Indian nationals applying for Chinese visas can avoid visa application centre service fees under a new system introduced on October 26, as Beijing moves to accept applications directly through its embassy and consulates in India.

 

The changes are intended to streamline applications for Indian tourists, business travellers and students, with applicants still required to complete an online review before submitting their passports and other documents in person. China has also extended its reduced visa fee schedule for Indian passport holders until December 31, 2026, Business Today reports.

The move comes as China and India continue to rebuild travel and business links following years of strained relations. For Indian nationals planning a trip to China, the revised process could mean lower costs and a more direct route to applying for a visa.

Visa applications now handled directly

From October 26, the Chinese Embassy in India and the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai began directly accepting and processing visa applications and consular legalisation requests, effectively cutting visa application centres out of the process. According to a notice on the website of the Chinese Embassy in India, applications from the Kolkata consular district are temporarily being handled there.

Otherwise, applicants must use the relevant diplomatic mission according to where they live:

1. Mumbai: Residents of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

2. New Delhi: Residents of other states and union territories, including those whose applications would previously have fallen under the Kolkata consular district while its services are temporarily transferred.

The new arrangements replace the previous visa application centre process for the relevant applications. Removing the service-centre fee offers a potential cost saving, although applicants must still pay the applicable visa fee and meet all documentation requirements.

How to apply for a Chinese visa

The application process begins online. Applicants must complete the official visa form and upload the required supporting documents for review.

They must then wait until they receive confirmation that the online review has been approved before submitting their physical passport and other paperwork at the relevant diplomatic mission. Once notified, applicants have 30 days to visit the relevant embassy or consulate. Any required fingerprints will be collected at this stage.

Standard processing takes seven working days from the day after the passport is submitted, while express processing takes four working days, according to the Embassy website. These timings do not include the online review stage, so travellers should allow additional time (between four and six weeks) before departure.

The reduced visa fee schedule for Indian passport holders has been extended through the end of 2026. However, applicants should check the latest official fee notice for the cost of their particular visa and any applicable processing charges.

Payments under the new arrangements are made when the passport and visa are collected, according to the relevant diplomatic mission's instructions.

Which visa types are covered?

The revised process covers applications for travel to mainland China, including common categories such as:

1. Tourist visas (L) for holidays and sightseeing.

2. Business visas (M) for eligible commercial visits.

3. Student visas (X) for study.

4. Work visas (Z) for employment in China.

Applicants must provide the documents required for their particular visa category. The new process does not remove the underlying eligibility requirements or guarantee that an application will be approved.

For example, business visa applicants may need a detailed invitation letter and supporting company documents. A general statement that the trip is for business meetings may not be sufficient: the stated purpose and duration of the visit should be specific.

What about fingerprints?

Until December 31, 2026, applicants for short-term visas allowing stays of no more than 180 days are generally exempt from fingerprint collection under the current policy.

Longer-term applicants and certain categories — including many work and long-term study visa applicants — will still need to submit to fingerprinting. Other exemptions apply to some applicants, including children under 14 and people over 70.

What this means for Indian travellers to China

The changes should make the application process more straightforward for Indian nationals travelling to China, particularly by removing the additional service-centre fee and clarifying where documents must be submitted.

However, the online pre-review remains an essential step, and applicants should not leave the process until the last minute. For Indian professionals travelling to China for meetings or commercial activities, the revised process offers a more direct application route. But the usual requirements remain: choose the correct visa category, provide accurate information and ensure that supporting documents match the purpose of the trip.

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Keywords: China visa applications