'Welcome Indian friends': China issues over 85,000 visas to travellers in just three months

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, recently said that over 85,000 visas have been issued to Indian citizens till April 9, 2025, following latest visa relaxations.

"As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China," said Feihong in a post on X.

As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China. pic.twitter.com/4kkENM7nkK

— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) April 12, 2025

What are the changes for Indian travellers to China?

• 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 travellers.
  
• Encouragement for Tourism: China has been actively promoting travel for Indian tourists, highlighting cultural and seasonal attractions, such as springtime festivals and scenic destination

Travel between India and China was significantly impacted in recent years due to pandemic-related restrictions and diplomatic tensions. Visa processing was halted for an extended period, and even after reopening, Indian travellers faced stricter entry requirements, including additional documentation, quarantine rules, and limited visa issuance.

India-China ties as trade war heats up:
India and China should stand together to overcome difficulties in the face of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India said on Tuesday. "China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complementarity and mutual benefit.

Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs... the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties," spokesperson Yu Jing said in a post on X. "Trade and tariff wars have no winners. All countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, practice true multilateralism, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism."