India is officially reopening its borders to Chinese tourists. Beginning July 24, 2025, Chinese nationals can once again apply for tourist visas to visit India, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Beijing. This move comes after a five-year suspension that followed a severe downturn in bilateral relations.
The Indian Embassy shared the update via Chinese social media platform Weibo, outlining the step-by-step process for applying and submitting visa applications.
Why India Suspended Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens
The ban dates back to 2020, during the global COVID-19 outbreak. India suspended all tourist visas at the time but continued restricting Chinese citizens even after reopening to other nationalities.
The government extended the freeze as diplomatic tensions worsened, especially following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The fallout was swift:
- India invalidated Chinese tourist visas in April 2022
- Dozens of Chinese apps were banned
- Direct flights between the two countries were halted
- India imposed restrictions on Chinese investment
Another sticking point was China’s delay in allowing over 22,000 Indian students to return to Chinese universities, which fueled tensions further.
New Indian Tourist Visa Process for Chinese Nationals
Chinese citizens can now apply for tourist visas to visit India by following a specific procedure:
- Online Application: Fill out the Indian tourist visa application form online and print it.
- Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment online for document submission.
- In-Person Submission: Personally visit one of the designated Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou with the required documents.
Applicants must submit their applications in person, allowing officials to capture biometrics and thoroughly review documents to ensure a secure, streamlined process.
Basic Requirements for Chinese Citizens Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa
To ensure your application is successful, prepare the following documents and fulfil these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity required |
| Completed Application Form | Filled online and printed |
| Chinese ID Card Copy | Both sides, attached to the form |
| Recent Photograph | As per visa specifications |
| Proof of Travel | Copy of return or onward air ticket |
| Bank Statement or Guarantee | Minimum RMB 100,000 or guarantee certificate |
| Detailed Travel Itinerary | Signed by the applicant |
| Financial Undertaking | Proof of sufficient funds for travel |
Note: All documentation must be submitted in person, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Generally, visa processing takes about 3 working days after submitting all required documents.
Where to Apply
Chinese citizens can apply for an Indian tourist visa by completing the online form, booking an appointment, and personally submitting their passport and required documents at Indian Visa Application Centres in:
Signs of a Diplomatic Thaw
The decision to lift the ban comes months after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing in January 2025. That visit produced several key agreements:
- Resumption of direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing.
- Plans to reopen the pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
Both countries are taking steps to reset ties and revive people-to-people connections that remained frozen for years.
What This Means for Travel Between India and China
The visa reopening marks the start of post-pandemic travel recovery, with renewed opportunities for tourism, business, education, and spiritual visits between the two nations.
China’s massive outbound travel market is set to rebound in 2025, giving Indian tour operators and hotels a chance to actively re-engage and attract visitors.
Final Thoughts
India’s move to reopen tourist visas for Chinese citizens is more than procedural; it’s a signal to rebuild ties and revive cultural and travel exchanges. For Chinese tourists eager to explore India’s history and spirituality, the door is open once again.
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