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India Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

China citizens need an Indian e-Visa (Tourist, Business, Medical or Conference) to enter India; apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/; typical fees start from around USD 25 for a 30-day Tourist e-Visa, with processing about 3-5 working days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in India and have at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/; there is no separate paper VAF1A or DS-160 form for India; the application is completed on the official portal.
  • Financial proof: There is no fixed bank statement or funds amount required for an e-Visa; you should have funds to cover your stay; you may be asked to show funds at immigration if requested.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide the address of your stay in India (hotel name and address or host address) and keep a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
  • Photo spec: Recent passport-style photo meeting these specs: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm); white background; front view; in JPEG format; file size up to 1 MB; not older than 3 months.
  • Biometrics: e-Visa applicants do not submit biometrics online; on arrival at the port of entry, immigration may collect biometrics if required by the port.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for India, but keep travel medical insurance for your stay.

Visa types

  • e-Tourist visa 30 days (Official name: e-Tourist visa; Validity: 30 days; Max stay per visit: 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 25)
  • e-Tourist visa 1 year (Official name: e-Tourist visa; Validity: 365 days; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 80)
  • e-Tourist visa 5 years (Official name: e-Tourist visa; Validity: 5 years; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 125)
  • e-Business visa 1 year (Official name: e-Business visa; Validity: 365 days; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 80)
  • e-Business visa 5 years (Official name: e-Business visa; Validity: 5 years; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 125)
  • e-Medical visa 1 year (Official name: e-Medical visa; Validity: 365 days; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 100)
  • e-Conference visa 1 year (Official name: e-Conference visa; Validity: 365 days; Max stay per visit: up to 180 days; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: USD 80)
  • Student visa (paper-based, through an Indian mission): Official name: Student visa; Validity: Multiple years up to 5 years; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: varies by mission (usually higher; check MEA and consulate pages)
  • Employment/work visa (paper-based, through an Indian mission): Official name: Employment visa; Validity: Typically multiple entries, up to several years depending on the case; Entry: Multiple; Approx fee: varies by mission

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/; create an account, select the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical or e-Conference), fill the online form with personal and travel details, upload a recent photo and the passport scan, and pay the visa fee online. After payment, you will receive an application ID and a confirmation. The e-Visa will be sent by email as a PDF; print a copy to carry on arrival. Processing time is usually 3-5 working days.
  • How to apply for a sticker visa (via Indian mission): If you choose or need a traditional consular visa, submit your application through the Indian mission or an authorized visa service (e.g., VFS Global or BLS). Requirements typically include the passport, two photos, completed visa form, invitation or hotel/itinerary details, and supporting documents for your visa type. Fees are paid at the visa center; standard processing is about 7-15 days; express service may be available at extra cost.
  • Documents checklist for sticker visa: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel, two recent passport photos, completed visa application form, current passport copy with last page, invitation/confirmation letter (for business/conference/education), hotel bookings or host address in India, travel itinerary, financial evidence, and any additional documents requested by the mission. Pay attention to the consulate’s instructions and the listed documents for your visa type.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa fees (indicative ranges for Chinese citizens; actual fees are shown during application): 30-day Tourist USD 25; 1-year Tourist USD 80; 5-year Tourist USD 125; 1-year/5-year Business USD 80 / 125; 1-year Medical USD 100; 1-year Conference USD 80. Fees may vary by visa type and current policy.
  • VFS/BLS service charges: if you apply through a visa service center, additional service fees apply as charged by the center; amounts vary by center and country.
  • Total cost estimate: depending on chosen visa type, expect the base e-Visa fee plus any service charges; typical total range for online e-Visa is approximately USD 25–125 plus optional center fees.
  • Standard processing time: for e-Visa, usually 3–5 working days; sticker visa processing at a mission typically 7–15 days from receipt of documents.
  • Express/priority options: some centers may offer expedited processing at an extra cost; check the official portal or your local mission for availability.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start the online application at least 2-3 weeks before travel; during peak seasons allow extra time.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: incomplete/incorrect form fields, passport details not matching the passport, photograph not meeting specifications, insufficient travel proof or hotel/itinerary details, inconsistencies in travel dates, or missing required documents for the visa type.
  • e-Visa vs embassy route: e-Visa is typically faster and easier for short visits; a sticker visa through a mission is required if you are not eligible for e-Visa or require a different visa category.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: always check the MEA India and your country’s government travel advisories for any current restrictions, border issues, or changes in visa policy; occasional changes can occur due to security or public health concerns.
  • Extension options: e-Visa cannot be extended; if you need a longer stay or a change of visa category, you must exit India and reapply or apply for a suitable visa via an Indian mission; long-term stays may require FRRO registration for certain visa categories.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.