From July 24, 2025, India will reissue tourist visas to Chinese nationals, ending a five-year suspension first imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reaffirmed amid border tensions in 2020. This move marks a strategic step toward rebuilding people-to-people exchanges between the two nations
How the Visa Process Will Work
Applicants from China must:
- Fill out the online visa application form
- Schedule an appointment through the portal
- Visit one of the Indian Visa Application Centers in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou
- Submit a passport withdrawal letter if applying from Beijing
Why the Timing Matters
The decision coincides with renewed diplomatic momentum ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit to China for the upcoming SCO summit. It follows months of confidence-building gestures, including troop disengagement at LAC and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on June 30, 2025
Reaction from Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement, calling it a “positive move” toward improving cross-border travel and broader bilateral engagement. Officials emphasized continued consultation and coordination efforts to further facilitate people-to-people ties The Indian Express.
Economic and Cultural Impact
- Tourism Revival: Chinese tourists contributed significantly to inbound tourism pre-2020, with approximately 1.4 million arrivals in 2019—revival is expected to boost revenue and jobs in hospitality and services sectors
- Cultural Diplomacy: Resuming travel can help soften bilateral tensions and enhance mutual understanding through tourism and heritage visits.
✅ Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Start Date | From July 24, 2025 |
| Suspension Period | 5 years (from 2020 due to COVID and border tensions) |
| Eligible Cities | Applications accepted in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou |
| Strategic Context | India–China rapprochement, SCO diplomacy and flights resumption |
| Benefits | Boost in tourism revenue, cultural exchange, jobs, and diplomatic goodwill |
