China Tourist Visa for Indians
— The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about applying for a China Tourist Visa from India — document checklist, official fees, photograph specifications, expert tips, and our hassle-free door-to-door visa assistance service.
Dreaming of the Great Wall?
Let's Make It Happen.
China is one of the world's most fascinating destinations — ancient temples, futuristic skylines, spectacular landscapes, and a culinary culture unlike anywhere else. As your trusted travel & visa experts based in Maharashtra, Beyond Travels walks you through every step of securing your China Tourist Visa — so you can focus on packing, not paperwork.
Who Needs a China Visa?
All Indian passport holders are required to obtain a valid Chinese visa before entering the People's Republic of China. The visa must be applied for through the Chinese Embassy in India or an authorised Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa facility currently available for Indian nationals for general tourist travel.
Why Apply Through Beyond Travels?
With years of hands-on visa assistance experience, our team at Beyond Travels has guided hundreds of travellers from Maharashtra through their China visa journey — cleanly, correctly, and on time. From document verification to cover letter drafting, appointment guidance to door-to-door passport pickup, we offer comprehensive support at a transparent flat fee.
Which China Visa Do You Need?
China issues different visa categories based on the purpose of your visit. Understanding the right visa type is critical — applying in the wrong category is one of the top reasons for rejection. Here's a quick breakdown most relevant to Indian travellers:
Tourist Visa
For leisure travel, sightseeing, family tourism, and holiday trips to China.
Business Visa
For trade visits, business meetings, exhibitions, and commercial activities.
Family Visit Visa
For visiting Chinese relatives or friends permanently residing in China.
Student Visa
For those enrolled in a Chinese educational institution for academic study.
Not sure which category applies to you? The category you choose must match your actual travel purpose. Our visa counsellors at Beyond Travels will assess your travel profile and recommend the correct visa type — free of charge as part of our consultation.
What Documents Do You Need?
Absolutely Nothing Left to Chance.
Your document file is the heart of your visa application. Incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent documents are the single biggest reason Chinese visa applications are delayed or rejected. Below is a category-wise, detailed checklist — use it as your personal pre-submission guide.
Mandatory Documents — All Applicants
Required ▾- Original Indian Passport — Must have a minimum of 6 months validity beyond your intended date of return. At least 2 blank visa pages are required.
- Photocopy of Passport — Clear A4-size photocopy of the biographical data page (photo page) as well as all previously stamped visa pages.
- Completed China Visa Application Form — Filled accurately online via the official CVASC portal. Print, sign, and carry the completed form. Any mismatch with passport details can cause rejection.
- Recent Passport-Size Photographs — Two photographs as per official specifications (detailed in the Photo section below). Photographs on blue or coloured backgrounds are not accepted.
- Confirmed Return Flight Tickets — Showing your travel dates to and from China. If you don't have confirmed bookings, our optional Dummy Ticket service (₹1,550/-) covers this.
- Hotel Booking Confirmation — For all nights of your stay in China. All accommodation must be pre-booked and confirmed. Need help? Our Hotel Booking service is available at ₹1,550/- per hotel.
- Bank Statements — Last 6 months of updated statements from your primary savings or current account. Must reflect sufficient funds for the trip. Bank attestation/stamp is preferred.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) — Latest year's ITR filed document or Form 16 from your employer (for salaried individuals).
- Cover Letter — A self-addressed letter stating the purpose of visit, travel dates, cities to be visited, and personal information. Our team drafts this for you as part of our service.
- Day-Wise Travel Itinerary — A detailed plan of your stay indicating which cities you'll visit, accommodation details, and key activities. We help prepare this.
Salaried / Employed Individuals
Additional ▾- Leave Sanction Letter — Official leave approval from your employer mentioning travel dates and stating you are an employee in good standing.
- Company ID Card Photocopy — Both sides clearly photocopied.
- Salary Slips — Last 3 months' pay slips showing consistent income.
- Employment Letter / NOC — A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your employment, designation, salary, and that leave has been granted.
- Form 16 / ITR Acknowledgement — Latest filed income tax return or Form 16 issued by employer.
