China's missions in India take over visa applications from 26 October

Centre · 2From 26 October, China's diplomatic missions in India accept and process visa and consular legalisation applications directly, replacing the visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, which stop taking new applications that day. 1 2 Centre · 2The change was set out in a notice from the Chinese Embassy in India dated 22 October, which says the embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai will handle applications, with Kolkata's jurisdiction temporarily handled by the New Delhi embassy. 1 2 Centre · 2Applicants in Maharashtra and Karnataka apply to the Mumbai consulate. Those in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh apply to the New Delhi embassy under the temporary arrangement, as do applicants from all other states and Union Territories. For legalisation, the place where the documents were issued determines the mission. 1 2

Centre · 2People who applied earlier can collect processed documents from the existing centres until noon on 30 October. 1 2 Centre · 2Applicants must first complete an online application and upload documents on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal. After the online review is approved and they receive an email, they have 30 days to submit their passport, form and documents in person to the designated mission. 1 2 Centre · 2Visa application centre service fees are removed for online applications submitted after 5 pm on 23 October; fees already paid are not refunded, and the separate visa fees charged by Chinese authorities still apply. 1 2

Centre · 1Gulf News lists the reduced visa fees for Indian passport holders, in effect until 31 December 2026: ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for multiple entry valid six months, ₹8,800 for multiple entry valid a year or longer, and ₹1,800 per person for group visas. Express processing (two to three working days) costs ₹1,800 extra and urgent processing ₹2,700 extra. 2 Centre · 2Short-term visa applicants staying up to 180 days are exempt from fingerprinting until 31 December 2026, but the exemption does not cover every category; Gulf News says some long-term study, work and family reunion applicants may still need to give fingerprints. 1 2 Centre · 2Tourist visa applicants must show six months of bank statements with a consistent average monthly balance of at least ₹1 lakh, or an eligible deposit certificate of a similar amount held for at least three months. 1 2

Centre · 2Gulf News adds that photos must measure 33mm × 48mm on a white background, that standard processing takes about four working days after submission, and that the online review can lengthen the wait, so it advises applying four to six weeks before travel. Both outlets note that the arrangements cover mainland China only, with separate procedures for Hong Kong and Macao. 2 1