easier entry to China?
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei Georgia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near China are easier for indian citizens?
Macau, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan Malaysia, and 3 more let indian citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to China?
Find China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in China?
Chinese yuan (¥). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in China?
Chinese.
How strong is the India passport?
It ranks #79 and reaches 53 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck