| Quick Summary (TL;DR) - Yes. Indian passport holders can apply for a China tourist (L) visa in 2026. Indian tourists generally need to obtain a visa before travelling to China. Since 22 December 2025, applicants in India can use China’s Online Visa Application System to complete the application form and upload supporting documents online before following the required submission process. |
The Big Update: A New Online Visa Application Process
China introduced a new Online Visa Application System in India on 22 December 2025, changing how applicants begin the visa process. Applicants can now complete the visa application form and upload supporting documents online before following the submission instructions provided by the relevant Chinese visa authority.
There is another important update for tourists in 2026. Until 31 December 2026, applicants for short-term Chinese visas with a stay of up to 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection. This generally includes Indian travellers applying for a standard short-term tourist visa. Certain long-term visa categories, including D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z, still require fingerprint collection.
Where You Apply Depends on Where You Live — Not Where You Fly From
Your China visa application is handled according to the consular jurisdiction linked to your place of residence in India, not your departure airport or destination city in China.
- Mumbai jurisdiction: Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Kolkata jurisdiction: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal
- New Delhi jurisdiction: Applicants residing in other states and regions of India
Before starting your application, confirm the correct jurisdiction and Visa Application Service Centre for your case. Official guidance also advises applicants to check their passport issue place when confirming jurisdiction.
Fingerprint Requirements for China Tourist Visas in 2026
Indian travellers applying for a short-term China tourist visa with a stay of up to 180 days are currently exempt from fingerprint collection. This exemption applies until 31 December 2026.
Fingerprint collection is still required for certain visa categories that require applicants to obtain a residence permit after entering China, including D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas.
China also continues to waive fingerprint collection for children under 14, adults over 70, eligible diplomatic/service/courtesy visa applicants, and people whose fingerprints cannot be collected.
Important: Because the current short-term visa fingerprint exemption is scheduled to run only until 31 December 2026, travellers applying later should check the latest requirements before submitting their application.
Documents Required for a China Tourist Visa from India
The documents required for a China tourist (L) visa can vary slightly by consular jurisdiction, but Indian applicants should generally prepare:
- Valid passport: Your original passport should have at least six months of remaining validity and sufficient blank visa pages. Previous passports may also be requested.
- Visa application form and photograph: Complete the application through the official online system and provide a recent photograph that meets the specified requirements.
- Travel itinerary: Provide round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation details, or an eligible invitation letter from an entity or individual in China.
- Covering letter: A personal statement explaining your travel purpose, planned dates and places you intend to visit may be required.
- Employment or financial documents: Depending on the applicable checklist, applicants may need an employment/income certificate and/or a recent six-month bank statement.
- Additional documents: The Chinese Embassy, Consulate-General or relevant visa authority may request further supporting documents depending on your application.
Requirements can differ by jurisdiction and individual circumstances, so check the latest L-Visa checklist for your application centre before submitting your documents.
How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa From India
- Confirm your correct jurisdiction — New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata — based on the applicable consular jurisdiction in India.
- Create an account and apply online through the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre website. Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
- Wait for the online review. If corrections or additional documents are requested, update your application and resubmit it online.
- Download the Visa Application Certificate after your status shows that the online review has been completed. Note that completing the online review does not mean the visa itself has been approved.
- Submit your passport and required documents to the relevant Visa Application Service Centre as instructed. Current India guidance states that no appointment is required for document submission after online approval.
- Track your application and collect your passport according to the instructions provided by the relevant centre.
About This Article
Reviewed by the LEAMSS Team — we track official Chinese Embassy and Consulate notices to help applicants apply through the correct process from the start.
Have questions about your specific China visa application? Talk to our team directly.
Official Sources
Chinese Visa Application Service Center — New Delhi
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Mumbai — Visa Notice
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Kolkata — Visa Notice
