In a major tweak to Chinese visa rules, Indians eligible for single or double-entry visas for categories of business (M) , tourist (L), short-term family visit to Chinese citizens (Q2), transit(G), and crew (C) purposes until December 31, 2023.
The cost of Chinese visas for Indians ranges from Rs 3800 - Rs 7,800, depending on the type and validity of the visa sought. For visa enquiries, applicants may contact the Chinese embassy in New Delhi at 9999 03673 or email the embassy at delhicentre@visaforchina.org.
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Before Thursday's announcement, those under 14 or over 70, or those who have had their fingerprints collected by the Chinese Embassy authorities in the previous five years, using the same passport, or those whose fingerprints are "uncollectable" were exempt from the rule.
The Chinese embassy in India made the announcement on Thursday, just days after "positive" talks on border issues. On August 13-14, the 19th round of talks between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side of the LAC.
The announcement on changes in visa rules comes just a week before the scheduled BRICS meeting next week, which is scheduled to be attended by PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. India and China relations have remained frosty since the May 2020 Galwan valley clash that claimed the lives of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.
Documents required to apply for a Chinese visa include the application form and confirmation page of the online visa application, the original passport with a validity of at least six months left. Two or more blank visa pages must be available in the passport. Photocopy of the relevant passport pages must also be submitted. Along with these photographs, and proof of residential and employment status must also be submitted.