China is one unexplored Tourist destination, because of the perception that it does not offer as much entertainment and value as other countries and also flight can be expensive to this part of the world. In addition, China is huge, almost like the entire SE Asia and more in just one nation. With a size almost as big as Russia, traveling between cities in China can be expensive and time consuming for the normal tourist. Nevertheless, there has been an increasing rise in tourists and this article will help you with the Tourist Visa process.
Obtaining Visa for China is an easy and straightforward process if you have all the documents and if you apply correctly. Typical processing times are a minimum of 3-4 working days. Incorrect or inaccurate information will lead to a denial of Visa. So please follow the information carefully on visa formalities.
A Tourist Visa is officially an “L” Visa for sightseeing or tour, which is usually a single entry, with 30-days stay duration only. The following documents are required.
Official website is visaforchina.org
Chinese Embassy/ Consulate does not entertain tourist visa applications. So you will have to apply through one of the several online travel agents. However, the requirements are the same. So you can choose one as per your budget.
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS (any travel agent will ask you for the same set of documents)
- Basic Document
- Submit the original and old passports ( if any)
- Passport must have a validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival in China, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Confirmed return flight ticket and its photocopy. This is compulsory.
- Original Visa application form which is duly filled and signed.
- Download the application form here LINK.
- It is compulsory to fill all the columns in the visa form. None of the boxes should be left empty. If, in your case, anything is “Not Applicable” then mention “NA” in that box.
- 2 recently clicked passport-size color photographs. Photographs should be taken against a white background with matte-finish. Photographs size requirements are 48 mm x 33 mm with 70-80% face close-up.
- Note: Photographs submitted must be in good condition not be damaged, worn, scanned/stapled, more than 3 months old and not used in any of the previous visas.
- Proof of Travel:
- Include a Covering letter stating details of your travel, must include details of the traveler, purpose of visit and duration of stay. This letter must be duly signed by authorized signatory along with the company stamp on it and duly addressed to the ‘The Visa Officer/ Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Mumbai/Kolkata/New Delhi (as per the jurisdiction).
- Day-wise itinerary of your entire stay in China.
- Proof of Finances:
- Submit original bank statements, preferably attested by the bank, showing transactions in at least the last 6 months. Minimum balance requirement of Rs 1,60,000 per traveler, duly attested and signed by a bank official
- Hotel booking and confirmation details.
- Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years and photocopy of pan card
- Salary slips for the last 6 months – if employed
- Original leave sanction from Company – if employed
- Single entry Visa validity is 3 Months from the date of the issue, but the stay period allowed is 30 days.
- Any normal visa application has a standard processing time of 4 working days, including the day of submission.
- The Express visa application will be processed in 2 working days, including the day of submission.
A typical Visa fee structure is given below. But this will finally depend on the travel agency through which you will apply.
Visa Type Visa Fee
Single Entry Rs3900
Double Entry Rs5850
Half Year Multiple Entry Rs7800
1 Year Multiple Entry Rs11700
Group Visa/ per person Rs 2400
Official Group Visa/ per person Rs 2400
CONSULATE/ EMBASSY CONTACT DETAILS (for any additional information)
NEW DELHI
Address: Concourse Floor, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi -110001 India
Office Hours: Monday – Friday
Telephone Number: 91-11-30013601 / 30013603 Fax Number: 91-11-30013602
E-mail ID: [email protected]
KOLKATA
Address:BIPI Building Omega, Ground Floor, Bengal Intelligent Park, `Block EP&GP, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700091 India
Office Hours: Monday – Friday
Telephone Number: +91-033-40010210 Fax: 91-033-40010207
E-mail ID: [email protected]
MUMBAI
Address: 1st Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021 India
Office Hours: Monday – Friday
Telephone Number: 91-22-22855271
E-mail ID: [email protected]
