Traveling to China from India: Which Visa Type Do You Need

With its rich history, diverse culture, and rapid economic growth, China has emerged as a viable destination for Indian travelers. Whether you are travelling for a holiday to the Great Wall, a study abroad program in Beijing, or business travel to Shanghai, acquiring the right China visa is the first and most important part of the journey. 

For those looking for a China Visa for Indians, the dilemma is usually simply selecting the correct category. There are a number of visa types depending on your purpose of travel to China. If you were to apply under the wrong visa category, it could delay your trip to China or even worse, get you denied. 

Here, we will help Indian travelers understand the different types of China visas, information about eligibility, required documents, and when to choose which visa.

Why Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit China

China is unique among other countries that grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. It has strict immigration and entry requirements. For Indian passport holders, this means that obtaining a visa before even stepping into the country is always required. 

China has this policy for the documented purpose of controlling the flow of foreigners coming to China, and to ensure that the traveller has entered China for one of the legitimate reasons (Tourism, business meetings, employment, education, cultural exchanges, etc). The types of visas are categorized by purpose for entries, and they also established guidelines for:

Duration of Stay – How long you are permitted to remain in China for your visit (for example, 30, 60, or 90 days).

Number of Entries – There are multiple levels of entry limitations: single entry, double entry, and multiple entries during the duration of validity.

Permitted Activities- What you are permitted to do while you are visiting China. For example, a tourist visa (L type) allows for sightseeing and recreational travel but not for work or study; a business visa (M Type) would allow you to meet up with clients and attend trade fairs.

The Main Types of China Visas for Indians

1. China Tourist Visa (L Visa)

• Purpose: Leisure, sightseeing, and visiting family and friends. 
• Ideal for: Indian travelers looking to experience the landmarks, culture, and natural beauty of China. 
• Stay Duration: Usually 30 days per entry, but it can vary. 
• Entries: Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. 

Documents needed: 

-A valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages)

-A completed visa application form

-Photos (according to specifications)

-Flight round-trip tickets 

-Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a Chinese resident. 

-Proof of means (bank statements, etc).

2. China Business Visa (M Visa)

• Purpose: For trade fairs, meetings, conferences, or business negotiations.
• Best for: Entrepreneurs, corporate representation, or professionals attending events in China.
• Duration of Stay: Usually 30–60 days per visit.
• Entries: Single entry, double entry, or multiple entries based on the invitation.

Documents Needed:

1. Invitation letter from the Chinese company or business partner 

2. Valid passport and completed application form

3. Passport-sized photographs

4. Business registration proof for your Indian company

3. China Student Visa (X Visa)

• Due to cost-effective tuition and good quality education, India is among the top study destinations for students.
• Purpose: Study or long-term academic program.

Types:

• X1 Visa: For courses longer than 180 days, like General academic programs or long-term study.
• X2 Visa: For courses shorter than 180 days.

Stay Duration: It depends on your course; however, you will have to apply for the residence permit after arriving in China in most cases

Documents required:

• Admission notice from a Chinese university
• JW201 or JW202 forms for the international student programs have been issued by the university.
• Passport, passport-type photo, and completed application form.
• Evidence of funds.

4. China Work Visa (Z Visa)

• Purpose: Employment in China.
• Ideal for: Indian citizens who have been given a job offer from a company, university, or research institute in China.
• Duration of stay: You can stay up to 30 days without having to change your status to a work residence permit after you arrive in China.

Documents required:

• Work permit notice or employment license issued by the relevant Chinese authorities
• Invitation letter from the employer.
• Passport, photos, and application form.

5. China transit visa (G Visa)

• Reason: Transiting through China on your way to another country.
• Best for: Indians who are stopping over in Chinese cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shanghai.
• Duration of stay: Short-term, usually 24 to 72 hours.

Documents needed:

• Confirmed onward flight ticket
• Valid visa to the final destination country

6. China Family Visit Visa (Q Visa & S Visa)

• Q Visa: For visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
• S Visa: For visiting foreign family members who work or study in China.

Documents necessary:

• An invitation letter from family in China
• Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Passport, photos, and application form

Application Process for Indian Travelers

Applying for a China Visa for Indians is a step-by-step process, and thus, you need to follow each of the steps cautiously to avoid applications being delayed or rejected. Below is a step-by-step breakdown: 

Collect all the necessary documents 

You must collect all documents that you need to apply for the visa that you need, including a valid passport, recent photographs, a completed Visa application form, flight tickets to China, accommodation bookings, invitation letters, and justification of funds. Before making your application, do check that you have everything! 

Complete the online application form 

You will need to visit the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), and complete the online application form. Double-check that all your entries are correct before submitting the form. 

Book an appointment 

Find a CVASC in India and then book an appointment to drop off your application by visiting their website. The addresses are in Personal Developed in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, so you can go to the one that is closest to you. 

Drop off your documents and biometrics

On the day of the appointment, you will need to take all of your documents to the CVASC office. You will then apply, and your biometric data (fingerprints) may be collected as part of the submission. 

Wait until your visa is processed

Usually, processing takes 4–7 working days, depending on the option you selected when you made the application and whether you paid any extra for it to happen quicker (usually depending upon when you travel). 

Pick up your visa 

Assuming your tourist visa application is approved, you will be able to pick up your stamped passport with your Chinese visa attached. Do check the visa details (e.g., type of entry, validity dates, duration of stay, etc) before leaving the CVASC. 

China Visa Fees for Indians

The pricing of a Chinese visa for Indians relies on the type of visa, duration of stay, and the number of allowed entries. While charges are liable to change, an approximate fee would be:

• Single Entry Visa: ₹4,000 – ₹5,000
• Double Entry Visa: ₹6,000 – ₹7,000
• Multiple Entry Visa: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000

Conclusion

Traveling to China from India is truly an exciting adventure for travel, business, education, or work purposes. But the most important key to a painless and successful experience is choosing the right visa type and preparing all the necessary paperwork.

With resources like OneVasco, Indian travelers should know what the visa process entails and how to avoid common errors while following each step correctly. Knowing your specific purpose to travel, selecting the appropriate visa category, and filling the application form accurately will allow you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of vibrant cities, learn about multiple customs and heritage, and take advantage of several opportunities throughout your trip to China without unnecessary mistakes or obstacles.