Self-Employed / Business Owners
Additional ▾- Business Registration Certificate — GST registration, Shops & Establishment certificate, or any government-issued business document.
- Company Letterhead Cover Letter — Signed and stamped, stating the purpose of travel and that you are the business owner.
- Business Bank Statements — Last 6 months of the company's current account statements.
- ITR Filing Acknowledgement — Latest year's filed ITR from the Income Tax Department portal.
- CA Certificate (if applicable) — A letter from your Chartered Accountant certifying your annual income and business standing.
M Visa (Business) — Extra Documents
Business Only ▾- Invitation Letter from Chinese Company — Issued on the Chinese company's official letterhead, confirming the purpose and duration of your visit, signed by an authorised representative. Must include the company's official seal/stamp.
- Indian Company Cover Letter — Addressed to the Chinese Embassy, on letterhead with company seal, requesting visa issuance for the applicant.
- Business Registration / Trade License — Proof that your Indian business entity is registered and operational.
Q / S Visa (Family Visit) — Extra Documents
Family Visit Only ▾- Invitation Letter from Chinese Relative/Friend — Written by the host in China, stating their relationship with you, your planned dates of stay, and their contact details.
- Copy of Host's Chinese Passport or Residence Permit — A clear photocopy of the bio-data page of the inviting person's Chinese ID or valid residence documents.
- Proof of Relationship — Marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificate (for parent-child), or any legal document establishing the relationship.
X Visa (Student) — Extra Documents
Students Only ▾- Admission Letter (JW201/JW202) — Issued by the Chinese educational institution you have been admitted to, along with the visa notification form.
- Academic Certificates — Copies of your previous educational qualifications / mark sheets.
- Health Certificate — A medical fitness certificate as required by the institution.
Pro Tip from Our Visa Desk: All documents submitted should be original or clearly attested photocopies. Organise your file in the order listed above. Loose, unorganised, or unclear documents consistently result in processing delays. At Beyond Travels, we pre-check your complete file before submission — ensuring nothing is missing, mismatched, or incorrectly formatted.
China Visa Photo Specifications
— Get It Right The First Time
This is one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of the application. An incorrect photograph is an immediate reason for rejection at the counter — and it delays your entire process. Here are the official specifications you must follow:
Official China Visa Photo Size
White background · Matte finish · Neutral expression · No glasses
| Photo Dimensions | 33mm (width) × 48mm (height) |
| Background Colour | Plain white — no blue, off-white, or patterned backgrounds |
| Finish | Matte preferred over glossy |
| Face Coverage | 70–80% of total photo area; face must be fully centred |
| Expression | Neutral, relaxed — no smiling, no squinting |
| Eyes | Both eyes must be fully visible and open |
| Glasses | Strongly advised to avoid; reflective lenses cause rejection |
| Head Covering | Not permitted unless worn for established religious reasons |
| Photo Age | Must be taken within the last 6 months |
| Shadows | No shadows on face or background |
| Editing/Filters | Absolutely none — unretouched photographs only |
| Clothing | Avoid wearing white clothing against a white background |
| Quantity | Minimum 2 identical passport-size photographs |
Transparent Pricing —
No Hidden Surprises.
At Beyond Travels, we believe in full fee transparency. Below are the official Chinese Embassy visa fees for Indian applicants along with our agency service charges and optional add-on services. All amounts are in Indian Rupees (INR).
Official Chinese Embassy / CVASC Visa Fees (2026)
Fees applicable at the time of visa submission • Subject to change by Embassy
| Visa Category | Entry Type | Approx. Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (L) | Single Entry | ₹ 4,851 |
| Tourist Visa (L) | Double Entry | ₹ 6,351 |
| Business Visa (M) | Single Entry | ₹ 4,851 |
| Business Visa (M) | Multiple Entry | ₹ 7,851 – ₹ 10,751 |
| Express Processing | Any Category | Additional Charges Apply |
Other Possible Charges at CVASC
Charged by the service centre — not by Beyond Travels
| Charge Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Biometrics Fee | Applicable for first-time applicants as per current CVASC policy |
| Courier / Delivery Fee | If passport delivery by courier is opted instead of in-person collection |
| Urgent Processing | Express turnaround — additional amount applicable |
Our Agency Service Charges
(per person) ₹ 3,750/- Including GST • Form filling, doc check, cover letter, itinerary
(Optional Service) ₹ 1,550/- Onward + return dummy tickets for visa submission
(Optional Service — per hotel) ₹ 1,550/- Per hotel booking arranged for visa submission purposes
Our ₹3,750/- agency fee covers: application form assistance, complete document checklist advisory, cover letter drafting, day-wise itinerary preparation, pre-submission document review, and ongoing application guidance. This does not include Embassy/CVASC visa fees, which are paid separately at the visa centre.
