Planning to explore China’s rich culture, history and modern cities? Whether it’s for tourism, business, study or family visit, understanding the China visa process is key. This guide covers types, fees, documents, recent changes, and how you can apply smoothly via MusafirBaba.
What Is the China Visa?
A China visa allows foreign nationals to enter the People’s Republic of China for specified purposes: tourism, business, transit, study, work or family visit. The specific visa type (L, M, X, Z, Q, S etc.) depends on your travel purpose, stay duration and nationality.
Types of China Visas & Key Categories
Here are the major visa types you’ll encounter:
L-Visa (Tourist-Visa): For sightseeing and tourism.
M-Visa (Business Visa): For trade and commercial visits.
X1 / X2 (Student Visas): X1 for long-term study, X2 for short-term.
Z-Visa (Work Visa): For employment in China.
Q1 / Q2 / S1 / S2 (Family / Private Affairs Visas): For family reunion or private visits.
As of 2025, China has also introduced updated procedures to streamline applications for many categories.
Latest China Visa Rules & Key Updates (2024-25)
India-China visa rules have been relaxed: by early 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in just four months.
China has extended reduced visa fees for Indian applicants through December 2025. Single-entry visa fee at ₹2,900, double-entry at ₹4,400. Six-month multiple entry ₹5,900, 12-month or above multiple-entry ₹8,800.
Some procedural changes: No prior appointment required for certain short-stay visa applications for Indian nationals; biometric exemption in certain cases.
China Visa Fees (India) – Updated
Indian passport holders applying under the reduced fee scheme (valid till December 2025):
* Single entry: ₹2,900
* Double entry: ₹4,400
* Six-month multiple-entry: ₹5,900
* Twelve-month (or above) multiple-entry: ₹8,800
Documents Required
While requirements vary by visa type and nationality, typical documents include:
Valid passport with at least six months validity and blank pages.
Completed visa application form.
Recent passport-size photograph.
Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings) & accommodation.
Financial proof (bank statements), depending on the category.
Invitation letter (for business, family visit or private affairs visas) when required.
Additional documents depending on category: e.g., admission letter for students (X1), work permit for Z-visa, etc.
Processing Time & Application Steps
Processing times vary but many routine visas are processed within 4 to 7 working days in India if documents are complete and correct.
Steps to apply:
Determine correct visa type based on purpose.
Fill application form, gather documents.
Submit at authorised visa centre (e.g., Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in New Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata) according to your jurisdiction. in.china-embassy.gov.cn
Pay applicable fee.
Attend appointment (biometrics may be required).
Wait for visa issuance and collect your passport.
Visa Type – Sticker, E-Visa or Other?
As of now, most Chinese visas for Indian applicants remain sticker type visas affixed inside the passport. Full e-Visa systems are under phased introduction. Always verify for your category and consulate.
Why Choose MusafirBaba for Your China Visa?
With MusafirBaba guiding you, your China visa process becomes simpler and more reliable:
Stay updated on latest rules and fee changes.
Document review & personalised checklist.
Transparent fee structure and support through each step.
Help in selecting correct visa category and jurisdiction.
Support with travel planning to China post-visa.
