China visa documents

Yes, a visa is required for Indian citizens travelling to mainland China, regardless of the purpose of the visit.

The China tourist visa requirements include:

• A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of remaining validity and 2 blank pages.

• A completed visa application form.

• A recent passport-size photograph.

You may also need supporting documents such as a round-trip flight itinerary, and hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from a host in China.

The visa process for China involves submitting the required documents to a visa application centre or the Chinese Embassy in India. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Note: To learn more about China visa types and visa documentation, visit the official website of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Delhi, India.

When applying for a visa to China, it is important to understand the various visa types and the specific China visa documents required for Indian applicants. Each visa type comes with its own set of required documents.

However, some general China visa documents required include the following:

Valid Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.

Visa Application Form: A completed China tourist visa application form or any other type of visa application form with the signature of the applicant on it.

Photograph: Recent passport size photos meeting the specific requirements.

Proof of Residence: Document showing current address (e.g., utility bill).

Financial Proof: Copy of bank statements or salary slips to show enough funds to cover your stay in China.

Additional Documents: You may also need some additional documents depending on the type of visa you use. For example, invitation letters and travel itineraries.

-List of China Visa Documents Required

Applying for a China visa for minors requires a few additional documents compared to adult applicants. Parents or guardians must carefully prepare the required paperwork to ensure smooth processing.

Along with the standard China tourist visa documents for Indian applicants, one must submit specific documents for minor applicants to prove parental consent and legal guardianship.

China visa documents for Indian Minors include:

-Visa Application Form: The visa application form should be completed and also signed by a parent or a legal guardian.

-Original Passport: Valid for at least six months with two blank pages.

-Photocopy of Passport: Copy of the passport, including the bio-data page.

-Passport Photos: Two recent colour photos (48mm x 33mm).

-Proof of Relationship: Relationship proof, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers, shows the relationship between the minor and the accompanying adult.

-Parental Consent Letter: A signed letter from both parents or legal guardians permitting travel to China.

-Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservations.

Make sure to review the China visa documents checklist thoroughly to ensure that all required documents are provided for a successful application.

When applying for a China visa, the required documents vary based on the applicant's employment status. Below is a breakdown of the necessary documents for different categories to ensure compliance with the China tourist visa requirements and streamline the visa process for China.

[Note: You may require additional documents depending on the visa category and individual situation. Checking with the China Embassy or Consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa application requirements is recommended.[

Indian nationals must apply for a Chinese visa in person at an authorised visa application centre. The China visa documents required for the visa interview are as follows:

-Valid passport: A valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity and two blank pages.

-Visa application form: Completed visa application form with signature of the applicant.

-Passport photos: Two recent passport-size colour photos meet specific requirements.

-Supporting documents: The types of supporting documents may vary based on the visa type. These can be flight tickets, hotel reservations, invitation letters or employment documents.

After submitting the application and documents, some applicants may be required to attend a visa interview at the Chinese embassy or consulate. The visa process for China can take several business days. So, it is recommended that you apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

Indian nationals can begin part of the visa process online and then submit the necessary documents in person at the Chinese embassy or consulate. Here is a detailed overview of the process:

-Steps to Complete the Online Visa Process for China

-Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website: Navigate to the CVASC website and select your country or region to access the appropriate application portal.

-Create an account or sign in: Provide your personal information and contact details to create an account. Those who already have an account can sign in.

-Fill out the online visa application form: Complete the electronic visa application form accurately. Provide all the required information, such as your details, travel plans and contact information.

-Upload a recent passport photo: Upload a high-quality, passport-style photograph that meets the specified requirements (48mm x 33mm).

-Review and submit the application: Review your application carefully for any errors or omissions. Once satisfied, submit the application online.

-Print the application form: Print the completed visa application form, including the confirmation page. Sign the form where indicated.

**-Schedule an appointment:**Make an appointment to submit your application and supporting documents in person at the CVASC.

-Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents, such as your passport, proof of accommodation and travel itinerary, as per the visa requirements.

-Attend the appointment: Bring the signed printed application form and all the required documents to your scheduled appointment at the CVASC.

-Submit biometric information: You will be required to provide your fingerprints and a photograph at the appointment for biometric identification purposes.

-Pay the visa fee: Pay the applicable visa fee, which includes the consular fee and the service fee charged by the CVASC.

-Track the application status: You can monitor the status of your visa application through the CVASC website or by contacting their customer support.

In the visa process for China, applicants need to provide a passport-size photo that meets the strict requirements set by the Chinese government. The photo must be:

• A recent colour photo taken within the last 6 months

• The photo having 48mm x 33mm in size

• The head size in the photo should be between 15mm and 22mm in width and 20mm to 33mm in height.

• The photo should be taken against a plain white background, with no shadows or background light.

• A full frontal view of the head and shoulders, with a neutral expression and eyes open.

• The photo printed on high-quality photo paper without any creases, damage or adhesive tape.

• The photo should not be taken wearing any eyeglasses, jewellery or headwear (except for religious purposes).

Failure to provide a photo that adheres to these guidelines may result in delays or rejection of the visa application. It is recommended to use the services of a professional photographer to ensure the photo meets all the necessary criteria.

When applying for a Chinese visa, you must select the correct visa type based on the purpose of your trip. Here are the various applicable purposes of travel and how to provide proof for each in the visa process for China:**

-Tourism (L Visa): To prove your intention to travel for tourism, submit an itinerary that includes round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations. You may also include an invitation letter from a Chinese travel agency.

-Business (M Visa): If travelling for business purposes, provide an invitation letter from a Chinese company mentioning the nature of your business activities, along with any relevant documents such as trade fair invitations or business licences.

-Family Visit (Q Visa): For visiting family members, include an invitation letter from your relative residing in China, along with proof of your relationship (e.g., birth certificate or marriage certificate).

-Study (X Visa): Students must present an admission letter from a recognised educational institution in China and a JW201 or JW202 form issued by that institution.

-Work (Z Visa): To work in China, submit a work permit notification and an employment contract from your Chinese employer.

Providing accurate documentation according to the China visa documents checklist will facilitate a smoother application process and help you effectively demonstrate the purpose of your visit.

The fees for a China visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant, the type of visa, and the number of entries. Here is a list of the fees for Indian citizens:

In addition to the visa fee, there is an application service fee in the visa process for China that ranges from ₹1,838 to ₹2,709, depending on the type of service you choose (regular, express or premium).

[Please Note: The Chinese visa application fees are subject to change without prior notice. It is recommended to check the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for the most up-to-date information.]

The standard processing time for a China visa is typically 4-7 working days from the date of submission. However, it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional documents are requested. Expedited processing options are available at an extra cost, which can reduce the time to 2-3 working days.

Steps to Check China Visa Application Status

-Visit the official website: Go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website.

-Select your visa application centre: From the dropdown menu, select your country as India and choose the relevant visa application centre.

-Log in to your account: Log in to your account on the visa application centre page using the ‘My Account’ option.

-Check Status: Go to the ‘Track Your Application Status’ page and you will see the current status of your visa (processing, approved or rejected).

-Contact the Visa Center: If the online platform does not show any updates, you can contact the Visa Centre directly for further information.

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Buy travel insurance online with TATA AIG and enjoy a worry-free journey to China and beyond.

-Which is the best month to visit China?

The best months to visit China are April, May, September and October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel.

-Is China expensive for tourists?

Visiting China can be budget-friendly to expensive, depending on your travel style, accommodation and activities. Major cities tend to be more expensive.

-What is the rainy season in China?

The rainy season in China is generally from May to September, and there is heavy rainfall, especially in southern regions.

-How many days in China is enough?

A 10-14 day trip is generally enough to explore major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, along with some scenic spots.