India will start issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals again on July 24, 2025, ending a five-year pause that began in 2020. This change, announced by the Indian Embassy in Beijing on July 23, 2025, opens the door for renewed travel and tourism between the two countries. The move comes after years of pandemic restrictions and diplomatic tensions, and it is expected to have a big impact on travelers, the tourism industry, and India-China relations.
What’s Changing and Why Now?

Chinese nationals have not been able to get tourist visas for India since early 2020. The original suspension was put in place because of COVID-19 health concerns, but it stayed in effect as tensions rose between India and China, especially after the border standoff in Ladakh. Now, with the pandemic under better control and both countries looking to improve ties, India is reopening its doors to Chinese tourists.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs says this decision is part of a larger effort to bring back normal exchanges and boost tourism. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the move, hoping it will lead to more travel and better relations.
How Chinese Nationals Can Apply for Indian Tourist Visas
Starting July 24, 2025, Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas to visit India. The process is clear but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s what applicants need to know:
- Application Start Date: July 24, 2025
- Where to Apply: Indian Visa Application Centers or the Indian Embassy in China
- Visa Type: Tourist visas only (other types like business or student visas are not included in this announcement)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Official Indian Visa Portal: Go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ to start the process.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the tourist visa application form online. Make sure all information matches your passport.
- Upload Required Documents: You’ll need to upload a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, your travel plans, and any other documents listed on the website.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a time to visit the nearest Indian Visa Application Center or the Indian Embassy in China.
- Attend the Appointment: Bring your documents and be ready for an in-person interview if asked.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The fee amount and payment method will be shown during the application process.
- Wait for Processing: Standard processing times apply, but delays are possible due to high demand.
- Collect Your Visa or Receive E-Visa Approval: Follow the instructions given after your application is processed.
Important Points for Applicants
- Tourist visas are the only type being resumed for Chinese nationals at this time.
- Processing times may be longer than usual because many people are expected to apply after the long pause.
- Expedited processing may not be available right away.
- Health or security requirements may still apply, so check the latest updates before making travel plans.
What Documents Are Needed?
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Valid passport (with at least six months left before expiration)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Travel itinerary (flight and hotel bookings)
- Any other documents requested by the Indian authorities
It’s important to check the official Indian visa portal for the most up-to-date list of required documents and instructions.
Background: Why Were Tourist Visas Suspended?
The suspension of tourist visas for Chinese nationals started in early 2020. At first, the reason was to stop the spread of COVID-19. Later, as tensions grew between India and China, especially after the border clash in Ladakh, the restrictions stayed in place. Before 2020, Chinese travelers could get e-tourist visas for up to five years with multiple entries, as well as shorter-term options. All these services stopped for Chinese passport holders during the suspension.
Impact on Chinese Travelers
For Chinese nationals, the reopening of tourist visas means they can once again plan trips to India for sightseeing, visiting friends, or exploring the country’s culture and history. Many Chinese tourists had to cancel or postpone their travel plans during the five-year suspension. Now, with the process open again, there is expected to be a surge in applications.
However, travelers should be aware that:
- Visa processing may take longer due to the high number of applications.
- Health checks or extra paperwork might be needed, depending on the latest rules.
- Only tourist visas are available for now; business, student, and other visas may have different rules.
Impact on India’s Tourism Sector
India’s tourism industry is expected to benefit from the return of Chinese visitors. Before the pandemic, China was a major source of tourists for India. The five-year pause hurt businesses that rely on international travelers, such as hotels, tour operators, and local guides.
Industry experts believe that:
- Bookings and business will increase as Chinese tourists return.
- It may take 12 to 18 months for visitor numbers to reach pre-2020 levels, depending on how quickly relations improve and how smoothly the visa process works.
- Travel agencies are advising clients to stay updated on any changes, especially about health requirements.
What Are the Next Steps for Other Visa Types?
Right now, the change only applies to tourist visas. There is no official word yet on when business, student, or medical visas for Chinese nationals will be resumed. Both governments are expected to watch how the tourist visa process goes and may make more changes in the future.
If the reopening goes well, there could be further steps to allow other types of travel. This would help not just tourists, but also students, businesspeople, and families who have been separated by the restrictions.
What Do Officials and Experts Say?
