China-bound tourist visas for Indian nationals to be reinstated following a five-year halt

China-bound tourist visas for Indian nationals to be reinstated following a five-year halt

India has announced the resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens, marking a significant step towards normalizing exchanges between the two nations. The Indian Embassy in Beijing confirmed that tourist visas will be available from July 24, 2025.

This decision ends a five-year suspension that was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical tensions. The suspension, which was first imposed in 2020, followed a deadly Galwan Valley clash where 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers lost their lives.

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up about 3.1% of India's total foreign visitors, with over 3.4 lakh arrivals in 2019. Many Chinese tourists were drawn to India's famous Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, with the Taj Mahal being a particularly popular attraction.

The resumption of tourist visas is expected to revive tourism flows, boost religious and cultural exchanges, enhance regional travel connectivity, and serve as a confidence-building measure. It is hoped that this move will pave the way for further diplomatic engagement, such as the upcoming SCO summit meetings.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued a notice in April 2022 stating that all Indian tourist visas for Chinese nationals would be deemed invalid. However, in 2022, China began easing restrictions and allowed the return of certain categories of foreign travellers, but many Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities were still unable to return for in-person classes.

Chinese citizens can apply for a tourist visa by filling out the visa application form online, making an appointment, and submitting the application at the Indian Visa Application Center. The Chinese social media platform Weibo shared the announcement made by the Indian Embassy.

While Indian officials have not yet released detailed guidelines for the resumption of tourist visas, the move is expected to boost people-to-people contact and revive tourism ties between India and China. The resumption of visa services signals a possible thaw in relations, with both governments taking steps toward normalizing exchanges in trade, tourism, and diplomacy.

This development is being viewed as a step toward restoring normalcy in bilateral travel and people-to-people ties between India and China. The resumption of tourist visas opens the door for Chinese visitors to return and explore India's rich cultural and historical legacy, including its role as the birthplace of Buddhism. Overall, the visa resumption is both a symbolic and practical move indicating improved bilateral relations and greater economic and cultural engagement between India and China after a five-year hiatus caused by health and security concerns.

[1] The Hindu: India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24

[2] NDTV: India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24

[3] The Economic Times: India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24

[4] The Print: India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24, a step towards normalising relations

[5] The Indian Express: India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24, a step towards normalising relations

1. This development, as reported by numerous outlets including The Hindu, NDTV, The Economic Times, The Print, and The Indian Express, signifies a significant shift in the lifestyle and travel sector, as India prepares to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens from July 24, 2025.
2. The resumption of tourist visas is not just a practical move towards reviving tourism ties, as highlighted in these general-news articles, but also a symbolic gesture, opening the door for Chinese visitors to immerse themselves in India's varied political, cultural, and historical landscapes, thereby deepening bilateral relations and encouraging greater economic and cultural engagement.

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