India entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to India, as there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Chinese nationals. Applications are processed through Indian embassies or consulates, so plan ahead and apply well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; plan and apply well in advance. Apply at an Indian embassy or consulate | A valid Indian visa is required for Chinese passport holders. You must apply in person or via a visa service at an Indian embassy or consulate before travel. The eVisa facility is not available for Chinese nationals. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking anything. At least 6 months beyond intended stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCount the blank pages in your passport; a stamp needs a clean page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the Indian visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking ready. Proof of departure from India | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket showing departure from India within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but useful if asked by immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in India. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for China passport holders entering India. | Not required |
No e-visa for Chinese citizens
India's e-visa program does not include Chinese passport holders. Don't waste time or money on e-visa portals — go directly to the embassy or consulate.
Plan ahead — processing takes time
Visa processing can take up to 2 weeks or more. Apply at least a month in advance to avoid last-minute stress, especially during peak travel seasons (October-March).
Overstaying is serious
Indian visas are not extendable. Overstaying even a few days can lead to fines, detention, and a ban on future visits. Keep track of your visa expiry date and leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Decide whether you need a tourist, business, medical, or other visa. Tourist visas are the most common for short visits. Check the Indian embassy website for eligibility and requirements for each category.
2
Complete the online application
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application form, upload your photo, and pay the fee online if required. Print the completed form and the payment receipt.
3
Book an appointment at the embassy/consulate
Schedule an appointment at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Walk-ins are usually not accepted. Bring all required documents to the appointment.
4
Submit documents and biometrics
At the appointment, submit your application, passport, photos, and supporting documents. You may be asked to provide fingerprints. The officer will review your application and may ask questions about your trip.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons or if additional verification is needed. Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
6
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker, or have it mailed back if you opted for that service. Check the visa sticker for the validity dates and entry conditions before you travel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$100–$150
Requires invitation letter from Indian company and proof of business purpose.
Employment Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$100–$150
Requires employment contract and approval from Indian authorities.
Student Visa
Max stayUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
Validity1–5 years
Cost$100–$150
Requires admission letter from recognized Indian educational institution.
work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
₹15,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries and family dependents.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For full-time students enrolled in recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
5 years, renewable
₹50,000 (~$600 USD) initial fee
For foreign investors starting a business in India. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD and business plan. Allows multiple entries and family stay.
Apply research visa
Research Visa
1 year, renewable
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires invitation letter and project details. Allows multiple entries.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (e-Tourist Visa not available for Chinese passport holders)Fees vary by duration and entry type. Apply at Indian embassy/consulate. | $25 (for 30-day single entry) to $100 (for 1-year multiple entry) |
| Visa extension (for tourist visa)Extensions are rarely granted for tourism; must apply at FRRO. | Approx. $50–$100 (subject to approval) |
| Exit permit (if overstaying)Overstay fines are calculated per day; may also lead to deportation. | Fine up to $100 plus penalty |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit in India. Apply at Indian embassy/consulate before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for India are exempt.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas during monsoon season (June–September).
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk zones.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions, especially rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consult a travel clinic.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa-related issues; appointments recommended via indianfrro.gov.in.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.39 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Chinese passport holders are not eligible for India's e-visa program. You must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.
Processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and duration. Tourist visas typically cost around 3,000-5,000 INR (roughly 250-420 CNY), but check with the embassy for the exact amount. Fees are non-refundable.
You can apply at the Indian Embassy in Beijing or the Indian Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. You must apply at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
No, Indian visas are not extendable for Chinese citizens. You must leave India before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa denials.
Yes, you need to provide a round-trip flight itinerary as part of your application. This shows Indian authorities that you intend to leave the country.
Your application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for an Indian visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.