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Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for China?

Checked October 19, 2026 · Indian ordinary passport · tourism and short visits

Short answer

Visa required

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for China, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How to apply

China's visa-free programs are time-limited and change often; most run until 31 December 2026.

Citizens of 55 countries can also use 240-hour visa-free transit when flying on to a third country.

Official website: Chinese Visa Application Service Center

Before you travel

  • Make sure your Indian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has blank pages.
  • Carry a return or onward ticket, your hotel booking and proof that you can pay for your stay; border officers can ask for them.
  • Check whether your airline needs to see your visa or authorization at check-in; many will refuse boarding without it.
  • Visas for work, study or long stays follow different rules from the tourist rules on this page.

Visa rules for China by passport

PakistanVisa required
IndiaVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required
EgyptVisa required
United StatesVisa required
United KingdomVisa-free · 30d

Easier destinations for Indian passport holders

Popular places you can visit visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an eTA:

Thailand 30d Malaysia 30d Indonesia On arrival Maldives On arrival Sri Lanka eTA Qatar 30d Kenya eTA Mauritius 90d Seychelles 90d Nepal Visa-free

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for China?

Visa required. Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for China, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How long can Indian citizens stay in China?

The length of stay is set by the visa you are granted; tourist visas commonly allow 30 to 90 days.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a China visa?

Use the official website: Chinese Visa Application Service Center (www.visaforchina.cn). Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra service fees.

How many countries can Indian passport holders visit without a visa?

Indian passport holders can visit 28 countries visa-free and 30 more with a visa on arrival or eTA.

Based on the Passport Index dataset with our verified corrections for recent rule changes, last reviewed October 19, 2026. Entry rules change often and depend on your passport, purpose of travel and onward tickets. Always confirm with the official website or embassy before you book.