China Visa for Indians:
Your Guide to Types, Eligibility & Checklist
If you are looking for a China visa for Indians, you've come to the right place. This guide lays out everything you must know. It is simple to understand. It follows SEO best practices with small sentences, headings, and transitions. You will find visa types, eligibility criteria, application steps, and document checklists. All details are drawn from official Chinese Government sources in India.
Types of China Visas for Indians
China issues both ordinary visas and other special categories. Here are the main types that Indian passport holders can apply for:
- L visa (Tourist Visa) — for tourism and sightseeing.
- M visa (Business Visa) — for commercial and trade visits.
- Z visa (Work Visa) — for those who plan to work in China.
- X1 visa (Long‑term Study Visa) — for study periods exceeding 180 days.
- X2 visa (Short‑term Study Visa) — for study under 180 days.
- Q1 visa (Family Reunion Long‑Term) — for extended stays visiting Chinese citizens/PR.
- Q2 visa (Family Visit Short‑Term) — for short family visits.
- S1 & S2 visas (Private Affairs) — for visiting foreigners working/studying in China or other personal reasons.
- R visa (Talent Visa) — for high‑level talents.
- G visa (Transit Visa) — for transiting through China.
- C/D/E (Crew or Economic Zone visas) — limited use for crew members or specific zones.
This classification follows the Chinese Government categories. It is consistent with Embassy guidance and national regulations.
Eligibility Criteria for China Visas for Indians
Eligibility depends on visa type. All Indian applicants must have:
- A valid passport with at least six months' validity and blank pages.
- A completed visa application form (COVA online) and printed confirmation.
- Fingerprints—these are now required at Visa Centres and may be reused if previously captured.
Additional requirements vary by visa type, as shown below.
Visa-specific Document Checklists
Here’s what you need for each major visa category:
Visa-specific Document Checklists
- Valid passport (≥6 months, blank pages).
- Completed application form + confirmation page.
- Passport‑size photos.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) or invitation letter.
- Round‑trip flight itinerary.
- Personal covering letter describing your travel plan.
Business Visa (M visa)
- Completed application form + confirmation page.
- Valid passport with blank pages.
- Photos.
- Invitation letter from a Chinese business partner.
- Evidence of commercial purpose (trade fair invites, etc.).
Work Visa (Z visa)
- Completed the application form and confirmation.
- Valid passport.
- Photos.
- Official Notice of Foreigner's Work Permit from China.
Student Visas (X1 / X2)
- Application form + confirmation.
- Passport.
- Photos.
- An admission letter from a Chinese institution.
- JW201 or JW202 form (required for student visa issuance).
Family Visit Visas (Q1 / Q2)
- Application form + confirmation.
- Passport.
- Photos.
- Letter of invitation from a family member in China.
- Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate, kinship certificate).
Private Affairs Visas (S1 / S2)
- Application form + confirmation.
- Passport.
- Photos.
- An invitation from a foreigner in China.
- Proof of relationship and kinship documentation attested by the Embassy/Consulate.
Talent Visa (R visa)
- Application form + confirmation.
- Passport.
- Photos.
- Confirmation letter for high‑level foreign talents.
Transit Visa (G visa)
- Application form + confirmation.
- Passport.
- Photos.
- Purpose and itinerary of transit.
Visa Type
Key Documents Needed
L Tourism
passport, photos, itinerary, hotel or invite
M Business
passport, photos, invite, business documents
Z Work
passport, photos, work permit notice
X1 / X2 Study (long/short term)
passport, photos, school admission, JW form
Q1 / Q2 Family visit (long/short term)
passport, photos, invite, proof of relationship
S1 / S2 Private / personal affairs
passport, photos, invite, kinship proof
R Talent
passport, photos, talent confirmation letter
G Transit
passport, photos, itinerary
Fees & Service Details for Indian Applicants
Visa fees for Indian citizens (as of early 2025):
- Single‑entry ordinary visa: ₹2,900 (excluding visa‑centre service charges).
- Double‑entry visa: ₹4,400 (excluding service charges).
Visitors should book the visa appointment through the Online Visa Application (COVA) and ensure CAPTCHA/AVAS confirmation, which grants the slot.
