China Simplifies Visa Process for Indian Travelers, Issuing Over 50,000 Visas in 2025

China has issued over 50,000 visas to Indian travelers in 2025, reflecting efforts to simplify the visa process. Recent changes include removing online appointment requirements, exempting short-term visitors from biometric data collection, reducing visa fees, and expediting processing times. These measures aim to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. Highlighting springtime attractions, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong invited more Indian visitors to experience the season firsthand. The relaxed policies mark a shift from pandemic-era restrictions, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

As of March 17, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued over 50,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. This milestone reflects a series of initiatives designed to streamline the visa process for Indian visitors, making travel between the two neighboring nations more accessible and hassle-free.

Recent changes to the visa application process include the elimination of mandatory online appointments, the removal of biometric data collection requirements for short-term stays, and a reduction in visa fees. These measures aim to strengthen cross-border connections and encourage more Indian travelers to explore China.

Highlighting this effort, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed his enthusiasm for fostering closer ties, stating, "While flowers blossom in spring, we welcome more Indian friends to visit China and get a first-hand experience of China in spring."

Key Simplifications for Indian Travelers

China has implemented multiple traveler-friendly updates to its visa process, making it more convenient for Indian citizens:

1. No Online Appointment Requirement: Indian applicants can now submit their visa applications without the need to book online appointments, ensuring a quicker and more efficient process.

   
   

2. Exemption from Biometric Data Collection for Short-Term Stays: Visitors traveling to China for short durations no longer need to provide biometric data, saving both time and effort.

   
   

3. Lower Visa Fees: The cost of applying for a Chinese visa has been reduced, making travel to China more affordable for Indian tourists and businesspeople.

   
   

4. Accelerated Processing Times: The visa approval process has been streamlined to allow for faster issuance, benefiting travelers with tight schedules.

   
   

Promoting Tourism and Cultural Exchange

China has actively encouraged Indian tourists to visit its diverse cultural and scenic destinations, particularly during the vibrant spring season. Seasonal festivals, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks have been emphasized as key attractions.

Overcoming Challenges of the Past

In recent years, travel between India and China faced significant disruptions due to pandemic-related restrictions and diplomatic challenges. Visa processing was suspended for an extended period, and even after reopening, travelers encountered strict entry requirements, including additional documentation, quarantine protocols, and limited visa availability.

Although China resumed issuing visas to Indian students and business travelers in 2022, general travel remained constrained. The latest visa relaxations represent a positive shift toward removing barriers, fostering tourism, and enhancing opportunities for business and academic exchanges between the two nations.

With these new measures in place, the growing ease of travel is set to strengthen bonds and promote deeper cultural and economic connections between India and China.