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India Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens are not eligible for India's e-Visa and must apply for a regular sticker visa through BLS/IVS centres using the Indian Visa Online portal; fee varies by visa type, standard processing 3-5 working days but can take longer due to additional security clearance.

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

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages
  • Online application form completed and printed from indianvisaonline.gov.in, with the barcode page
  • One recent photo, 2x2 inches, white background, no glasses
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds
  • Business visas require an invitation letter from the Indian host company on letterhead plus a letter from the Chinese employer
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) captured in person at the visa application centre
  • Travel health insurance is recommended though not strictly mandatory for standard tourist visas

Visa types

  • Tourist visa — typically issued as a 1-year multiple-entry visa with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit for Chinese nationals (shorter validities are sometimes issued case by case)
  • Business visa — 1-year or 5-year multiple entry depending on the applicant's business history
  • Student visa — matched to the course duration, requires admission letter from the Indian institution
  • Medical visa — short duration tied to the treatment period, requires a letter from the Indian hospital
  • Note: Chinese citizens are explicitly excluded from India's e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival schemes and must use the regular sticker visa process

How to apply

  • Complete the online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in and print the confirmation page
  • Book an appointment at a BLS International or IVS Global visa application centre in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou)
  • Submit the printed form, photo, passport and supporting documents in person, and give biometrics
  • Pay the visa fee plus the service centre's handling charge
  • Applications from Chinese nationals routinely undergo additional security vetting by Indian authorities before approval
  • Track status online with the application ID; collect the passport once the visa is stamped

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee for Chinese nationals: varies by visa type and validity, tourist visas are commonly in the range of USD 80-100 equivalent in RMB
  • BLS/IVS service fee: approx. RMB 150-200 additional
  • Total estimated cost: approx. RMB 700-900 depending on visa category
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 working days once security clearance is complete
  • In practice, Chinese applicants should budget 2-4 weeks due to the additional clearance step
  • No same-day or express option is available for Chinese nationals

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel to absorb the extra security-clearance time specific to Chinese applicants
  • Common rejection or delay reasons: incomplete business invitation details, mismatched employer information, vague itinerary for tourist visas
  • Use BLS/IVS centres only — there is no walk-in option directly at the Indian consulate
  • Multiple-entry visas are advantageous if repeat travel to India is planned, since reapplying each time adds the security-clearance delay again
  • Extensions inside India are handled by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and are granted only in limited circumstances

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.