China Tourist Visa (L Visa)for 🇮🇳 Indian citizens travelling to 🇨🇳 China
Indian citizens are required to obtain a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) before travelling to China. You must submit a formal application at the China embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre in your country. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Verified 2026-06-20: Indian passport holders require a visa for China — there is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for tourism. The tourist L visa is applied for before travel through the BLS International centre (india.blscn.cn). The visa itself is usually valid for about 3 months (90 days), but that is the validity window, not the stay: a single-entry L visa permits a stay of up to 30 days per entry, and a double-entry visa gives 30 days on each of two entries. The exact duration of stay is set by the visa officer and stamped on the visa. Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages, confirmed return/onward ticket, hotel bookings, a day-by-day itinerary and proof of funds required.
Apply Now — Official Portal ↗📋Required Documents6
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least one blank visa page)
- ✓Travel itinerary or round-trip flight booking confirmation
- ✓Passport-size photograph (48×33mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
- ✓Bank statement (last 3 months, showing sufficient funds)
- ✓Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof for entire stay
- ✓Completed China Visa Application Form (Form V.2013)
ℹ️What to Expect
To apply for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa), book an appointment at the nearest China embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the required documents in person or via a designated courier service. Processing takes approximately 5 days. The government fee is CNY 400.00. Plan well ahead of your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional document requests from the consulate. Always verify current requirements at the official government portal before booking travel.
📎Supporting Documents (may strengthen your application)
- ○Invitation letter from Chinese host (if visiting friends/relatives)
Conditional — required if staying with a Chinese national or resident (if applicable)
- ○Proof of legal status in country of application (if not applicant's home country)
Conditional — required if applying outside home country (if applicable)
🌐Why Indian passport holders need a visa for China
Indian citizens require a visa to enter China based on the current immigration requirements set by China's government. Indian passport holders must apply through the China embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre before travelling. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify at the official government portal.
⚠️Common Reasons China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Applications Are Refused6
- !Incomplete or inconsistent application form — details not matching the passport, or an unsigned form.
- !Weak or missing supporting documents: no confirmed return ticket, hotel bookings or day-by-day itinerary.
- !Insufficient proof of funds, or bank statements with unexplained large deposits.
- !Passport with less than 6 months validity, insufficient blank pages, or a poor-quality photo not meeting specifications.
- !Weak evidence of ties to India / intent to return after the visit.
- !Prior overstay, visa violation or an adverse immigration record in China.
Refusal grounds are at the discretion of the deciding officer and can change. This list is informational — always verify current requirements at the official government portal.
Requirements last reviewed: June 2026 · Source: official government portal
🔗More China Visa Options
- China F Visa — Exchange, Visit, and Study Tour →
- China G Visa — Transit →
- China M Visa — Commercial and Trade Activities →
- China Student Visa (X1/X2) →
- China Work Visa (Z Visa) →