China has introduced a new online visa application system for Indian travelers, a move aimed at simplifying paperwork and reducing in-person visits as Beijing and New Delhi cautiously restore people-to-people ties after years of disruption. Launched by the Chinese Embassy in India, the system allows applicants to complete key stages of the visa process digitally from December 22, 2025.
The initiative comes at a time of a wider thaw in relations between India and China, including the resumption of tourist visas, commercial flights and pilgrimages.
What exactly did China announce?
The launch of the China Online Visa Application System was confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador to India in a post on X.
Under the new system, applicants can fill visa forms and upload supporting documents online through the official portal:
visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/qianzh
From 22 December 2025, Indian applicants no longer need to complete the initial paperwork entirely in person, making the process much simpler.
How does the new online Chinese visa application system work?
According to the official notice issued by the China Visa Service Center in New Delhi, applicants must now:
- Visit the center’s official website
- Create or sign in to their account
- Complete the visa application form online
- Upload all required supporting documents digitally
The notification emphasizes that applicants must carefully follow the step-by-step instructions given on the portal.
It is essential that before submitting their physical passport and other documents at the visa centre, applicants must ensure that the status of their application is ‘online review complete’ and that they have received a confirmation email.
“This is a must read!” notice highlights and emphasizes that incomplete online submissions will not be accepted offline.
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Which visa categories are covered?
The online platform currently supports several major visa categories, including:
- tourist visa (L)
- Business Visa (M)
- Student visa (X)
- Work visas (Z)
Applicants can electronically fill out forms, upload documents and schedule biometric appointments. While submitting biometrics will still require one in-person visit, the overall process is expected to reduce the number of consulate visits from two to one.
Visa
Charge
Fee category
Amount (Inr)
Indian
Citizen
OUR
Citizen
OUR
Citizen
(JVisa)
Canadian
Citizen
Argentine
Citizen
Brazilian
Citizen
Israeli
Citizen
Panamanian
Citizen
Third
Country
Citizen
Romania
Citizen
Serbia
Citizen
Uruguay
Citizen
Single entry
2900
11500
14200
3900
7700
7100
1400
3200
2000
4700
150
2600
Double entry
4400
11500
14200
3900
7700
7100
1400
3200
3000
6200
150
2600
Semi-annual multiple entry
5900
11500
14200
3900
7700
7100
1400
3200
4100
9300
150
2600
One year multiple entry
8800
11500
14200
3900
7700
7100
1400
3200
6100
9300
150
2600
Surcharge for express service
2700/1800
Group visa
1800
Service
Charge
Regular service
(expected 6th working day collection)
1973 (including service tax)
Express service
(expected collection 4th business day)
2908 (including service tax)
Postal service
2908 (including service tax)
Premium Lounge service
2908 (including service tax)
1. Visa fees are collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
2. Application Service Fees are charged by the Center and are non-refundable.
3. Total amount of fees to be paid by the applicant = visa fees + cash/DD application fees.
4. For express service (4th working day pickup expected), you will need to submit your application by 12:00 PM and collect your visa after 3:00 PM on the 4th working day afternoon.
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5. The fee schedule will be adjusted every quarter according to the exchange rate of USD and Rs.
Can applicants track their visa status online?
Yes. One of the key features of the new system is real-time application tracking, allowing applicants to track progress without repeated visits or phone calls.
Visa fees can also be paid in Indian rupees through UnionPay, helping applicants avoid foreign exchange surcharges usually associated with foreign payments.
Where is the Chinese Visa Center located in Delhi?
The China Visa Service Center in New Delhi will continue to operate alongside the online system.
Location: Concourse Floor, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
The Chinese ambassador to X also shared the address and contact details.
How does this fit into the broader visa reset between India and China?
The move follows confirmation by India’s Ministry of External Affairs that the visa regime for Chinese nationals is now fully operational after a five-year suspension triggered by border clashes in 2020.
India has officially resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals worldwide in November 2025, following a limited reopening that began in July. Business visas have already been renewed earlier.
