India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After 5-Year Suspension

In a significant diplomatic and travel development, India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from July 24, 2025, ending a five-year suspension triggered by strained bilateral relations and pandemic-related restrictions.

The announcement, shared via India’s official broadcaster Akashvani (newsonair.gov.in), confirmed that Chinese travellers can now apply for tourist visas through the official online visa portal. The move is expected to boost tourism and ease cross-border travel between two of Asia’s largest nations.

Visa applications require an online form submission, followed by an in-person appointment at the Indian Embassy or designated consulates in China. Applicants must present their passport and necessary documents at the Indian Visa Application Centres located in:

Beijing: 5th Floor, Block A, Guangcheng Plaza, No. 18 East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District

Shanghai: Room 11B38, No. 2299 West Yan’an Road, Changning District

Guangzhou: Room 2401A, North Tower, Fuli Yingli Building, No. 3-2 Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, calling it a “positive move” and expressing readiness to work with India to further facilitate travel between the two nations.

Why Was There a 5-Year Gap?

The halt in visa services stemmed from rising political tensions after the COVID-19 pandemic and several military clashes along the India-China border. As a result, both nations suspended most forms of travel, including tourism.

This re-opening signals a potential thaw in diplomatic relations and opens up new travel opportunities for Chinese citizens eager to explore India’s rich cultural and natural heritage.