Travelling to China? Here’s What You Need to Know About Updated Visa Procedures, Fees and Entry Requirements.
Indian passport holders planning to visit China must follow a revised visa application procedure starting October 26, 2026, as Chinese diplomatic missions take over services previously managed by visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
Under the updated arrangements, travellers must complete their visa applications online and obtain approval of their submitted documents before presenting their passports and supporting paperwork at the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate.
The changes apply to tourists, business visitors and individuals seeking consular legalisation of documents.
Applicants must also identify the diplomatic mission responsible for their state or place of residence before beginning the process.
China visa changes from October 26: What Indian applicants should know
According to an official notification issued by the Chinese Embassy in India on October 22, several changes will take effect from October 26.
- Visa application centres to stop accepting new submissions: The centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata will discontinue accepting new Chinese visa and consular legalisation applications.
- Diplomatic missions to process applications directly: The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai will handle applications under the new procedure.
- Kolkata applications redirected to New Delhi: Applications from states previously served by the Kolkata consular jurisdiction will temporarily be processed by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.
- Collection of previously submitted documents: Applicants who submitted their documents before the transition can collect processed passports and other documents from the existing visa centres until noon on October 30, 2026.
The revised system changes where applications are processed and how applicants submit their documents, making it important to review the latest instructions before applying.
Where should Indian residents submit their China visa applications?
The designated Chinese diplomatic mission depends on the applicant’s state of residence.
Under the revised arrangements, applications will be handled as follows:
| State or region | Responsible diplomatic mission |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra and Karnataka | Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai |
| West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh | Chinese Embassy in New Delhi |
| All remaining Indian states and Union Territories | Chinese Embassy in New Delhi |
The arrangement for applicants from the Kolkata consular jurisdiction is temporary.
For consular legalisation services, jurisdiction is determined by the location where the relevant documents were issued rather than the applicant’s residence.
Applicants should confirm the latest jurisdictional instructions with the appropriate diplomatic mission before submitting their applications.
How to apply for a Chinese visa under the new online system
Indian travellers must complete an online document review before submitting their passports and supporting papers.
The updated application procedure involves four main steps.
Step 1: Complete the online visa application
Visit the official Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa application portal and fill in the required application form.
Ensure that all personal information, passport details and travel plans are entered accurately.
Step 2: Upload the required documents
Submit the supporting documents requested for the relevant visa category through the online platform.
These may include passport information, photographs, travel details and additional documentation depending on the purpose of the visit.
Step 3: Wait for online document approval
The application and uploaded documents must undergo an initial review.
Applicants should wait until they receive an approval email before proceeding to the physical submission stage.
Step 4: Submit the passport and supporting documents
After receiving online approval, applicants must submit their passport, application form and required supporting documents to the designated Chinese embassy or consulate.
This must be completed within 30 days of receiving the approval email.
Because the online review is an additional stage in the application process, travellers should allow sufficient time before their intended departure date.
Will Chinese visa applications become cheaper for Indians?
One of the changes under the revised system is the removal of visa application centre service charges for eligible new applications.
According to the published notice:
- Online applications submitted after 5pm on October 23, 2026, will not be subject to the visa application centre service fee.
- Service fees already paid for applications submitted before the deadline will not be refunded.
- Official visa fees charged by Chinese authorities remain separate and may still be payable.
The removal of the service charge could reduce the overall application cost for eligible travellers.
However, applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate’s latest payment instructions and applicable charges before proceeding.
China visa fees for Indian passport holders in 2026
The reduced visa fee structure for Indian nationals remains valid until December 31, 2026.
The published fees are as follows:
| Visa type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | ₹2,900 |
| Double-entry visa | ₹4,400 |
| Six-month multiple-entry visa | ₹5,900 |
| Multiple-entry visa valid for one year or longer | ₹8,800 |
| Group visa | ₹1,800 per person |
Express and urgent visa processing charges
Applicants who require faster processing may need to pay additional fees.
- Express processing: An additional ₹1,800, with processing generally taking two to three working days.
- Urgent processing: An additional ₹2,700.
The relevant diplomatic mission’s payment procedures must be followed.
According to the published guidance, visa payments should be made using bank-printed demand drafts.
Applicants must write their full name, collection slip number and contact number on the reverse side of the demand draft.
Visa fees are payable when collecting the passport.
China visa fingerprint rules: Who is exempt in 2026?
Indian travellers applying for certain short-term Chinese visas may not need to provide fingerprints under a temporary exemption.
The arrangement remains in effect until December 31, 2026, and generally applies to short-term visa applications involving stays of up to 180 days.
However, the exemption is not available across all visa categories.
Applicants seeking certain long-term visas, including those for employment, study and family reunification, may still be required to attend an appointment for fingerprint collection.
Travellers should confirm the biometric requirements for their specific visa category before arranging an in-person visit.
Chinese visa photograph and financial-document requirements
Applicants should ensure that all uploaded photographs and supporting documents meet the prescribed specifications.
Incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents may result in additional review or delays.
Passport photograph specifications
- The photograph must measure 33mm × 48mm.
- A plain white background is required.
- The commonly used Schengen visa photograph size of 35mm × 45mm does not meet the stated Chinese visa photograph dimensions.
Applicants should check the official photograph guidelines before uploading their images.
Bank statement requirements for tourist visas
Tourist visa applicants should review the financial-document checklist issued by the relevant Chinese diplomatic mission.
The guidance provided for this application process specifies:
- Bank statements covering the previous six months.
- A consistent average monthly balance of at least ₹1 lakh.
- Alternatively, an eligible deposit certificate showing a comparable amount maintained for at least three months.
Financial and supporting-document requirements may differ depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Applicants should therefore rely on the latest official checklist applicable to their intended purpose of travel.
How long does Chinese visa processing take?
Standard visa processing generally takes around four working days after the application has been formally submitted.
However, this does not necessarily include the time required for the initial online document review.
Applicants may also need additional time to correct documentation errors or complete any further requirements requested by the diplomatic mission.
To avoid last-minute complications, travellers are advised to begin the application process approximately four to six weeks before their planned departure.
Starting early allows time for online approval, physical document submission and passport collection.
Do the new China visa rules apply to Hong Kong and Macao?
The revised application arrangements relate to travel to mainland China.
Hong Kong and Macao maintain separate immigration and entry requirements, which may differ from those applicable to mainland Chinese visas.
Indian passport holders planning to visit either destination should check the relevant entry conditions independently.
What Indian travellers should remember
The October 26 changes introduce a revised application process for Indian nationals seeking Chinese visas, with applications now handled directly by designated Chinese diplomatic missions.
While the removal of visa application centre service fees may reduce costs for eligible applicants, the new system requires travellers to complete an online document review before submitting their passports.
Indian passport holders should confirm their designated consular jurisdiction, prepare the required documents and begin the application process well ahead of their intended travel dates.
Checking the latest official visa instructions can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays and ensure they follow the correct procedure.
