India eVisa for Chinese Citizens: Complete Visa Guide 2026
Chinese citizens (PRC passport holders) have limited eVisa options for India. Unlike most nationalities, China is excluded from the tourist and medical eVisa categories. However, Chinese citizens are eligible for the India business eVisa, which grants up to 180 days per visit with multiple entries and 1-year validity. For tourism, Chinese citizens must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate. Check your India visa requirements on Viza for the latest details.
India eVisa for Chinese Citizens: Overview
India and China share one of the most complex bilateral relationships in Asia, and this complexity extends to their visa policies. While India's eVisa program has been expanded to cover citizens of over 160 countries for tourism, business, and medical purposes, Chinese citizens face notable restrictions. Specifically, PRC (People's Republic of China) passport holders — including those from Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR — are excluded from the tourist and medical eVisa categories. Only the business eVisa is available to Chinese nationals.
This unique situation means that Chinese travelers planning a leisure trip to India must go through the traditional visa application process at an Indian embassy or consulate, while those traveling for business can take advantage of the streamlined eVisa system. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for Chinese citizens planning travel to India.
With Viza, you can verify your exact requirements, understand the differences between eVisa and regular visa options, and navigate the application process efficiently.
Here is a quick summary of the key details for Chinese citizens traveling to India:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Not available for Chinese citizens |
| Medical eVisa | Not available for Chinese citizens |
| Business eVisa | Available — up to 180 days per visit, multiple entry, 1-year validity |
| Business eVisa Fee | Approximately USD 80 |
| Regular Tourist Visa | Required for tourism — apply at Indian embassy/consulate |
| Processing Time | 3-5 working days (eVisa) / 5-10 working days (regular visa) |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months from date of arrival |
| Application Method | Online (business eVisa) or embassy (tourism) — check Viza |
eVisa Eligibility for Chinese Citizens
The Indian government maintains specific restrictions on eVisa eligibility for Chinese nationals. Here is what Chinese citizens need to know:
Business eVisa: Available
Chinese citizens holding ordinary PRC passports are eligible for the India business eVisa. This eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 180 days per visit. It is designed for business meetings, trade activities, conferences, and commercial purposes. The business eVisa is processed online within 3-5 working days and costs approximately USD 80.
Tourist eVisa: Not Available
Unlike citizens of most other countries, Chinese nationals cannot apply for the Indian tourist eVisa (including the 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year tourist eVisa variants). This restriction applies to PRC passport holders, Hong Kong SAR passport holders, and Macao SAR passport holders. Chinese citizens who wish to visit India for tourism must apply for a regular tourist visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.
Medical eVisa: Not Available
The Indian medical eVisa and medical attendant eVisa are also not available to Chinese citizens. Those seeking medical treatment in India must apply for a medical visa through the traditional embassy route.
Business eVisa: Requirements and Documents
For Chinese citizens applying for the India business eVisa, the following documents are required:
Mandatory Documents
- Valid PRC Passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India, with at least 2 blank pages. You will need a clear digital scan of the biographical data page.
- Passport Photo — A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. Must be in JPEG format, between 10KB and 1MB, with equal height and width. Full face must be visible without glasses or head covering.
- Business Letter — An invitation letter from the Indian company or organization you are visiting, stating the purpose of your visit, duration, and relationship to your business.
- Company Letter — A letter from your Chinese company confirming your employment, position, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility.
- Payment Method — A valid credit or debit card to pay the approximately USD 80 eVisa fee online.
- Email Address — A valid email address where your approved eVisa will be delivered.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
- Business Card — Your professional business card in English or Chinese.
- Previous Indian Visa — If you have previously visited India, copies of previous visas and entry stamps.
- Return Flight Booking — A confirmed round-trip flight reservation.
- Hotel Reservation — Proof of accommodation in India.
- Travel Insurance — Comprehensive medical travel insurance covering your stay in India.
Regular Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens
Since the tourist eVisa is not available, Chinese citizens planning leisure travel to India must apply for a regular tourist visa. Here is how the process works:
Required Documents for Regular Tourist Visa
- Valid PRC Passport — At least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages.
- Completed Visa Application Form — Available on the Indian visa application center website for China.
- Passport Photos — Two recent photos (5 x 5 cm) with white background.
- Flight Reservation — Confirmed round-trip booking.
- Hotel Reservation — Proof of accommodation for your entire stay.
- Bank Statements — Last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds.
- Employment Proof — Work certificate, business license, or student enrollment letter.
- Travel Itinerary — Detailed plan of your activities in India.
- Hukou (Household Registration) — Copy of your household registration booklet.
