India passport → China

China visa for citizens of India

Embassy / VFSChina Tourist Visa (L) · in-person application via CVASC

Citizens of India need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · China Tourist Visa (L) · in-person application via CVASC
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds for the trip

How to apply

1
Determine visa category
Choose the correct visa type (L for tourism, F for business, Q for family visit).
2
Complete online application form
Fill the COVA form on the official online system and print it.
3
Book an appointment at CVASC
Schedule an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre covering your consular district.
4
Gather documents
Assemble passport, photo, itinerary, financial and employment proof.
5
Attend in person
Submit the application and fingerprints (biometrics) in person; first-time applicants must enrol fingerprints.
6
Pay fees
Pay the visa and service fees at the centre; keep the pickup receipt.
7
Collect passport
Return on the advised date (or use courier) to collect the passport with the visa.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (original, valid 6+ months, blank visa pages)
Must be submitted in person and retained during processing.
Passport photocopy (data page)
Copy of the photo/data page of the passport.
Recent passport photo (33mm x 48mm, white background)
Glued to the application form.

Travel

Confirmed round-trip flight booking / itinerary
Onward/return ticket evidence required.
Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
For the entire stay in China.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Shows sufficient funds for the trip.

Employment

Employment letter / proof of occupation
Employment certificate, student ID, or business registration as applicable.

Supporting

Completed Visa Application Form (COVA)
Filled online on the COVA system, printed and signed.
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends or business)
Optional
Required for F/M/Q/S visa categories, not plain tourism.
Previous Chinese visa copies (if any)
Optional
Helps support the application.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Recommended for clarity of travel purpose.

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Employment/salary proof

No fixed minimum balance published; statements should show sufficient funds for the trip.

Good to know

Applicants from Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir (and Ladakh) may be issued stapled visas instead of regular visas due to border disputes.
24-hour visa-free transit is available through Chinese international airports, including domestic transfers between different airports.
Visa fees and processing times vary by consulate and visa type; confirm with the relevant CVASC before applying.
First-time applicants must provide fingerprints in person; fingerprints are valid for a period and may be exempt on repeat applications.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or unsigned application form

Double-check the COVA form is fully completed and signed before submission.

Insufficient proof of funds or itinerary

Provide recent bank statements, confirmed bookings, and hotel reservations.

Applying at the wrong consular district

Apply at the CVASC/consulate covering your state of residence.

Passport validity under 6 months or no blank pages

Renew the passport before applying if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for China?

Citizens of India need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: China Tourist Visa (L) · in-person application via CVASC.

What documents do citizens of India need for China?

Passport (original, valid 6+ months, blank visa pages); Passport photocopy (data page); Completed Visa Application Form (COVA); Recent passport photo (33mm x 48mm, white background); Confirmed round-trip flight booking / itinerary; Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation; and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Sources

Plan your trip to China

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for China.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides