The Chinese Embassy in India has extended its reduced visa fee policy for Indian travelers until December 31, 2025. This initiative is part of China's ongoing efforts to facilitate smoother travel for foreign visitors and strengthen ties between the two nations.

Visa Fee Details

The reduced visa fees remain unchanged under the extended policy:

• Single-entry visa: Rs.2,900
• Double-entry visa: Rs.4,400
• Six-month multiple-entry visa: Rs.5,900
• 12-month or longer multiple-entry visa: Rs.8,800
• Group visas and official group visas: Rs.1,800 per applicant

These measures build on cost-reduction policies introduced last year to promote increased travel and cultural exchange between India and China.

India-China Border Progress

The announcement coincides with significant progress in discussions between India and China regarding border stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed that both countries have achieved a "broad consensus" to restore stability in certain disputed regions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized this progress during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24, 2024, stating, "Continuous dialogue brings solutions." The MoD also highlighted the Indian Army's high level of operational readiness and infrastructure development along the border, aligning with the government’s "Viksit Bharat Vision" for national security enhancement.

Simplified Visa Application Process

In August 2024, the Chinese Embassy introduced updated guidelines to simplify the visa application process for Indian citizens. These updates included streamlined application procedures, clarified jurisdictional requirements, and enhanced document submission methods.

Jurisdictional Processing

Visa applications are processed based on regional jurisdictions:

Mumbai Consulate: Residents of Maharashtra and Karnataka

Kolkata Consulate: Residents of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal

New Delhi Embassy: Residents of all other regions

Applications must be submitted through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.

Key Updates in SubmissionDirect Submission Without Appointment:

From November 2023, applicants can submit their documents directly at the Visa Center on any working day without prior appointments. Same-day processing is available for complete applications.

Fingerprint Exemptions:

Fingerprint collection exemptions apply to:

• Children under 14 and adults over 70 years
• Applicants who provided fingerprints within the past five years using the same passport
• Individuals with uncollectible fingerprints
• Temporary exemptions are available for short-term visa applicants.

Processing Times:

Express service: 3 working days
Regular service: 4 working days
Required Documents

Applicants need to provide the following:

Completed visa application form

Passport valid for at least 6-months with 2 blank pages
Two recent color passport-sized photos
Proof of legal stay for non-Indian citizens
Additional documents based on the visa category (e.g., invitation letters, financial proof, or student admission letters)

Special Categories

Official, Diplomatic, and Courtesy visas are exempted from finge-rprint collection. These applications must be submitted directly to the consular sections. Certain foreign nationals with valid mutual visa exemption agreements, APEC cards, or residence permits may also qualify for visa-free entry. For further details on visa categories and fees, applicants can visit the Chinese Embassy’s official website.