India is formally reopening its borders to Chinese tourists. According to an official statement from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, Chinese citizens can apply for Indian tourist visas starting 24 July 2025. This announcement marks the end of a five-year suspension triggered by deteriorating diplomatic relations.
The update was released via China’s social media platform Weibo, along with step-by-step instructions for submitting visa applications.
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Why India Halted Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals
India’s ban on Chinese tourist visas began in 2020, following the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While India later resumed tourist visa issuance to most countries, restrictions on Chinese nationals remained due to escalating tensions after the Galwan Valley conflict in June 2020.
Key developments during this period included:
- India refusing to authenticate Chinese tourist visas (as of April 2022)
- A ban on numerous Chinese mobile applications
- Suspension of direct flights between the two countries
- Stricter regulations on Chinese investments
- China’s reluctance to allow over 22,000 Indian students to return to Chinese universities
New Indian Tourist Visa Process for Chinese Citizens
Chinese nationals can now apply for Indian tourist visas through a clear, structured process:
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- Online Application
Fill out the Indian tourist visa form online and print it. - Book an Appointment
Schedule a time to present documents in person. - In-Person Submission
Personally visit a designated Indian Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Biometric data will be collected, and all documents must be verified face-to-face to ensure a secure and efficient application process.
Required Documents for Chinese Applicants
To increase your chances of approval, ensure that you meet the following conditions and prepare all required documents:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least six months |
| Completed Application | Filled online and printed |
| Copy of Chinese ID | Both front and back sides |
| Recent Photograph | As per visa photo standards |
| Proof of Travel | Copy of return or onward flight ticket |
| Financial Proof | Bank statement showing at least ¥70,000 (~$13,978.19) or a certificate of guarantee |
| Travel Itinerary | Detailed and signed by the applicant |
| Financial Undertaking | Proof of sufficient funds to support the trip |
Incomplete applications will be rejected, and processing generally takes three business days.
Where to Apply
Applicants must submit their documents in person at one of the following Indian Visa Application Centres in China:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
Signs of a Diplomatic Thaw
This policy shift comes months after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing in January 2025. The diplomatic engagement resulted in renewed collaboration, including:
- Plans to resume direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing
- Discussions to reopen the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage routes
These steps mark a broader move to restore bilateral ties and promote cultural exchange.
What This Means for Travel Between India and China
The visa resumption signals a key moment in post-pandemic recovery. It revives potential for tourism, education, spiritual travel, and trade between Asia’s two largest nations.
As China’s outbound travel rebounds in 2025, Indian tour operators and businesses have a renewed opportunity to re-engage this vital travel market.
This decision goes beyond administrative procedures—it is a symbol of reconciliation, reconnecting people, businesses, and cultures through travel.
