A China visa is usually the first hurdle for Indian travellers planning a trip, and it can feel confusing if you've never applied before. Here's what the process actually looks like, and how our China Visa service takes the guesswork out of it.
Which Visa Type Do You Need?
Most leisure travellers apply for an L (tourist) visa, while those attending the Canton Fair, visiting suppliers or holding business meetings typically need an M (business) visa, which usually requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or fair organiser. We help clients identify the correct category before submission, since applying under the wrong type is one of the most common causes of delay.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with blank visa pages
- A recent passport-size photo meeting China's specific photo requirements
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of travel plans — flight itinerary and hotel bookings
- For business visas, an invitation letter from a Chinese host or the Canton Fair organiser
- Employment or business proof, depending on your visa category
Where to Apply
Indian applicants generally submit through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre covering their region (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Bengaluru). Appointments and document checks can take time to get right on your own, which is why we handle the paperwork and booking on your behalf.
Timeline to Keep in Mind
- Standard processing: around 4 working days
- Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel to allow for corrections
- Canton Fair season: apply earlier, as centres get busy
- Passport should have 6+ months' validity remaining
Common Mistakes We Help Clients Avoid
The most frequent issues we see are photos that don't meet the exact specification, mismatched information between the flight itinerary and the application form, and business travellers applying for a tourist visa when an invitation letter and business visa are actually required. We review every document before submission to reduce the chance of a rejection or resubmission.
How We Help
As part of our China Visa service, we prepare your document checklist, arrange invitation letters for business travel, book your application centre appointment and track your application until the passport is returned to you — so you can focus on planning the trip itself.
