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      Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy
      You may need a visa to travel

      Travel requirements to China for Indian citizens

      If you're travelling from India to China, the first step is understanding the visa requirements. Securing the right visa makes your entry into China as smooth as possible. Let's explore all the necessary travel documents, visa types, and health requirements for Indian citizens visiting China.

      China visa requirements for Indian citizens

      Travellers need a visa to visit China for Business or Tourism.

      Travellers must obtain a paper or embassy visa from an embassy, consulate or visa center before travelling.

      Travellers must first log in to the China Online Visa Application System to complete the online visa form and upload required documents. Once the application status shows “Passport to be submitted,” travellers must visit the visa center to submit the required documents.

      Please visit the government website for guidance on visa applications.

      Travellers in groups of 2 or more taking cruises organized by domestic travel agencies in China don’t need a visa for a maximum stay of 15 days if departing from Tianjin, Dalian, Liaoning, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, Wenzhou and Zhoushan, Zhejiang, Xiamen, Fujian, Qingdao, Shandong, Guangzhou, or Guangdong cruise ports and travelling to specific destinations within China. Travellers must accompany the same cruise ship to the next port and stay in China for no more than 15 days.

      Different requirements may apply to travellers transiting through China for a maximum of 240 hours if they are transiting through certain airports. Please visit the government website for the list of eligible transit airports and transit conditions, or contact your nearest embassy for further details.

      China Online Visa Application

      Complete online

      Travellers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from China.

      This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers:

      • Nationals of China
      • Foreign nationals residing in China.

      Travellers can complete their required arrival card online before arrival in China. The online service will be available through a government portal, WeChat (Alipay) mini-program, or by scanning a QR code.

      Travellers who cannot complete the form online can do so upon arrival by scanning a QR code, using devices at their port of entry, or filling out a paper card.

      The following travellers do not need to complete an arrival card:

      • Travellers with a valid People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
      • Travellers with a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)
      • Travellers holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry
      • Travellers transiting directly without leaving the restricted area of the port
      • Travellers entering and exiting with the same cruise ship
      • Travellers entering through fast lanes
      • Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.

      Travellers must have proof of accommodation during their stay in China.

      Travellers need a valid passport to enter China.

      The traveller's passport must remain valid throughout the traveller's stay in China.

      Travellers should consider:

      • Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines
      • Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas
      • Routine vaccines including Measles
      • Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for extended stays or rural activities (not recommended for short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese Encephalitis season).

      Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.

      Step-by-step guide to China visa applications

      For Indian citizens travelling to China, it's important to find out the type of visa you need. Check if you need a single-entry eVisa, multiple-entry eVisa, or a visa on arrival. Once you know, you'll be ready to apply.
      Complete the online visa application. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you have all the required documents. You may need a passport valid for at least six months after your visit, a return ticket, and proof of enough funds to cover any fees.
      Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive an email with your eVisa and important instructions. Be sure to read everything carefully.

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      Visa FAQs: For Indian citizens travelling to China

      If your visa application is denied, review the reason given by the Chinese consulate or embassy. Address any issues or missing information that may have caused the denial. You may have the option to reapply with the corrected or additional information. Consulting a visa specialist or immigration attorney can help you understand your next steps and improve your chances of approval.
      If you lose your visa while in China, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They can guide you on obtaining a replacement visa or emergency travel documents. It's advisable to keep digital copies of important travel documents, including your visa and passport, to expedite replacement.
      Yes, Indian citizens can easily apply for an eVisa online. You can apply for both single entry and multiple entry eVisas by filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email, making the application process convenient and efficient.
      Generally, no specific health checks or vaccinations are required when applying for a China visa. However, you should be aware of the following health-related regulations in place while in China:
      • Health screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you're coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.
      While these are the current regulations, it is always advisable to check for any updates or changes to health requirements closer to your travel date.