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Do Indians need a visa for China?Yes. Indian citizens require a visa to enter China. Since online applications for a Chinese visa are not available, Indian citizens must apply through the authorized visa application service centre in India.
Types of Visas for ChinaChina offers visas under various categories to Indians to visit the country for higher education, employment, tourism, business, visiting family or friends, and more. The validity period of a Chinese visa depends on the purpose of your visit.
⚠️ Indian citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival in China. You must have a valid Chinese visa before leaving India.
Here are common types of visas that Indian passport holders can apply for when looking to head to China.¹
China tourist visa for IndiansThe Chinese tourist visa for Indians, also known as Visa Category L, is issued for independent tourists and tour group members.
China work visa for IndiansIndian citizens can be employed in China and receive a Foreigner's Work Permit issued by the Chinese Government. To go to China for employment, Indian passport holders must apply for a Chinese Work Visa, also known as Category Z. Family members of an Indian national working in China must get the Visa S1 or S2, depending on the duration of their visit.
China student visa for IndiansIndian students pursuing higher education in China must apply for the Study Visa, also known as Category X1 and X2, depending on the course length. X1 Visa is a long-term study visa for a course period of more than 180 days, and X2 Visa is a short-term study visa for 180 days or less.
How much does a China visa cost?Indian citizens applying for a Chinese visa must visit the Chinese Visa Service Centre and pay the visa fees in cash.² The total fee consists of the visa fee, plus an application service fee. The visa and application service fees are non-refundable.
The visa fees depend on the number of entries on the visa, which refers to the number of times the visa holder is allowed to enter China within the visa’s validity.³
Type of visaVisa Fees*
Visa Fees - Single EntryINR 3,900.
Visa Fees - Double EntriesINR 5,850.
Visa Fees - Multiple Entries / 6 monthsINR 7,800.
Visa Fees - Multiple Entries / 1 yearINR 11,700.
Application Service Fees - Regular ServiceINR 1,838.There are extra fees you can pay to request express processing and optional premium services:
Optional servicesVisa Fees*
Extra fee for 2nd or 3rd working day collectionINR 1,800.
Application Service Fees - ExpressINR 2,709.
Application Service Fees - Postal, Premium Lounge, VIP ServiceINR 2,709.*Costs retrieved on 14 June 2023. Please verify the latest fees on the official Chinese Visa Application Center website.
China visa requirement for IndiansIndian passport holders must meet the following prerequisites for applying for a Chinese visa.⁵
- Apply for the visa at the designated Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
- Hold a valid passport with a validity period of at least six months. You'd also need to show any previous passports that had expired within the last 5 years.
- Provide documentary evidence of legal stay, residence, employment, or study status.
- Provide a cover letter, depending on the category of visa you apply for.
- Ensure fingerprint collection for all 10 digits.
How to apply for a China visaIndian citizens can apply for a Chinese visa at the respective visa service centre depending on their residence state:
The Application Procedure- Visit the China Visa Application Center portal, and select your service center based on your state of residence.
- Click on the “Visa Step By Step Guidance” and select the Visa Category based on your purpose of visit.
- Review and Accept the Terms and Conditions of the Chinese visa in the next step.
- Prepare your supporting documents and complete the visa application form.
- Submit your documents at the respective visa service centre selected previously.
- Pay the visa fees and collect the receipt.
Documents required for a China visaIndian citizens must submit the following documents when applying for a Chinese visa:
- Chinese visa application form and the confirmation page of the online visa application.
- Original passport with a six-month validity and at least two blank pages.
- Two recent photographs meeting the specific requirements.
- Original and photocopies of documents demonstrating proof of legal stay, residence, employment, or study status.
- Covering letter from the concerned authority, depending on the visa category.
- Other supporting documents, as required by the visa officials:
Visa typeVisa descriptionSupporting documents
Category FStudy tours, exchanges, visits, and other activities.An invitation letter issued by the relevant individual in China.
Category LTourism.Travel itinerary, including air tickets, hotel reservations, and invitation letter issued by entity or individual in China A personal written statement with details of the visit.
Original bank statement with a balance of INR 150,000.
Category X1Study in China for more than 180 days.Admission letter from a school/college or university in China. Original and photocopy of visa application form JW201 or JW202.
Category X2Study in China for less than 180 days.Admission letter from a school/college or university in China.
Category ZWork in China.Valid Notice for Foreigner’s Work Permit.How long does it take to get a China visa?The regular processing time for a Chinese visa is 4 working days. The express service lets applicants get a Chinese visa within 3 working days.⁴
Sources used for this article:
Sources verified on 14 June 2024
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