China Extends Reduced Visa Fees for Indian Travellers Until 2025

Good news for Indian travellers planning a trip to China! The Chinese Embassy in India has announced an extension of reduced visa fees, offering more affordable travel options for visitors. This move aims to further strengthen travel and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Revised Visa Fee Structure

The extended scheme maintains the reduced visa fees implemented last year, making travel more accessible. Here’s a breakdown:

This measure builds upon previous cost-reduction efforts implemented to encourage greater travel and engagement between India and China.

Simplified Visa Application Process

In a bid to streamline visa applications, the Chinese Embassy introduced updated guidelines in August 2024. These updates focus on jurisdictional requirements, document submissions, and procedural efficiency:

Submission Locations

• Mumbai Consulate-General: Handles applications from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Kolkata Consulate-General: Manages applications from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
• New Delhi Embassy: Processes applications from other regions.

Direct Submissions

From November 2023, applicants no longer require appointments and can directly submit their applications on any working day. Eligible applications are processed on the same day.

Fingerprint Exemptions

• Children under 14 and individuals over 70.
• Applicants with fingerprints collected in the past five years using the same passport.
• Those with uncollectible fingerprints.

Also Read: China Extends Visa-Free Transit to 10 Days for Travellers from 54 Countries

Processing Times and Requirements

Visa processing times vary based on the service type:

Applicants must provide:

• Completed visa application form.
• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages.
• Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Proof of legal stay or residence (for non-Indian citizens).
• Supporting documents based on visa category (e.g., invitation letters, financial proof).

Special categories, including diplomatic and courtesy visas, are exempt from fingerprint collection and require direct submission to consular sections.

Visa-Free Entry Provisions

Certain foreign nationals can enter China visa-free, including those:

• Covered under valid mutual visa exemption agreements.
• Holding APEC cards or valid residence permits.
• Eligible for transit visa exemptions.

Additional requirements, such as invitation letters or interviews, may apply depending on the visa type.

Improved Bilateral Relations

This announcement aligns with ongoing diplomatic progress between India and China. Recent developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have shown a “broad consensus” to resolve disputes. Continuous diplomatic and military-level talks are fostering stability, as emphasized by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in October 2024.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that these efforts align with India’s “Viksit Bharat Vision,” focusing on enhancing border infrastructure and national security. Counter-terrorism operations and infrastructure projects in border areas further bolster this vision.