China eases visa rules for Indian travelers; have issued 50,000+ visas so far in 2025

China has issued over 50,000 visas to Indian travelers in 2025, amidst new measures to
simplify the application process. These include the removal of mandatory online
appointments, biometric exemptions for short-term stays, and reduced visa fees. These
changes aim to enhance tourism, business travel, and academic exchanges between Ind
and China, following a period of restrictions.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued over 50,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year, as of March 17, 2025. This comes as part of measures aimed at simplifying the visa process for Indian visitors.
Recent changes include the removal of mandatory online appointments, exemption from biometric data collection for short-term stays, and a reduction in visa fees. These steps are expected to facilitate travel
between the two countries. Encouraging more Indian visitors to explore China, Chinese Ambassador
to India Xu Feihong stated, “While flowers blossom in spring, we welcome more Indian friends to visit China and get a first-hand experience of China in spring.”
China has introduced several measures to make the visa application process more convenient for Indian travelers:

No Online Appointment Requirement: Indian applicants no longer  need to book appointments in advance, allowing for a smoother and faster visa application process.

Biometric Exemption for Short-Term Stays: Travelers visiting China for short durations are no longer required to provide biometric data, reducing processing time.

Reduced Visa Fees: The cost of obtaining a Chinese visa has been lowered, making travel more affordable for Indian visitors.
Faster Processing Times: The visa approval timeline has been streamlined to allow quicker issuance, benefiting both business and leisure travelers.

Orginally Published at ECONOMICTIMES