Travelling between India and China has grown steadily, whether for business, education, or leisure. At Skytime, we often receive questions from travellers about entry requirements for China. The most common question is simple: Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit China? Let’s break it down clearly so you can plan your journey with confidence.

Do Indians Require a Visa for China?

Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to China. Unlike some destinations that allow visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, China requires Indians to apply for a visa in advance through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Types of Visas Available

The type of visa you’ll need depends on the purpose of your trip:

• Tourist Visa (L Visa): For leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends.

• Business Visa (M Visa): For trade fairs, meetings, and commercial activities

• Work Visa (Z Visa): For employment opportunities in China.

• Student Visa (X Visa): For pursuing academic studies or long-term courses.

• China Group Tour Visa (Authorised Tour Company Visa): The China Group Tour Visa, also commonly referred to as a Group Visa, is a special type of visa issued to tourists travelling to China in an organised group through an authorised tour company.

Key Features:

• Group-based: This visa is issued to a group (usually a minimum of 2 people) rather than to individuals. All travellers under the same group visa must enter and exit China together.

• Single document: Instead of a separate visa sticker in each passport, the group visa is usually issued as a single sheet of paper, listing all group members’ names and passport details.

• Organised by authorised tour companies: Only government-approved tour operators can arrange this visa on behalf of travellers.

• Limited validity: The visa is generally valid only for the specific travel dates and itinerary arranged by the authorised tour company.

• Simplified process: Compared to individual visas, the group visa process is usually faster and requires fewer documents since the responsibility lies with the authorised company.

• Requirements:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and blank pages).

  • Confirmed round-trip air tickets.

  • Hotel bookings (usually provided by the tour company).

  • Completed application form (handled by the tour company).

  • Group members must stay together during the entire trip.

• Advantages:

  • Easier and faster approval process compared to individual visas.

  • Lower documentation requirements for tourists.

  • Cost-effective for travellers joining packaged group tours.

• Limitations:

  • Cannot be converted into an individual visa.

  • Travellers must follow the group itinerary strictly.

  • Not suitable for solo travellers or those wanting flexible travel plans.

Each category has specific requirements, so ensuring you apply for the right one is essential.

Application Process for Indian Travellers

1. Complete the Online Application Form on the official Chinese visa service website.
   
   
   

2. Gather Required Documents, including a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity and blank pages), recent photographs, travel itinerary, and hotel/flight bookings.
   
   
   

3. Submit at the Embassy/Consulate – Applications must be lodged in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or the respective consulate.
   
   
   

4. Pay the Fee – Visa charges vary depending on the type of visa and processing speed.
   
   
   

5. Collect Your Visa – Processing usually takes 4–5 working days, with express options available.
   
   
   

Exceptions and Special Cases

China does allow short visa-free transit stays in certain cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu) for up to 72 or 144 hours, provided you are flying onward to a third country. However, this does not apply to leisure trips — it is strictly for international transit passengers.

Travel Tips from Skytime

• Apply Early: Submit your application at least a month before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
  
  
  

• Check Latest Guidelines: Visa rules can change, so always verify requirements through the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre before applying.
  
  
  

• Keep Documents Handy: Immigration officers may ask for proof of hotel bookings, return tickets, or financial stability.
  
  

• Plan with Confidence: At Skytime,best tour operators in kerala.we recommend finalising your travel plans only after securing your visa to avoid last-minute changes. If you are looking for the best China tour package, Skytime can help you plan everything seamlessly once your visa is approved.
  
  
  

Final Word

To sum up, Indians do require a visa to visit China, and the process is straightforward if you prepare your documents in advance. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, knowing the visa requirements ensures a smooth journey.

At Skytime-best tour operators in kerala, we are here to help you plan hassle-free travel experiences — from choosing the right package to guiding you with reliable travel information.