New Delhi/Beijing, July 23: In a major development aimed at reviving cross-border travel and people-to-people ties, Indian government has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for Chinese citizens starting July 24, 2025. China reacted to the development, calling it a positive move and assured that Beijing will maintain communication and consultation with India to further ease travel between the two countries.
The announcement, shared via the official social media account of the Indian Embassy in China, outlines the step-by-step procedure for Chinese nationals to apply for a tourist visa to visit India.
Online Application & Appointment Required
As per the notification, applicants must first complete an online visa application form via the designated webpage link and schedule an appointment online. Once the form is filled and printed, the applicant must appear in person with their passport, completed visa form, and other necessary documents at the relevant Indian Visa Application Center based on their region.
The Indian Visa Application Centers in China are located at the following addresses:
1. Beijing:
5th Floor, Block A, Guangcheng Plaza, No. 18 East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District
2. Shanghai:
Room 11B38, No. 2299 West Yan’an Road, Changning District
3. Guangzhou:
Room 2401A, North Tower, Fuli Yingli Building, No. 3-2 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District
This step comes after a prolonged suspension of tourist visas due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained diplomatic relations in recent years.
China Welcomes the Move
Shortly after the announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson issued a public statement on social media, saying, “We take note of India’s resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. This is a positive move.”
The spokesperson further added that “Easing cross-border travel is widely beneficial,” and emphasized that China will maintain communication and consultation with India to further facilitate travel between the two countries.
A Step Toward Normalising Bilateral Relations
It is believes that the move is part of a broader effort to restore normal diplomatic and economic engagement between the two Asian giants. India and China have seen increased tensions since 2020 and this re-opening of tourism channels may serve as a gesture to improve ties. Indian tourism industry is likely to benefit from the move.