The China Visa Application Process —
Step by Step
Applying for a China tourist visa follows a structured process. When you work with Beyond Travels, we walk alongside you at every step — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Consult & Plan
Speak with our visa counsellors. We assess your travel profile, recommend the right visa category, and give you a personalised document checklist.
Fill the Application Form
Complete the official China visa application form online with complete accuracy. Name, passport number, travel history — every field must match exactly. We assist with this.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents as per your visa category checklist. Our team does a full pre-submission review to catch any errors or missing items before you go to the centre.
Submit at CVASC
Visit the designated Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in your jurisdiction with your complete file and appointment confirmation. Biometrics are typically collected here.
Track & Collect
Processing takes approximately 15–20 working days. Once done, collect your passport from the CVASC, or opt for courier delivery if available at your centre.
Best Time to Apply: We recommend applying for your China Tourist Visa at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date. This gives adequate buffer for processing time, any additional document queries raised by the Embassy, and appointment scheduling at the CVASC. Avoid applying too early (more than 3 months before departure) as visa validity typically begins from the date of issue.
Online Chinese Visa Application
— Step 1, Step 2, Step 3
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Mumbai follows a fully online-first process. Below is the official three-step procedure exactly as laid out by the Mumbai visa centre — read it carefully before you begin, as the flow has changed to online submission with no appointment required.
Online SubmissionFill form & upload documents online
- Make an online payment for the service (Express or Normal), then log in to the website to fill the application form and upload documents along with your payment confirmation email. Make individual payments per application.
- The service type (Express / Normal) cannot be changed at a later stage. Visa fees are collected separately when you submit your passport at the centre.
- Ensure you have selected the correct location — "Mumbai" (top-right corner of the visaforchina.cn website), then create an account and log in.
- Complete the online visa application form, upload the required documents (passport, photo, supporting documents, and the printout of your payment confirmation email), then click "Submit". (Hong Kong SAR / Macao SAR applicants are exempt from this online step.)
- Minors must additionally upload: child support proof, paternal and maternal authorization, and a family record or birth certificate.
- Upload only previous visas from the last 5 years, and attach each photo in its corresponding box (not multiple photos in one box).
- You may receive an email requesting corrections (status "Rejected") — modify and resubmit (status becomes "Under Review"). Once approved, the status changes to "Online Review Completed" and you'll receive a confirmation email with the Visa Application Certificate to print and carry to the centre.
Submit Documents at the Visa CentreAfter online approval — no appointment required
- Bring the Visa Application Certificate (attached to the approval email) together with your service-fee payment confirmation print.
- Original passport, plus a recent photo if the uploaded one is deemed non-compliant.
- Original kinship certificate, if it was requested during online submission.
- Any barcode document (e.g. TE official invitation / invitation verification) must be printed and carried.
- Applicants for S, Q, X and Z visa types must submit all necessary documents and attend a possible interview at the Consulate General if informed by the visa centre.
- J-visa (journalist) applicants must submit a supervisor-signed visa application letter, invitation letter, photocopy of professional ID card, and a detailed visit program — and undergo an interview at the Consulate General.
- Payment: service fees are paid online beforehand; the visa fee is paid in CASH at the visa centre when submitting documents.
CollectionCounted from the day you submit at the centre
Working Days
Working Days
(Post Consulate Approval)
Collect during opening hours at the Visa Centre with the original pick-up form. Timings below:
Where Beyond Travels fits in: This online-first process is precise and unforgiving — a wrong location selection, a photo in the wrong box, or a missed 15-day window can reset your application. Our team handles the entire Step 1 online submission on your behalf, tracks your approval status, and prepares your document file for the Step 2 counter visit — so you simply carry the certificate and collect your passport. Processing times shown are the official CVASC service turnaround from the day of counter submission and are separate from online-review time.