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Business eVisa:
Step 1: Check Your Requirements
Visit Viza's China to India page to confirm your visa type and requirements. The platform will clearly indicate that the business eVisa is available while the tourist eVisa is not.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather digital copies of your passport bio page, passport photo, and business letters from both the Indian and Chinese companies. Ensure all documents are clear and in the correct format.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill in the eVisa application on the official Indian eVisa portal. You will need to provide personal details, passport information, business visit details, and Indian company information. The application asks detailed questions, so have all information ready before starting.
Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee
Pay the approximately USD 80 business eVisa fee online. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa
Processing takes approximately 3-5 working days. Once approved, download and print your eVisa. You must enter India through one of the 28 designated international airports or 5 seaports.
For Regular Tourist Visa:
Submit your application at the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or other designated cities. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days. Collect your passport with the visa sticker upon approval.
Fees and Processing Times
| Visa Type | Fee | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business eVisa | ~USD 80 | 3-5 working days | 1-year validity, multiple entry, up to 180 days per visit |
| Regular Tourist Visa | ~CNY 340-680 | 5-10 working days | Apply through Indian visa center in China |
| Regular Business Visa | ~CNY 340-680 | 5-10 working days | For those preferring embassy route |
| Medical Visa | ~CNY 340 | 5-10 working days | Embassy application only |
| Viza Service Fee | $5 | — | Assistance with requirement verification and document preparation |
Important Tips for Chinese Travelers to India
Know your visa category: The most critical point for Chinese travelers is understanding that tourist and medical eVisas are not available. Do not attempt to apply for a tourist eVisa — it will be rejected. Use the business eVisa for business trips and the regular embassy visa for tourism.
Apply well in advance: Whether applying for a business eVisa or a regular visa, start the process at least 2-4 weeks before your travel date. Peak seasons and Chinese holidays can cause longer processing times.
Business eVisa entry points: If using the business eVisa, you must enter India through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports. Major options include Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Shanghai-connected routes.
Print your eVisa: Always carry a printed copy of your business eVisa. Indian immigration requires a physical printout at most entry points.
WeChat Pay and Alipay: These are not widely accepted in India. Carry an international credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard) and some US dollars or Indian rupees for exchange.
VPN considerations: Many Chinese internet services are not accessible in India, and conversely, some Indian sites may be restricted. Prepare accordingly for communication and navigation needs.
Health precautions: Consult a travel health professional before departure. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Drink only bottled or purified water throughout your stay.
Practical Travel Information for India
Airports and Points of Entry
India has several international airports with connections to Chinese cities. Direct flights operate between major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming) and Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai). Airlines operating these routes include Air India, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and IndiGo. Flight times range from 4-7 hours depending on the route.
Getting Around India
India has a vast domestic transportation network. Budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet connect major cities affordably. The Indian Railways network offers extensive coverage across the country. Within cities, ride-hailing apps (Ola, Uber) are widely available. Metro systems operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and several other cities.
Currency and Payments
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept international cards. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. UPI-based payment apps (like Google Pay India) are dominant for local transactions. Currency exchange is available at airports and authorized dealers.
Official source: India eVisa Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chinese citizens get a tourist eVisa for India?
No, Chinese citizens (PRC, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR passport holders) are not eligible for the Indian tourist eVisa. Chinese travelers must apply for a regular tourist visa through an Indian embassy or consulate for leisure travel.
What eVisa options are available for Chinese citizens?
Chinese citizens are eligible for the India business eVisa only. It is valid for 1 year with multiple entries and allows stays of up to 180 days per visit. The fee is approximately USD 80.
How long does the India business eVisa take to process?
The business eVisa is typically processed within 3-5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.
How do Chinese citizens apply for a regular Indian tourist visa?
Chinese citizens must submit their application at an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in China — available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. Processing takes 5-10 working days.
Which airports accept the India business eVisa?
India allows eVisa entry through 28 designated international airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, plus 5 seaports. Land border crossings are not permitted for first entry on an eVisa.
Are there direct flights from China to India?
Yes, direct flights operate from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Flight times range from 4-7 hours. Check Viza for travel planning alongside your visa application.
Ready to Plan Your India Trip?
India offers Chinese travelers extraordinary experiences, from the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal to the spiritual depth of Varanasi, the business opportunities of Mumbai and Bangalore, and the culinary richness found across every state. While the visa process for Chinese citizens is more nuanced than for many other nationalities, understanding your options makes it manageable. For business travel, the eVisa provides a fast and convenient solution. For tourism, plan ahead and apply through the embassy route. Start planning your India trip on Viza today — verify your requirements, understand your options, and take the first step toward your Indian adventure.
