China, with its astounding economic growth and technological advancements, has also opened its doors wide to welcome tourists to explore its incredible attractions. While the Great Wall of China is world-famous, the country offers a wealth of other tourist treasures waiting to be discovered. If you’re eager to explore China’s vast tourism offerings, this guide will help you obtain a China tourist visa. Read on to learn more about the process and requirements for Indian travelers.

What is a China Tourist Visa?

The China Tourist Visa, officially categorized as an ‘L’ category visa by the Chinese government, is designed for visitors who intend to explore China for tourism purposes. China has various visa categories, each represented by a letter of the alphabet. Typically, tourists are granted single-entry visas for a stay of 30 days. However, double-entry and multiple-entry visas can also be obtained.

The duration of your China tourist visa can vary from 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and even up to 10 years for U.S. passport holders. The specific duration granted depends on your requirements and is typically determined by the Chinese government.

How to Obtain a China Tourist Visa from India

The application process for a China tourist visa is primarily offline, and online applications are not accepted by the Chinese authorities. Given the sensitivity of the visa procedure, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from experienced visa service providers. Simplify Visas, with its extensive experience in visa consulting, can guide you through the process.

Here are the steps to obtain a China tourist visa:

1. Obtain Application Form: Obtain the China tourist visa application form from an approved agency, the China Embassy in India, or a consulate. Online applications are not available.

2. Document Submission: Complete the application form and gather all the necessary documents.

3. Self-Verification: Before attaching the documents to the application form, carefully self-verify each document to ensure accuracy.

4. Submission: Submit your application form and verified documents to the designated visa application center or an approved agency. The submission of applications via email is not accepted and may result in rejection.

5. Processing Time: Typically, it takes a minimum of 4 working days for the embassy to process your visa application.

Eligibility for China Tourist Visa

Before completing the China tourist visa application form, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria:

• The China tourist visa is exclusively for tourism purposes. Engaging in business or work activities is not allowed under this visa category, as it violates Chinese regulations.
• You must provide a travel itinerary and confirmed hotel bookings.
• While a return flight ticket is recommended, it’s acceptable even if it’s not confirmed. Visa providers can guide you on the requirements for return flight tickets.
• If you are invited by a guest, family member, friend, or relative, you must include an invitation letter with your application.
• Indian nationals holding Indian passports are eligible to apply for a China tourist visa. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your intended date of travel to China.

Documents Required for China Tourist Visa

Accurate and complete documentation is crucial to avoid delays in the visa application process. When applying for a China tourist visa from India, be sure to include the following documents with your application form:

• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in China.
• Two color photographs.
• A covering letter detailing your travel plans and personal details.
• Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months, accompanied by a bank certificate.
• Confirmed hotel booking on hotel letterhead with passenger details (online portal bookings are not accepted).
• Confirmed air ticket.
• Travel itinerary.
• Original leave sanction from your school, college, or company.

China Tourist Visa Photo Specification

Ensure your passport photos meet these specifications:

• Size: Must be scaled between 33mm width and 48mm length.
• Color: Photos must be submitted in color with natural skin tones.
• Head size and position: The head must measure between 15mm and 22mm in width and between 28mm and 33mm in length.
• Freshness: Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months.
• Background: Plain white.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral expression.
• Eyes & Ears: Both eyes must be open, and both ears must be fully visible.
• Glasses: Only thin-rimmed eyewear is allowed; sunglasses are not permitted.
• Headgear: Headgear is not allowed unless worn for religious purposes.
• Attire: Clothing should not match the background.
• Beard: Optional.
• Quantity: You need to submit two photos with your application.

China Tourist Visa Processing Time

As previously mentioned, the processing time for a China tourist visa depends on the accuracy of your documentation and the verification process. Therefore, self-verifying your documents before submitting your application is strongly recommended. The estimated processing time is a minimum of 4 days.

For travelers with urgent requirements, the Chinese government offers an express service, which can expedite the visa processing time.

China Tourist Visa Fees

The fees for a China tourist visa cover various service charges and can vary based on factors such as the type of entry, visa duration, and urgency. These fees are determined by the embassy and may change over time. It’s important to verify the exact charges at the time of your application.

Here is a summary of fees for different types of entries:

After Submission

After self-verifying your documents to meet the embassy or consultancy’s requirements, you must submit them to the embassy or consulate. Subsequently, you may need to await verification by the China embassy.

It is advisable not to make any transactions from the bank account mentioned in your application form during this period.

How to Check Visa Status

To track the status of your tourist visa application, you will need certain documents or information, including your passport number and application ID. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of the China Embassy in India.
2. Locate the section for tracking visa applications.
3. Enter your application number, name, and birthdate (if the option is available).
4. Alternatively, you can track your China tourist visa through various online portals using your name (as specified in the application form), birthdate, passport number, and application number.
5. Upon submitting your application, you will receive a tracking ID that can be used to monitor your application status through the embassy’s website.

When You Have the Visa

With your China tourist visa in hand, you are free to enjoy various tourism-related activities in the country. However, it’s important to note the following do’s and don’ts while holding this visa:

Before and While Traveling:

• Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your intended date of travel to China.
• Your length of stay in China is determined by the government and can be 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. Keep track of your visa’s expiry date to avoid complications.
• Any damage to your passport violates the rules and regulations set by the Government of China.

After Entering China:

• Always carry photocopies of your passport when visiting various locations in China.
• Be prepared to present your identification documents, including your passport and any requested identification, such as a Pan Card, to Chinese immigration officials.