If you are thinking about a trip to a foreign country irrespective of the purpose of your visit, then China would be the best place for you. This is because the country is a global superpower.
Moreover, China offers several opportunities for students, tourists, and entrepreneurs to explore, study, and conduct business in the country.
But before turning your dreams into a reality, you have to apply for a China visa for Indians.
The following article will help you identify the visa requirements that you must fulfill to demonstrate that you are eligible to enter the country legally.
What is a China Visa for Indians?
A China visa for Indians allows the residents of India to visit, enter, and stay in the host country legally considering the specific period.
There are numerous types of visas available for Indians when traveling to China. However, this depends on the reason for visiting the target country. So, be sure to identify the right visa type before starting the application process.
Do Indian Citizens Require a Visa to China?
Yes. Indian citizens cannot travel to China without a visa. Therefore, they must get a valid permit to enter and stay in the country legally.
Also, note that the online application method for Indian citizens is not available. So, they must visit and apply through the designated Chinese visa application center (VAC) in India.
Besides, the nationals of India are not eligible to get a visa-on-arrival at the port of entry in China. Thus, you must have a valid China visa before leaving your home country. For this purpose, check the latest visa guidelines before initiating the application method.
Chinese Visa Categories for Indians
The Government of China has made several visa categories available for Indians including purposes related to education, work, business, tourism, visiting friends & family, etc.
Each visa category has a specific validity period depending on the purpose of your visit to China.
The following are some of the common visa types that Indian passport holders can apply for when traveling from India to China.
Tourist visa (L visa)
Also known as a visa category L, a tourist visa allows Indian citizens to visit the country for sightseeing and tourism purposes. Individuals such as tour group members or independent tourists can use this visa.
Moreover, this visa is valid for up to 30 days (one month) and can be used for single and multiple entries.
Work visa (Z visa)
If you want to start employment in China, you must get a Foreigner’s Work Permit given by the Government of China. Therefore, Indian passport holders should apply for a work visa (aka a category Z visa) to fulfill their employment purposes.
A work visa has a validity period of at least one year (twelve months). Besides, the family members of the applicant who is staying in China under a work visa must get a visa S1 or S2 to travel to the host country. Moreover, the length of their stay depends on the duration of their visit to China.
Student visa (X visa)
Indian students can pursue their higher education in a country like China by applying for a student visa. It is termed a category X visa. Typically, it has a validity period of at least one year or till the length of the program.
In addition, it is further subdivided into two subclasses depending on the duration of your course program.
- An X1 is a long-term study visa that can be used for the course program of a duration of more than 180 days.
- On the other hand, X2 is a short-term study visa that allows you to stay there for almost one hundred and eighty days or less.
Business visa (F visa)
Furthermore, you can also apply for a business visa to participate in business, trade, and economic activities. Alternatively, it is also known as a category F visa.
It is a short-term visa that is valid for three months or 90 days. Besides, you can use it for single and multiple entries.
Transit visa (G visa)
Lastly, if you are heading to another destination country en route to China, you should apply for a transit visa (or a G visa). The maximum validity period of a Chinese transit visa for Indians is 30 days.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a China Visa for Indians
Indian citizens can start the application process for a China visa considering the steps given below.
Step 1: Identify where to apply
Depending on the residence state, Indians can apply for a Chinese visa at any of the following respective visa application centers.
- Residents of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, and West Bengal can submit their applications at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Kolkata.
- The Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Mumbai is suitable for citizens residing in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Lastly, the rest of the public from other areas/cities can visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi for a visa process.
Step 2: Explore other options
There is another method through which you can start the application process.
- For this purpose, search VFS Global on Google.
- After that, click on the highlighted tab to move ahead. The main page of the website will be open. Enter the home country & destination country and then click on the ‘take me to the website’ tab.
- After that, this will take you to the website of the visa application center for China in India. Select the home country and the city of your residence. Then, click on the blue tab to officially start the visa process.
Step 3: Application guide
Once you are done with the step mentioned above, a brand new official page of the website will be opened. Then, click on the red highlighted tab to learn about the step-by-step visa guide.
- The first page of the guide will ask you to select the method of submitting your visa application, how you will collect your passport and the visa type. After that, click on ‘Move to the next step’.
- Then, accept the Terms and Conditions to proceed ahead.
- Once done, start collecting the required documents. For example, it may include a passport, application form, proof of legal status, previous passports, etc. Then, click on the ‘next step’.
- Furthermore, read the details related to who, when, and how you can submit your application at the visa center.
- The last step is to pay the visa fee and collect your passport.
Step 4: Gather the required documents
This step requires you to collect the standard documents when submitting your visa application. Depending on the visa type, you must also submit supporting documents, as discussed below.
Passport
The first important requirement is your passport which is a travel document used to identify your nationality. It should be valid for at least six months and has two blank pages.
Visa application form
You are also required to download and fill out a visa application form to proceed ahead. This may include completing the given fields by providing accurate information.
