Indian citizens planning travel to China will encounter significant changes to the visa application process starting October 26. The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai will now directly manage all visa and consular legalisation applications, a shift from the previous system that utilized visa application centers across India.
Understanding the New Visa Application System
Under the revised system, all applicants must first complete an online application and secure approval for their documents before proceeding with an in-person submission of their passport and supporting paperwork. This new requirement applies to a broad range of travelers, including tourists, business visitors, and individuals seeking consular legalisation services.
Key Changes from October 26
- The visa application centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata ceased accepting new applications from October 26.
- The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai are now the primary points of contact for applications.
- Applications originating from Kolkata will be temporarily managed by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.
- Applicants who submitted documents before the change can collect their processed papers from the former centers until noon on October 30, 2026.
Where to Submit Your Application
Your residential jurisdiction will determine where you need to submit your application:
- Maharashtra and Karnataka: Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai.
- West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh: Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.
- All other states and Union Territories: Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.
For consular legalisation, the jurisdiction is based on the location where the documents were initially issued.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Online Application: Begin by filling out the visa application form via the official Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa application portal. Ensure all required documents are uploaded during this stage.
- Online Review Approval: Wait for your online application and documents to be approved. This review period may extend the overall processing time.
- In-Person Submission: Once online approval is granted, applicants must submit their passport, a printed copy of the application form, and all supporting documents in person within 30 days.
It is strongly advised that travelers initiate their application process four to six weeks before their intended departure date to account for the online review and any potential document corrections.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
For online applications submitted after 5 PM on October 23, 2026, the previous visa application center service fee will no longer apply. Any service fees paid prior to this date will not be refunded.
The reduced visa fee schedule for Indian passport holders remains valid until December 31, 2026:
- Single-entry visa: ₹2,900
- Double-entry visa: ₹4,400
- Six-month multiple entry visa: ₹5,900
- One-year or longer multiple entry visa: ₹8,800
- Group visa: ₹1,800 per applicant
Expedited processing options are available at an additional cost: ₹1,800 for express processing and ₹2,700 for urgent processing.
Fingerprint Exemptions and Document Requirements
Applicants for short-term visas, valid for stays up to 180 days, are generally exempt from fingerprint collection until December 31, 2026. However, certain long-term visas for study, work, or family reunion may still necessitate fingerprint submission.
Visa photographs must adhere to specific dimensions of 33mm × 48mm and feature a white background. Tourist visa applicants should also be aware of financial documentation requirements, which typically include six months of bank statements demonstrating an average monthly balance of at least ₹1 lakh, or an eligible deposit certificate for a similar amount held for a minimum of three months.
Planning ahead and preparing all necessary documents meticulously will help ensure a smoother visa application experience under the new system.