Published on: July 2025
In a significant move, the Government of India has resumed issuing visas to Chinese nationals, lifting a freeze that had lasted since early 2020. The suspension, originally imposed amid COVID-19 and political tensions, had impacted bilateral travel, business, education, and tourism between the two nations.
As of July 25, 2025, visa applications from Chinese citizens are now being processed once again by Indian missions in China, including consulates in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.
Here’s everything you need to know about the policy shift, and how it affects students, business travellers, and international relations.
Why Was the Visa Ban Imposed?
The freeze began in early 2020, driven by:
- COVID-19 outbreak and travel restrictions
- Geopolitical tensions, especially after border skirmishes in Galwan Valley
- Diplomatic breakdowns and stalled talks between Beijing and New Delhi
- Security concerns related to technology, surveillance, and student espionage
As a result, India halted all new tourist, student, business, and research visas for Chinese nationals, and suspended electronic visa processing as well.
What Triggered the Reopening in 2025?
Multiple factors contributed to India lifting the ban in mid-2025:
- Stabilizing Diplomatic Ties
- Quiet diplomacy resumed post-2024 elections in both countries
- High-level trade talks reopened earlier this year
- Pressure from Universities & Trade Bodies
- Indian institutions and medical colleges pushed for student return
- Export councils noted declining participation from Chinese buyers
- Reciprocity
- China had already resumed visa issuance for Indians in late 2024
- India needed to re-balance travel and tourism access
- Regional Tourism Push
- India aims to boost inbound tourism in 2025–26
- Visa facilitation was key to meeting Visit India Year goals
What Visas Are Now Open?
Indian consulates in China are now accepting fresh applications for:
- Tourist Visas (T)
- Business Visas (B)
- Student Visas (S/X)
- Medical Visas
- Research or Conference Visas
- Employment Visas (E)
Visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals is not active. All applicants must apply via the VFS system or Indian missions.
Implications for Chinese Citizens
- Students: Chinese nationals can now reapply to Indian universities or resume delayed academic programs
- Business Travellers: Greater access to Indian export expos, supplier visits, and sourcing trips
- Tourists: New leisure itineraries, including Buddhist circuit and northeast India routes, will benefit
- Family Visits: OCI-linked Chinese residents can now host their families again without prolonged delays
Regional Impact
India’s reopening is expected to:
- Improve people-to-people exchanges
- Support South Asian tourism from Southeast Asia
- Boost education exports to China (especially MBBS and tech)
- Allow more direct flight connections between India and Tier-1 Chinese cities
- Reopen academic partnerships and exchange programs
What This Means for India’s Foreign Policy
- Marks a soft reboot in India–China visa diplomacy
- Positions India as a stable regional partner open to tourism and education
- Restores balance after years of COVID-related shutdowns and bilateral freezes
- Signals pragmatism over hostility despite unresolved border issues
How Velynt Global Can Help
We assist Chinese nationals and business entities with:
- Indian visa documentation and application tracking
- University admission support for MBBS and tech programs
- Medical visa paperwork and hospital coordination
- Trade event visas and travel planning for Indian expos
- Translation, flight bookings, and VFS fee guidance
Contact us in English or 中文 to start your India visa process.
📧 [email protected]
📞 +91 90748 07602
🌐 www.velyntglobal.com
FAQs
Q1: Are visa-on-arrival services open for Chinese tourists?
No. All Chinese nationals must apply via embassy or consulate procedures.
Q2: Can Chinese students apply for MBBS in India now?
Yes. Applications are now accepted, and Velynt Global can help with admissions and visa documents.
Q3: What if my visa was previously refused?
You can reapply with correct documentation. Each case is evaluated afresh.
Q4: Are e-visas available?
Not yet. All visas for Chinese applicants must be filed manually via approved Indian missions.
After a long diplomatic freeze, India is now open to Chinese travellers once again. Whether you’re coming for business, study, or tourism, the gates have reopened—and the moment is right.
Velynt Global is here to guide you every step of the way—from forms to flights.