India entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter India. Apply for an e-Visa or a regular visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals. As of 2026, the e-Visa is the most common option for tourism, business, and medical visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type and duration. Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines may ask before boarding. | Recommended |
e-Visa not valid at all airports
The e-Visa is accepted at 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi. If you arrive at a smaller airport, you may need a regular visa. Check the official list before booking flights.
Keep your e-Visa approval printed
Airlines check your e-Visa before letting you board. Have a printed copy — a screenshot on your phone may not be accepted at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill out the e-Visa application. Upload a recent passport-style photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around $25-$80 depending on visa type and duration). Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it out.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: printed e-Visa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep copies on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'e-Visa' counters. Hand over your passport and printed e-Visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. If you're carrying more than $5,000 in cash or restricted items, use the red channel.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from issue
Cost₹3,000 (~$36 USD)
Non-extendable; must be used within 30 days of issue.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost₹5,000 (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; max 90 days per stay.
eVisa (Tourist)
Max stay30 days (single entry) or 90 days per visit (1-year/5-year)
Validity30 days, 1 year, or 5 years
Cost₹2,500 (~$30 USD) for 30-day; ₹5,000 (~$60 USD) for 1-year; ₹10,000 (~$120 USD) for 5-year
Apply online at least 4 days before travel; non-extendable.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year or 5 years
Cost₹10,000 (~$120 USD) for 1-year; ₹20,000 (~$240 USD) for 5-year
Requires invitation letter from Indian company; multiple entries allowed.
work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
₹15,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries and family dependents.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For full-time students enrolled in recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
5 years, renewable
₹50,000 (~$600 USD) initial fee
For foreign investors starting a business in India. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD and business plan. Allows multiple entries and family stay.
Apply research visa
Research Visa
1 year, renewable
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires invitation letter and project details. Allows multiple entries.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Valid for 30 days from date of arrival, non-extendable. | ₹3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | ₹5,000 (~$60 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist)For 30-day single entry; also available for 1-year and 5-year options. | ₹2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay FineApplies to all visa types; must be paid before departure. | ₹500 per day (~$6 USD), max ₹20,000 (~$240 USD) |
| Visa Extension (via FRRO)Available for certain visa types; apply online at indianfrro.gov.in. | ₹3,000 (~$36 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in India, even if staying airside. Apply at Indian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours at select airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad).
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas during monsoon season (June–September).
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk zones.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions, especially rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consult a travel clinic.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa-related issues; appointments recommended via indianfrro.gov.in.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 96.82 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals. You must apply for an e-Visa or a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Usually 3-5 business days. Apply at least 4 days before your flight. In busy periods it can take up to a week. Check the status on the official website.
Fees vary by visa type and duration. A 30-day tourist e-Visa costs around $25, a 1-year tourist e-Visa around $40, and a 5-year tourist e-Visa around $80. Business e-Visas are slightly more. Payment is online by credit card.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in India.
No. e-Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa. For longer stays, consider a regular visa from an Indian embassy before you travel.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be questioned or denied entry.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incorrect photo, unclear passport scan, or previous visa violations. You can reapply after fixing the issue, or apply for a regular visa at the Indian embassy in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.