China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist/Travel Visa) · For India citizens
Planning a trip to China as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Chinese L visa (tourist visa) application: required documents including passport, photos, and travel itinerary, fees starting from ₹2,900 for a single entry plus service charges, and processing times of 4-6 working days. With proper documentation and preparation, you can successfully obtain your China tourist visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.
China Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For India citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank pages
Online application form filled through the official CVASC portal
Recent colored photographs meeting Chinese visa specifications
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from China
Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in China
Personal letter explaining the purpose of your trip
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment
Recommended (Optional)
Photocopies of any previous Chinese visas
Application Process
The China tourist visa (L visa) for Indian citizens must be applied for in person at one of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in India.1 Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the official CVASC website at visaforchina.cn and complete Form V.2013 online.2 Fill all fields accurately, as inconsistencies can lead to rejection. Print the completed form and the confirmation page, then sign by hand.
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents:23
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Completed and signed application form with confirmation page
- Two passport photos (33mm × 48mm, white background)
- Round-trip flight booking
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
- Bank statements showing minimum ₹1,00,000
- Employment certificate or business documents
3. Visit the CVASC
Submit your application in person at the CVASC during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).2 No appointment is required since November 2023. Fingerprints will be collected at this time.
4. Pay Fees and Collect Receipt
Pay the visa fee and service charge.3 You will receive a receipt indicating your collection date: 6th working day for regular service or 4th working day for express service.
5. Collect Your Visa
Return to the CVASC on your collection date with your receipt. Collection hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.2 Your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside.
Fees
| Visa Type | Visa Fee (INR) | Service Fee (INR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | ₹2,900 | ₹1,973 | ₹4,873 |
| Double Entry | ₹4,400 | ₹1,973 | ₹6,373 |
| 6-Month Multiple Entry | ₹5,900 | ₹1,973 | ₹7,873 |
| 1-Year+ Multiple Entry | ₹8,800 | ₹1,973 | ₹10,773 |
For express processing (3-4 working days), add ₹1,800 to the visa fee and ₹935 to the service fee.34 Payment is accepted in cash or by demand draft.
The Chinese Embassy has extended reduced visa fees until December 31, 2025.4
What You Need to Prove
Chinese visa officers assess applications based on several factors:1
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings and detailed itinerary
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover all expenses without working in China
- Strong ties to India: Employment, property, family: reasons you will return
- Complete documentation: All documents meeting technical specifications with consistent information
Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Collection Day | Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4-6 working days | 6th working day | None |
| Express | 2-3 working days | 4th working day | ₹1,800 + ₹935 |
Processing times exclude weekends and public holidays in both China and India.2 Major holidays when CVASC is closed include Chinese New Year (late January/early February), Indian national holidays, and other announced closures.
Apply at least two weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and any potential delays.
CVASC Locations in India
Applications are processed based on your place of residence:12
| Center | Jurisdiction | Address |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Most Indian states | Concourse Floor, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001 |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra, Karnataka | Trade Centre, Level 5, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051 |
| Kolkata | Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal | China Visa Application Service Center, Kolkata |
Contact the Delhi center at +91-9999036735 or email delhicentre@visaforchina.org for queries.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is approved and stamped in your passport:
- Check the visa details: validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay
- The validity period is when you can enter China; the duration of stay is how long you can remain after entry
- You can enter China any time during the validity period
- Keep copies of your visa and travel documents
At Chinese immigration:
- Present your passport with visa
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your entry date
- Overstaying incurs penalties and may affect future visa applications
If Your Visa is Refused
If your China visa application is rejected:
- Review the rejection reason: While specific reasons may not always be provided, assess which documents may have been insufficient
- Address the issues: Improve photo quality, provide higher bank balance, strengthen employment documentation, or add missing documents
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication
- Seek professional help: Consider using a reputable visa agency for guidance on complex cases
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be resolved.5 A rejection does not permanently prevent future applications, but repeated rejections may affect your profile.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, application form errors, or documents that do not meet specifications. This is the leading cause of rejection for China visa applications.
How to avoid: Double-check every document against the official checklist before submission. Ensure the application form is completely filled with consistent information across all documents.
Photo Specification Issues
Photos that do not meet Chinese visa requirements: wrong size (must be 33mm × 48mm), incorrect background (must be white), poor quality, or not recent.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa specifications. Photos must be recent (within 6 months), with white background, front-facing, and neutral expression.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds, suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits, or inconsistent income documentation.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least ₹1,00,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits matching your employment letter. Avoid large deposits close to application date.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to India: unstable employment, no property, no family ties, or recently changed jobs.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure, property documents if owned, and mention family members in India. A strong cover letter explaining your ties helps significantly.
Inconsistent Information
Mismatches between application form and supporting documents: different dates, amounts, addresses, or details that do not align.
How to avoid: Carefully verify all information matches across documents. Cross-check dates, names, addresses, and amounts before submission.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas, previous rejections not disclosed, or violations during past visits to China or other countries.
How to avoid: Always disclose previous visa rejections honestly. If you have overstay history, wait and build a stronger profile before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from India?
Standard processing takes 4-6 working days with collection on the 6th working day. Express service is available for 2-3 working days with an additional fee of ₹1,800. Processing times exclude weekends and Chinese/Indian holidays.
What is the China tourist visa fee for Indian citizens in 2025?
The visa fee is ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for six-month multiple entry, and ₹8,800 for one-year or longer multiple entry. Additionally, CVASC service fees apply: ₹1,973 for regular service or ₹2,908 for express service.
Where can I apply for a China visa in India?
You can apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. Your application location depends on your jurisdiction: Delhi handles most regions, Mumbai handles Maharashtra and Karnataka, and Kolkata handles Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?
A single-entry L visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The duration is determined by the visa officer based on your itinerary and supporting documents. Extensions can be requested at local Public Security Bureau offices in China.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a China visa?
No appointment is required since November 2023. You can submit your application documents at the CVASC on any working day during submission hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for regular service). However, you must apply in person as fingerprint collection is required.
Is fingerprint collection mandatory for China visa?
Yes, fingerprint biometrics are required for most applicants. Exemptions apply to children under 14 years old, adults over 70 years old, diplomatic passport holders, and those who have had fingerprints collected for a Chinese visa within the last 5 years.
Can I get a multiple-entry China visa?
First-time applicants typically receive single-entry visas. If you have traveled to China in the past five years with good compliance history, you may be eligible for multiple-entry visas. The visa officer makes this determination based on your travel history and documentation.
What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?
Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form, passport photos (33mm × 48mm, white background), round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, cover letter, bank statements (minimum ₹1,00,000), and employment proof. Fingerprints are collected at the CVASC.
Can I apply for a China visa online?
The application form must be completed online through the CVASC website. However, you must submit your documents in person at the CVASC for fingerprint collection. A new online system launched in December 2025 allows document upload, but passport submission and biometrics still require an in-person visit.
What happens if my China visa is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. There is no mandatory waiting period. Review your documents for errors, ensure all requirements are met, and consider seeking assistance from a visa agency. Common fixes include providing higher bank balance, clearer photos, and complete documentation.