A China visa file should explain one clear travel purpose.
The form, covering letter, invitation, itinerary and financial documents should all support the same reason for travel. That is particularly important for business trips involving meetings, suppliers, factories or exhibitions.
Indian citizens generally need a visa before travelling to mainland China. The correct category depends on what the applicant will actually do in China—not simply on which category appears easier. A holiday usually falls under the tourist category, commercial meetings and trade activity normally fall under the business category, and invited non-commercial exchanges may fall under a separate visit category.
Visa Globus begins with the applicant’s travel purpose, occupation, invitation arrangements, proposed dates and jurisdiction. We then identify which documents need to be prepared, which details require clarification and whether the supporting papers tell a consistent story.
Do not use a generic covering letter for every China application. A buyer visiting the Canton Fair, a company director meeting a supplier and a tourist visiting Beijing need different explanations and different evidence.
China visa types we assist with
Tourist Visa
For holidays and sightseeing. The file normally needs a realistic itinerary, accommodation details, financial evidence and occupation documents.
Business Visa
For commercial and trade activity such as meetings, supplier visits, sourcing, factory visits and exhibitions. The Indian company letter and Chinese invitation are central documents.
Exchange or Visit
For certain non-commercial exchanges, study tours and related visits. The invitation should clearly describe the programme and the relationship between the parties.
Short Family Visit
For eligible short visits to Chinese citizens, permanent residents or qualifying foreign residents. Relationship and host-status evidence may be required.
Transit Visa
For travellers who need a visa while transiting through China and do not qualify for a visa-free transit arrangement.
How the China visa process works in India
The New Delhi centre currently uses an online application and preliminary review process. Procedures can change, so the latest instruction shown in the applicant’s online account and on the official centre website should always take priority.
- 01
Confirm the visa category and jurisdiction
Applicants should use the visa centre responsible for their jurisdiction. Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata centres handle different regions of India.
- 02
Complete the online application
Enter personal, employment, travel and host details carefully. Names, passport information and travel dates must match the supporting documents.
- 03
Upload documents for online review
The centre reviews the online submission and may request corrections or additional documents before allowing physical submission.
- 04
Submit the physical file after online approval
The New Delhi centre’s current guidance states that documents can be submitted after online approval without a separate appointment. Applicants should follow the confirmation message generated for their case.
- 05
Biometrics, payment and collection
Fingerprint collection may apply unless the applicant falls within an official exemption. Keep the collection receipt and follow the centre’s collection instructions.
Documents commonly required for a China visa
The exact list depends on category, occupation, nationality, jurisdiction and individual circumstances. The groups below show what is commonly reviewed; they are not a substitute for the checklist issued for a specific application.
- Completed online application form and confirmation page
- Original passport, normally valid for at least six months
- At least two blank visa pages
- Recent passport photographs in the required specification
- Copies of current and relevant previous passports or visas
- Occupation, business or employment evidence
- Additional documents requested during online review
- Day-wise or logically structured travel itinerary
- Hotel or accommodation arrangements
- Return or onward travel details where requested
- Personal financial evidence
- Employment, business, retirement or student-status documents as applicable
- Covering letter explaining the purpose and funding of the trip
- Detailed covering letter from the Indian company
- Invitation from the Chinese company or organiser
- Chinese company seal, signature and date where required
- Proof of the commercial relationship or proposed activity
- Exhibition registration, meeting schedule or factory details where relevant
- Expense and sponsorship arrangements
- Invitation from the host in China
- Copy of the host’s Chinese identity document or residence status
- Proof of relationship where applicable
- Applicant’s occupation and financial documents
- Travel dates, accommodation and visit explanation
- Additional host or family documents requested for the category
Tourist applications
An April 2026 New Delhi centre notice states that applicants should provide recent personal savings-bank statements showing a consistent balance of at least ₹1 lakh, or an eligible deposit certificate maintained for the required period. The centre may ask for different or additional evidence based on the case.
Business applications
The same notice calls for a detailed invitation carrying the appropriate Chinese company seal, handwritten signature and date. The Indian covering letter should explain the company, exact commercial purpose and duration rather than using broad wording such as “business meetings.”
Common China visa mistakes we identify
Vague business purpose
“Meeting clients” does not explain who will be met, why the meeting is needed or what the traveller will do.
Conflicting dates
The form, invitation, flight plan, hotel booking and covering letter show different travel periods.
Wrong invitation format
The letter is unsigned, uses an unacceptable seal or omits the inviting company’s full details.
Unclear expense arrangement
The documents do not explain whether the applicant, Indian employer or Chinese host will pay for the trip.
Weak occupation evidence
The applicant’s job or business documents do not support the role described in the application.
Submitting too late
Online review, corrections, holidays and application volume can affect the schedule, even before physical submission.
Practical review before you submit.
We help prepare the form, covering letter, invitation set, itinerary and supporting documents so the file is easier to understand and less likely to contain avoidable contradictions.
- Category and jurisdiction check
- Profile-specific document checklist
- Online form review
- Tourist itinerary and funding review
- Business invitation and company-letter review
- Submission and collection guidance
China visa FAQs
Which China visa is used for tourism?
The L visa is generally used for tourism. A credible tourist file should show a realistic itinerary, accommodation, funding and the applicant’s occupation or personal circumstances.
Which China visa is used for business travel?
The M visa is generally used for commercial and trade activity. The Chinese invitation and Indian company covering letter should explain the exact purpose, dates, parties involved and expense arrangements.
Is an appointment required after online approval in New Delhi?
The New Delhi centre currently states that physical documents may be submitted after online approval without a separate appointment. Applicants should follow the latest message generated in their online account because procedures can change.
How much passport validity is needed?
Official guidance generally requires at least six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages. A longer validity period may be sensible when travel is not immediate.
Are fingerprints required?
Fingerprint collection may apply. Official exemptions can cover certain age groups, applicants whose fingerprints were collected recently using the same passport, and people whose fingerprints cannot be collected. Current rules should be checked for the individual case.
How early should I begin?
Start well before travel. The online review may lead to correction requests, and public holidays or high application volume can affect the schedule. Avoid making non-refundable commitments before the visa is issued.
Can Visa Globus arrange approval?
No. We can improve organisation, clarity and submission readiness, but only the Chinese authorities decide whether to issue a visa and determine its validity, entries and permitted stay.