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said that the move is part of efforts to bring back normal exchanges between the two countries. The Indian Embassy in Beijing is handling the applications and has provided clear instructions for Chinese nationals who want to visit India.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the decision. According to Chinese state media, officials hope this will lead to more travel and better relations between the two countries.
Tourism industry experts predict a slow but steady return of Chinese tourists to India. They say that if relations stay stable, the number of visitors could reach pre-pandemic levels within a year or two.
Diplomatic analysts see this as a positive sign for India-China relations, but they also note that bigger political issues remain. The reopening of tourist visas is a step forward, but it does not solve all the problems between the two countries.
Practical Tips for Chinese Nationals Applying for Indian Tourist Visas
If you are a Chinese national planning to visit India, here are some practical tips:
- Apply early: Because of high demand, it’s best to start your application as soon as possible.
- Check official sources: Always use the official Indian visa portal for the latest information.
- Prepare all documents: Make sure your passport, photo, and travel plans are ready before you apply.
- Be ready for an interview: Some applicants may be asked to attend an in-person interview.
- Watch for updates: Rules can change quickly, especially if there are new health concerns or security issues.
What Does This Mean for India-China Relations?
The decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals is seen as a positive step in improving ties between India and China. While there are still big issues to solve, such as border disputes and trade disagreements, allowing people to travel again can help build trust and understanding.
People-to-people exchanges, such as tourism, play an important role in bringing countries closer together. When tourists visit each other’s countries, they learn about different cultures and ways of life. This can help reduce misunderstandings and build friendships.
Possible Challenges and Limitations
While the reopening of tourist visas is good news, there are still some challenges:
- Processing delays: With so many people expected to apply, there may be long waits for visa approvals.
- Health and security checks: Depending on the global health situation, extra steps may be needed before travel.
- Other visa types still restricted: Business, student, and other visas for Chinese nationals may remain suspended for now.
Applicants should always check the latest updates from official sources before making travel plans. The Indian Embassy in Beijing and the Indian visa portal are the best places to find accurate information.
What’s Next? Future Outlook
Both India and China are expected to watch the reopening closely. If things go smoothly, there may be more changes in the future, such as allowing other types of visas or launching tourism promotion campaigns.
Industry experts say that the return of Chinese tourists could help India’s tourism sector recover from the losses of the past five years. Local businesses, hotels, and tour operators are preparing for an increase in visitors.
Diplomatic analysts believe that this move could lead to more high-level visits and better cooperation between the two countries. However, they also warn that political tensions could still affect travel and visa policies in the future.
Where to Get Help and More Information
If you are a Chinese national interested in visiting India, here are some helpful resources:
- Indian Visa Application Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
- Indian Embassy in Beijing: https://www.eoibeijing.gov.in/
- Visa Application Centers in China: Details and appointment booking are available through the official portal.
For the official tourist visa application form, visit the Indian visa portal.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Tourist visas for Chinese nationals to India resume on July 24, 2025.
- Applications must be made online, with appointments and possible interviews required.
- Only tourist visas are included in this change; other visa types may still have restrictions.
- Processing times may be longer due to high demand.
- Applicants should check official sources for the latest requirements and updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this policy change is a major step in restoring travel and tourism between India and China. It is expected to help both travelers and the tourism industry, while also supporting better relations between the two countries.
For anyone planning to visit India, the most important advice is to start early, follow the official instructions, and stay updated on any changes. This will help ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.
By reopening tourist visas to Chinese nationals, India is signaling a willingness to move forward and rebuild connections that have been on hold for years. This decision is likely to bring new opportunities for travel, business, and cultural exchange in the months and years ahead.
Learn Today
Tourist Visa → A visa permitting travel to India exclusively for tourism purposes, excluding work or study.
Visa Suspension → Temporary halt on issuing visas, often due to political or health concerns.
Indian Visa Portal → Official online website to apply for Indian visas and submit necessary documents securely.
Visa Application Center → Designated locations where applicants schedule interviews and submit visa applications in person.
Processing Time → Duration required by authorities to review and approve a visa application.
This Article in a Nutshell
India will reopen tourist visa issuance to Chinese nationals on July 24, 2025, ending a five-year pause. This move will revive tourism and improve India-China relations while requiring careful visa application preparation and possibly longer processing times due to expected demand.
— By VisaVerge.com