After a five-year suspension, India is set to resume issuing tourist visas for Chinese nationals. According to the Indian Embassy in Beijing, the visas will be available starting July 24.
India had suspended tourist visas in 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was further aggravated by diplomatic tensions following the Galwan Valley clash along the India-China border, effectively halting general travel between the two countries.
While China gradually resumed issuing visas for Indian students and businesspeople, India had yet to lift restrictions on tourist visas for Chinese citizens—until now.
The Indian Embassy has announced that Chinese nationals will be able to apply online and schedule an appointment to submit their passports and required documents at visa application centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
In recent months, both countries have held talks aimed at normalizing bilateral relations, reaching several mutual understandings. Initiatives are also underway to resume direct flights and reopen the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—an important pilgrimage route for Hindus.
Earlier this year, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India-China relations are moving in a positive direction and that both sides are working toward restoring normalcy.