China is rolling out the welcome mat for Indian tourists! As of March 17, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued over 50,000 visas, signalling a significant step towards smoother travel between the two nations.
This surge in visa issuance comes alongside a series of new, traveller-friendly measures designed to make exploring China easier than ever.
Key Visa Changes for Indian Travellers
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have introduced several policy changes to streamline the visa application process:
1. No Online Appointment Needed
Indian applicants no longer need to schedule an appointment online before submitting their visa applications. This change eliminates a major hurdle, allowing travellers to visit the Chinese Visa Application Centers directly.
2. Biometric Exemption for Short-Term Stays
Indian travellers visiting China for a short duration are now exempt from biometric data collection, which includes fingerprint scanning. This exemption significantly reduces processing time at visa centers, making it easier for tourists and business visitors to obtain visas quickly.
3. Reduced Visa Fees
The cost of obtaining a Chinese visa has been lowered for Indian applicants, making travel to China more budget-friendly. Reduced fees can be especially beneficial for students, business professionals, and tourists looking to explore China without high upfront costs.
4. Faster Processing Times
China has streamlined its visa approval process, reducing the waiting period for applicants. Faster processing times mean travelers can obtain their visas more quickly, benefiting those with urgent travel needs. This change also improves efficiency for business travelers attending conferences or trade events in China.
5. Tourism Promotion
China is actively encouraging Indian travelers to visit, highlighting its diverse cultural and seasonal attractions. From vibrant spring festivals to historical landmarks and modern cityscapes, China offers a variety of experiences for Indian tourists. Authorities are also promoting lesser-known destinations to enhance cross-cultural tourism.
Also Read: China Extends Visa-Free Transit to 10 Days for Travellers from 54 Countries
Ambassador’s Statement on Visa Reforms
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted these changes in a tweet and said; “As of March 17, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 50,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China.”
“Measures have been taken to make it easier to visit China, such as no online appointment any more, biometric collection exemption for short-term stay, visa fee deduction and so on.”
Background: Travel Challenges and Recovery
Travel between India and China has faced significant disruptions in recent years due to pandemic-related restrictions and diplomatic tensions. Visa processing was halted for an extended period, and even after reopening, Indian travelers encountered stringent entry requirements, including additional documentation, quarantine rules, and limited visa issuance.
China resumed issuing visas to Indian students and business travelers in 2022, but general travel remained restricted. The recent relaxations indicate a shift towards easing travel barriers, potentially boosting tourism, business engagements, and academic exchanges between the two nations.
Also Read: China: Visa-Free Entry Now Available for Citizens of 9 Countries!
What This Means for Indian Travellers
With simplified visa procedures and lower fees, Indian travelers now have an easier pathway to visit China. Whether for tourism, business, or academic purposes, these changes are expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cross-border exchanges.
Plan Your Trip to China
For those planning to visit China, it is recommended to check with the official Chinese Embassy or Consulate websites for the latest visa guidelines. With improved access and smoother processing, now is an ideal time for Indian travelers to explore China’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and seasonal festivities.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
