China Visa for Indians 2026: New Rules, Fees, Photos & Approval Process Explained

 

China Visa for Indians: What Has Changed in 2026?

If you are planning to apply for a China visa from India, be careful. The process has changed completely, and following old YouTube videos or outdated blogs can lead to automatic rejection.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the latest China visa rules, explained in simple language so you don’t make costly mistakes.

Pre-Application Step: Pay First or Get Rejected

This is the biggest and most important change.

You can no longer fill the China visa application form first.

New Mandatory Rule

You must pay the VFS logistics or service fee online first.
Only after successful payment will the system allow you to access the visa application form.

If you skip this payment, your application is automatically rejected.
There is no correction and no second chance.

Choose Service Type Carefully

During payment, you must select:

• Normal service, or

• Express service

Once selected, this cannot be changed later.

Proof of Payment

You must keep:

• A screenshot of the payment success page

• The payment confirmation email

You will need both during the process.

Photo Requirements: The Silent Reason for Rejection

Many China visa applications fail because of photo mistakes.

Photo Size Rules

• File size must be more than 40 KB

• Anything smaller leads to instant rejection

Exact Photo Dimensions

• 354 x 472 pixels
  Not approximate. Not close. Exact dimensions only.

Dress Code Matters

• Wear a dark-colored shirt or T-shirt

• Light clothes on a white background can cause rejection

Strict Warning on AI Photos

Do not use AI-generated photos.
China’s system is very good at detecting them.

If detected, your application can be flagged or rejected.

Visa Validity vs Stay Period: Don’t Get Confused

Many travellers overstay because they misunderstand this rule.

Single Entry Visa

• Validity: 3 months

• Stay allowed: 30 days

Double Entry Visa

• Validity: 6 months

• Stay allowed: 30 days per entry

Multiple Entry Visa

• Validity: 12 months

• Stay allowed: 30 days per entry

Visa validity is not your stay duration.
Your stay resets only after you exit and re-enter China.

Tourist (L) Visa vs Business (M) Visa Explained

Tourist Visa (L)

You do not need an invitation letter if you have:

• Confirmed hotel booking

• Confirmed flight tickets

Business Visa (M): Common Mistake

For the Address of Stay, do not use the company address.

You must enter the hotel address only.
Company details are added in a different section, not under stay address.

Financial Details and Sponsorship Rules

If Your Company Is Sponsoring the Trip

Mention the relationship as Employer.

If You Are Self-Funded

Upload:

• 6 months to 1 year of bank statements

Make sure the name matches exactly with your passport.
Even a small mismatch can cause delays or queries.

Document Upload Stage: What to Upload

This stage directly affects how fast your visa is processed.

Legal Status Proof

Upload one of the following:

• Aadhaar Card, or

• Valid rental agreement

Travel History

You can upload up to three previous Chinese visas.
This is highly recommended if available.

Business Visa Applicants Must Upload

• Invitation letter from the Chinese company

• Business registration document of the Chinese company

Final Submission and Processing Timeline

Once you click Submit, the application is locked.
No edits are allowed.

Made a Mistake?

You can cancel the application and start a fresh one from the Personal Center.

Processing Timeline

• Online approval: Around 15 to 20 days

• Approval is sent by email

Only after approval do you visit the visa centre.

At the Visa Centre

• Carry hard copies of all uploaded documents

• Visa stamping fee is paid at the centre

• Payment mode: Cash or Demand Draft (not online)

Final Visa Stamping

• Takes an additional 4 to 5 working days

Final Takeaway

China visa rules for Indians have changed completely.
Following old information will almost certainly lead to rejection.

If you follow the new process step by step, you can avoid delays, mistakes, and unnecessary stress.

If you want a China visa checklist PDF, comment “China Visa” and it can be shared next.