Hindi-Cheeni bhai bhai! Xi Jinping govt issues 85,000 visas to Indians, slashes fees - Check how to apply and other FAQs

Amid the raging tariff war between China and the US, Xi Jinping is trying to improve people-to-people ties with India. Latest data shows that Beijing issued around 85,000 visas to Indians since January this year. According to an NDTV report, Chinese Embassy in India issued these visas from January 1 to April 9 this year. The data was released by Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong in a post on X. The post also extended invitation to other citizens from India to experience ‘safe, vibrant, sincere China’.

While there has been a lot of confusion and chaos for American visas, the situation is slightly different for Chinese visas now. Xi Jinping administration has relaxed some key rules and lowered visa fees for Indians. So, this summer, you can add China to you vacation itinerary. How exactly you can apply and what are the rules for Indians? Without further ado, here are the key FAQs for Indians applying for Chinese visas.

Know the visa relaxations for Indians

As per the NDTV report, Beijing has introduced some new measures to ease the process of visa application by the Indians.

First, you need not book an online appointment. You can simply walk in any nearby visa centre to submit your application.

Second, if you are concerned over privacy, fret not. Chinese administration won’t ask you to submit your biometric details in case you are travelling to China for shorter duration. This will help the officials to process the visas at faster pace.

And lastly, China is taking steps to process the visas quickly. This means faster visa issuance for not only business flyers but vacationers as well.

What's the Chinese visa fees for Indians?

Chinese visas are now in affordable range for Indians. For every single-entry visa, Indians need to shell out Rs 2,900 for application. This fee goes up to Rs 4,400 for double-entry visas. For those interested in longer stay, the new rules suggest Rs 5,900 visa fee for the period of six months. A year-long stay or multiple-entry visa will cost you Rs 8,800 for application, the NDTV report added.

How can Indians apply for Chinese visa

To begin with, check out the official website of visa service center.

You need to furnish all details and complete the online form

Important documents that you need to keep handy to upload include valid passport, passport details, passport-sized photos and details of residence proof

Take a printout, sign it and submit the hard copy at the visa centre and pay the fees.

Later, you will get a receipt with details of the date on which you can collect your visa.