Door-to-Door
Visa Assistance
We understand that visiting a visa centre can be inconvenient — especially for working professionals, families, and senior travellers. That's why Beyond Travels offers our signature door-to-door visa assistance service, bringing expert help directly to you.
How Our D2D Service Works
- Step 1 — Enquire & Schedule Contact us via WhatsApp, phone, or our website form. Share your travel details and we schedule a pickup time convenient for you.
- Step 2 — Document Pickup Our team visits your home or office to collect your passport and supporting documents at the agreed time.
- Step 3 — File Preparation We prepare your complete visa application file — form, cover letter, itinerary, photocopies, and document arrangement.
- Step 4 — Pre-Submission Review A senior visa counsellor cross-checks every document against embassy requirements before submission.
- Step 5 — Submission Guidance We advise you on what to carry for your CVASC appointment and coordinate the process end-to-end.
- Step 6 — Passport Return Once your visa is processed, your passport is returned to you — with your China visa stamped and ready to go!
Top Reasons China Visas Are Rejected —
And How to Avoid Each One
Understanding why China visa applications get rejected empowers you to build a stronger, more complete application. Here are the most common pitfalls and what you should do instead:
⚠️ Incomplete Documentation
Missing bank statements, absent hotel bookings, or a lack of flight tickets are the most cited reasons for rejection. Never submit a partial file. Use our checklist and have it pre-reviewed by our team before submission.
⚠️ Errors in the Application Form
Even small mistakes — a wrong digit in the passport number, incorrect nationality spelling, or mismatched name — can lead to rejection or significant delays. Double-check every field against your original passport.
⚠️ Weak Financial Proof
Bank statements with low average balances or sudden large deposits just before the application date raise red flags. Your statements should reflect natural, steady financial activity over 6 months.
⚠️ Non-Compliant Photographs
Incorrect photo size, wrong background colour, poor lighting, shadows on the face, or heavily edited images result in immediate counter rejection. Always follow the 33mm × 48mm white-background spec precisely.
⚠️ Wrong Visa Category Selected
Applying under the wrong visa category (e.g., applying for a Tourist visa when the true purpose is business) is a serious error. Always choose the category that accurately reflects your travel intent.
⚠️ No Travel Itinerary or Vague Plans
Embassies want to see that you have clear, structured travel plans in China. A vague itinerary or no hotel bookings creates doubt. A well-prepared day-wise itinerary significantly improves approval chances.
⚠️ Previous Visa Rejection History
If you have previously been refused a visa to any country, disclose this honestly in the application form. Concealing this information can lead to permanent ineligibility. Our counsellors can advise on how to address this appropriately.
⚠️ Passport Not Meeting Minimum Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return travel date and must have a minimum of 2 blank visa pages. Expired or near-expiry passports are returned without processing.
At Beyond Travels, our pre-submission document audit is specifically designed to catch and correct every one of these rejection triggers before your file reaches the visa centre. Think of it as your personal quality-control checkpoint — one that has helped hundreds of our clients achieve successful visa outcomes.
Questions Our Customers Ask Us Most
We've answered the questions that matter most to Indian travellers planning their first — or next — trip to China.
Ready to Begin Your China Journey?
Talk to our expert visa counsellors at Beyond Travels today. We'll guide you through every step — from your first question to the visa stamp in your passport.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided by Beyond Travels for general guidance and informational purposes only. Visa regulations, fees, and requirements are subject to change by the Chinese Embassy and CVASC at any time without prior notice. The official Step 1/2/3 online application procedure summarised on this page is sourced from the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, Mumbai (visaforchina.cn) and may be revised by the centre. Beyond Travels holds no liability for any decisions made solely on the basis of information provided here. Always verify current requirements with the official Chinese Embassy or CVASC before submitting your application. Our service charges are for professional assistance only and are separate from all Embassy/CVASC fees. | © Beyond Travels — All Rights Reserved.