Being the world’s most populous country in the world and the largest of all Asian countries, China is a very complex and diverse country. It has extremes of temperature, impenetrable mountains to lowlands and deserts to tropical climates. China will give you such an experience that one lifetime won’t be enough to explore this fascinating country. Being India’s neighbour in the north, it welcomes a large number of Indian tourists and business officials. Let us explore some of the requirements for a China visa for Indians.
Content:
- China visa types & documents required – China tourist visa
- Business visa for China
- Transit visa
- Diplomatic visa
- Employment visa
- Student visa
- Other visas
- China visa fees
- FAQ
CHINA VISA TYPES
There are various types of China visa for Indians that you need to understand so that you can apply for the right one based on your purpose of travel.
1. TOURIST VISA (L VISA)
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- The China L Visa or China Tourist visa allows you to visit the country for tourism or sightseeing purposes.
- You can also visit your family/friends in the country using this visa.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINA TOURIST VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Visa form with a couple of passport size photographs.
- Confirmed to and fro flight tickets.
- Bank statement or proof of finances to cover your entire trip.
- Proof of accommodation.
- If you are visiting your family/friends, you must show proof of relationship with the person who is inviting you to China.
Also read: Bhutan Visa: All you need to know before entering the Land of Happiness
2. BUSINESS VISA (F VISA)
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- With its ability to produce affordable products with cheap labour, China has become a go-to place for doing business.
- People who are invited to China for exchanges, business visits, educational tours, art performances, sports meet, and other related activities must apply for China work visa or the F Category Visa.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINA WORK VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Visa form with a couple of passport size photographs.
- Visa notification letter from the authorities in China or the Chinese company.
- Cover letter from your company or workplace.
- Other details of your invitee, their contact information and business documents.
- Confirmed to and fro flight tickets.
- Proof of accommodation and travel plan itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds to take care of your expenses and other financials.
Read: A Guide to Business Visa
3. TRANSIT VISA (G VISA):
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- The China visa for Indians who are travelling to another country through China will be the G visa or Transit visa.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINA TRANSIT VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Visa form with a couple of passport size photographs.
- Visa copy of the destination country.
- Cover letter from your company.
- Confirmed return flight tickets.
- Proof of accommodation and travel plan itinerary.
- Proof of financials.
Must read: Self Introduction letter for Visa: All you need to know
4. OFFICIAL/DIPLOMATIC VISA
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- Indians traveling on a diplomatic visa will need the following additional documents.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DIPLOMATIC VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A note from the Ministry of External Affairs of India or the concerned diplomatic mission or organization.
- Visa notification letter which is issued by relevant authorities in China.
5. EMPLOYMENT VISA (Z VISA)
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- For Indians who wish to seek employment in China will have to produce the following original documents with their photocopy.
- Only if the applicant is issued the Alien Employment License or the Foreign Specialist’s License by the Government of China, they will be eligible to apply for the China employment visa.
- This type of China visa for Indians is also applicable to people who are invited to give commercial performances in China.
Suggested Read: Essentials to obtaining Hong Kong Visa for Indians
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINA BUSINESS VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Visa form with a couple of passport size photographs.
- Visa notification letter from the recognized authorities in China or the Chinese company.
- Cover letter from the applicant.
- Medical Examination Report given by a recognized Indian State hospital.
- Proof of sufficient funds and other financials.
6. STUDENT VISA (X VISA)
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- Indian students who wish to pursue their studies in Chinese Schools or Universities are given two types of student visas.
- X1 Visa – If they wish to study for more than 180 days in China.
- X2 Visa – If they wish to study for less than 180 days in China.
- In any case, the applicant must produce the following original documents with their photocopies.
Know in-depth: Guide To Visa Photo Size Requirements
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINA STUDENT VISA FOR INDIANS:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Student Visa form issued by the Ministry of Education, China with a couple of passport size photographs.
- Admission notice from the concerned university in China.
- Cover letter from the applicant or the School or College they studied previously in.
- Medical Examination Report given by a recognized Indian State hospital.
OTHER VISA TYPES:
- Q1 & Q2 Visa: For people who are family members of Chinese citizens and wish to stay in China for family reunion, visiting relations who have permanent residence in China or foster care.
- S1 & S2 Visa: For relatives or family members of people who are studying in China or visiting for personal reasons.
- C Visa: For foreign crew members of trains, aircraft, motor vehicles or ships who are engaged in cross border transport activities. It also includes their family members.
- R Visa: For people whose high-level qualified talents are required in China.
- D Visa: For people who wish to reside in China permanently.
- J1 & J2 Visa: For foreign journalists or media people on news coverage missions in China either as a resident or on a temporary basis.
Also read: How to write a convincing Invitation letter for visa
CHINA VISA FEE FOR INDIANS:
The China Visa fee for Indians given below is for reference and the prices may vary based on the rules and regulations set by the Government of China.
- Single Entry Visa – 3900/-
- Double Entry Visa – 5850/-
- Multiple Entry for 6 months – 7800/-
- Multiple Entry for 1 year – 11700/-
- Group Visa – 2400/-
- Extra fee for the next working day collection – 1800/-
The Application service fee is as given below:
- Regular Service (4 working days) – 1652/- (inc. GST)
- Express Service (Next day collection) – 2478/- (inc. GST)
- Postal Service / Premium Lounge Service (which is optional) – 2478/- (inc. GST)
Note: All prices are in INR.
Read: What is a Sponsorship Letter for Visa?
FAQ
1. Do Indians need a Visa for China?
Yes, any Indian visiting China either for tourism or transit, will need to apply for the relevant visa. There is no visa-on-arrival for China.
2. What’s the China Visa fee for Indians?
The China Visa fee for Indians given below is for reference and the prices may vary based on the rules and regulations set by the Government of China.
- Single Entry Visa – 3900/-
- Double Entry Visa – 5850/-
- Multiple Entry for 6 months – 7800/-
- Multiple Entry for 1 year – 11700/-
- Group Visa – 2400/-
- Extra fee for the next working day collection – 1800/-
3. How long can I stay in China?
Unless and otherwise specified, a visa holder can visit China any time prior to expiry of validity as long as the entries granted have not been used up. The China visa for Indians is usually granted a validity of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or sometimes 10 years.
The usual duration of stay is given between 7 days to 180 days.
- For Single entry Tourist visa – 30 days.
- For Transit visa – 7 to 10 days.
- For Q2, S2, J2 & X2 – Maximum of 180 days.
- For Q1, J1, S1, Z or X1 Visa, your duration of stay is given as 000. Which means you need to apply for a temporary residence permit from a local entry and exit administration within 30 days after you enter China. During this validity of the residence permit, you can stay as long as you wish.
- In case you wish to extend your stay, you must apply at the Exit and Entry Administration of the local public security 7 days before your allowed stay duration expires.
4. Do you need a Visa for Tibet?
Yes. You will have to apply for a Tiber Visa which is also called as Tibet Permit or Tibet Travel Permit. Based on your trip plan, you will be categorized into 3 types.
- Indian citizens who wish to travel to Tibet to visit places other than Mount Kailash or Ali prefecture.
- Indian citizens who wish to travel around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for pilgrimage purposes.
- American Indians with US passport. Though you won’t be treated as a pilgrim even if you’re an Indian.
Further read: Turkey visa for Indians: Explained
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