China Ends Three-Year Visa Hiatus for Indian Tourists, Resumes All Visa Categories

Starting from March 15, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in India will once again begin issuing different categories of Chinese visas.

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China has declared the re-opening of all visa types for Indian travellers, which includes visas for tourism purposes, after a break of three years. The announcement was made on Tuesday, stating that "The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in India will resume issuing various types of Chinese visas, starting March 15."

With this decision, China has also restored all types of visas for foreigners, comprising tourism visas, port visas, and multiple visa-exemption policies, in a bid to open its borders for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. Nonetheless, inbound travellers are advised to seek advice from their local China embassies or consulates to get more detailed requirements and procedures.

China's Zero-Covid Travel Restrictions

China implemented rigorous travel restrictions on international arrivals from March 28, 2020, as part of its zero-Covid policy to curb the spread of coronavirus disease from abroad. These restrictions included reduced frequency of international passenger flights, limited visa availability, including suspension of tourist visas, and strict Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements before and after arrival in China.

China's Gradual Reopening of Visa Applications

However, towards the end of last year, China shifted from a zero-Covid policy to "living with Covid," leading to the lifting of centralised quarantine for inbound travellers. As a result, China gradually began reopening visa applications for most types of visas, though applications for tourism and medical treatment visas remained suspended.

Chinese Embassies Lift Travel Restrictions Globally

The Chinese embassies across the world, including those in Canada, France, Kuwait, Malta, New Zealand, Thailand, the US, and the UAE, have announced the removal of the travel restrictions with their latest policy adjustment.

In August 2022, the Chinese embassy restarted its services for 10 types of ordinary visas for Indian citizens, such as long-term study, business, work, family visits, personal visits, and talent introduction, among others. However, the application process for visas to China for travel, medical treatment, and other reasons remains suspended.

China-India Talks on Direct Flights

Experts in the travel industry anticipate a significant increase in the number of Indian citizens traveling to China for business or family visits with the resumption of various types of visas. However, they assert that the impact of this move may be limited until direct flights to China are reinstated. At present, China and India are reportedly in talks to restore direct flights, which were halted during the pandemic.