Photos
Two recent passport-size photos are also required for identification purposes. Make sure that your photographs are according to the given requirements. This includes,
- The photo should be colored and not older than the last six months.
- It must have a dimension of 48mm*33mm.
- The photo must bear a neutral expression of the applicant.
- The face and its features should be visible.
- Furthermore, the photo should be free from any signs of damage or watermark.
- Lastly, the background of the picture should be white or gray.
Flight itinerary
Another requirement is to provide proof of flight reservation to show your travel details such as date, time, airport terminal, destination country, etc.
Hotel booking
Indian citizens must demonstrate that they have managed their stay in the host country. For this purpose, they can submit proof of accommodation including a hotel reservation or a rental contract.
Travel medical insurance
Furthermore, having a travel medical insurance policy will save you from unplanned incidents. This will help you bear expenses such as hospitalization, surgery, repatriation, etc. while staying in China.
Cover letter
Depending on your visa category, you are also required to write a cover letter. This should further elaborate your journey in detail. For example, you can discuss your planned activities, the date of your return, etc.
Sufficient funds
Your trip to China also requires you to show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself. This may include managing daily expenses related to food, accommodation, and transportation.
So, you can submit documents such as a bank statement worth Rs. 150,000/- or Income Tax Returns.
Civil status certificate
Lastly, show your civil status by submitting certificates such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
Step 5: Fill out the visa application form
This step requires you to move to the homepage of the website of the visa application center.
- Then, choose the second option.
- After that, click on the ‘new application form’ to start completing the form. Also, accept the terms and conditions to move ahead.
- The introductory page will ask you for basic details, complete it to start filling out the form based on 10 steps.
- Lastly, enter the requested details in logical order. For example, this includes personal, application, work, education, family, travel, mailing information, etc.
Step 6: Submit the form
Once done with filling out the form, make sure to submit it considering the recommended method.
Step 7: Pay the visa fee
After that, pay the visa fee in cash or through a credit card. Wait for the processing time and you will receive your passport shortly.
Supporting Documents Required for a China Visa for Indians
Other than the standard documents, some of the following supporting requirements should also be fulfilled depending on your visa type.
| Visa type | Purpose | Required documents |
| Category F | Exchange activities, study tours, and other visits | Letter of invitation from an individual from China |
| Category L | Tourism | Travel itinerary, hotel reservation, air ticket, invitation letter, bank statement, etc. |
| Category X1 | Study in China for more than six months | Admission letter from a Chinese college/university, original & copy of JW201 or JW202 visa application form |
| Category X2 | Study in the country for less than 180 days | Admission letter from a Chinese college/university |
| Category Z | Work | Valid Foreigner’s work permit |
| Category G | Transit through China | Onward tickets (train or plane) with confirmed seat and date to the next stop |
China Visa Cost for Indians
When applying for a visa to China, Indian citizens are required to visit the visa service center and pay the fees in cash. Moreover, the total amount consists of the fee and the application service fee.
Also, note that the visa application and service fees are non-refundable. This means that you cannot get it back even if your visa is rejected.
The following is the standard visa fee structure depending on the various visa types.
| Visa type | Fee in Indian Rupee |
| Tourist visa (L visa) | 3,900-6,900 INR |
| Work visa (Z visa) | 6,900-13,800 Indian Rupee |
| Student visa (X visa) | 4,300-9,300 INR |
| Business visa (F visa) | 4,300-9,300 Indian Rupee |
| Transit visa (G visa) | 2,300 INR |
Besides, the visa fee also depends on the number of entries the applicant is allowed to enter China within the validity of the visa.
| Number of Entries | Visa Fees |
| Single entry | 3,900 INR |
| Double entries | 5,850 Indian Rupee |
| Multiple entries (6 months) | 7,800 INR |
| Multiple entries (1 year) | 11,700 INR |
| Regular application service fees | 1,838 Indian Rupee |
Processing Time for a China Visa
The standard processing time for a China visa for Indians depends on various factors. For example,
- the visa type you applied for
- the workload on the embassy
Thus, it may take at least 4 to 5 business days for a Chinese visa to get approved. In case you want to get your Chinese visa on an urgent basis, you can have it within three working days.
But, delays in the processing time can be expected as the officials may take some extra time to scrutinize your application. So, apply for a visa as early as you can.
FAQs
- Is the China visa available for Indians?
Yes. Indians must get a Chinese visa to travel to the target country. You can get it from the Embassy or Consulate of China in your home country before departing for purposes including business or tourism.
- Is it possible for Indians to get a visa on arrival in China?
No. Currently, Indian citizens are not eligible to get a visa on arrival in China. So, they must have a valid Chinese visa before leaving India.
- How much is the bank balance required for a China visa?
If you are submitting your bank statement, make sure that it covers the period of the last six months. Moreover, it should have a minimum balance of 150,000 RS/-. Besides, the document of the bank statement should be updated and attested.
On the other hand, you can also show your bank balance by submitting Income Tax Returns or Form 16 from the last three years.
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