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After a five-year pause, direct flights between India and China are finally back in the skies, offering a new wave of opportunities for travellers eager to explore the vast landscapes, rich culture, and modern cities of the world’s most populous nation. IndiGo’s flight 6E1703 from Kolkata landed in Guangzhou early Monday morning, carrying around 180 passengers, marking a significant milestone in the gradual restoration of ties between India and China. Soon, state-owned China Eastern Airlines will resume flights between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9, followed by IndiGo launching a Delhi–Guangzhou service on November 10. With travel routes reopening, Indian tourists can now plan trips to China’s iconic destinations, be it the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the terracotta warriors in Xi’an, or the scenic landscapes of Guilin and Zhangjiajie. China Visa Options For Indian TravellersIndians planning a visit to China are eligible for the L visa (Tourist Visa). The Chinese embassy categorises visas into 16 sub-types, including: Tourist visa (L)Business visa (M)Work visa (Z)Study visa (X1 & X2)Exchange, study tours, or visits (F)Family visits (S1 & S2)Family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents (Q1 & Q2)Crew visa (C)Permanent residence visa (D)Journalist visa (J1 & J2)Transit visa (G)Foreigner of high talent (R)For most Indian tourists, the L visa is sufficient. Documents Required For A China Visa For IndiansApplicants must submit the following to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate: Passport valid for at least six months with two blank pagesCompleted China visa application formTwo recent passport-sized photosCover letter with travel plans, name, and addressDetailed itinerary of the tripRound-trip flight ticketsHotel bookingsBank statements showing a minimum balance of INR 1,00,000Income Tax ReturnsPay slips, if salariedLeave letter from employerSponsor or invitation letter, if applicable The official Chinese visa website also allows applicants to complete the online visa form, choosing visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries—single, double, or multiple entries. China Visa Fees For IndiansSingle-Entry: Rs 2,900Double-Entry: Rs 4,400Multiple-Entry (Six Months): Rs 5,900Multiple-Entry (12 Months): Rs 8,800Group Visa/Each Applicant: Rs 1,800Official Group Visa/Each Applicant: Rs 1,800How To Apply For A China VisaGo to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center online portal.Complete the online visa application form carefully, ensuring all details are accurate.Provide required documents, including your passport details, recent passport-sized photos, and any supporting papers.Print the completed application form and sign it.Take your application to the nearest Chinese Visa Application Center.Hand in the completed form along with all supporting documents and pay the visa fee.You will get a pick-up form detailing the date and time to collect your visa.Return to the visa center on the specified date to collect your approved visaIndia To China FlightsAs of right now, IndiGo is running a direct flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou. China Eastern Airlines will resume flights between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9, followed by IndiGo launching a Delhi–Guangzhou service on November 10. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
