🇨🇳China

Typically bring

• A valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity and blank visa pages.
• A completed Chinese visa application form with a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of onward or return travel itinerary.
• Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation if staying with hosts.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay, such as bank statements.
• For business visas, a letter from the Chinese trade partner or relevant authorities.

Watch out for

• Do not attempt to travel without a visa; entry will be denied at the border.
• Ensure your passport has enough blank pages and validity, as incomplete passports are rejected.
• Visa-on-arrival is not available for Indian nationals at most ports of entry.
• Transit without a visa is only allowed for short layovers in designated cities and under strict conditions.
• Some visa types restrict travel to specific provinces; check if your itinerary is covered.

Good to know

• The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY); cash is still widely used, though mobile payments dominate in cities.
• Mandarin is the official language; translation apps are helpful as English signage is limited outside major cities.
• Internet access is restricted; popular Western platforms like Google and WhatsApp may be blocked.
• Major cities are generally safe for tourists, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas.
• High-speed rail and domestic flights make travel between cities efficient, but tickets should be booked in advance.