As part of a major step towards healing strained bilateral relations, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, 2025, after it was suspended for almost five years. This is an important step in re-establishing people-to-people contact between the two giant Asian nations, which were severely impacted by geopolitical tensions as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Long Pause Since 2020
India had suspended all tourist visas for Chinese nationals in early 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. But it got worse after the fatal border clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley in June 2020, which killed soldiers on both sides. Diplomatic relations hit rock-bottom, and issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals was kept frozen even after the lifting of pandemic-era travel restrictions across the world.
India had selectively reinstated visa categories like business, employment, and student visas for citizens of most countries—China included—but tourist visas were still on hold. The new development is a step back to normalcy, at least in the areas of travel and cultural exchange.
What Changed?
Sources indicated that the issuing of tourist visas to Chinese visitors is following months of diplomatic interactions and back-channel talks. It is also part of India’s attempt to present itself as an open global tourist destination prior to hosting high-profile global events, including forthcoming G20 follow-up tourism summits and the promotion of “Visit India 2025.”
The move can also help the Indian economy, especially industries like hospitality, travel, and retail, which had been hit by the lack of one of the world’s largest groups of outbound tourists.
Impact and Caution
The decision is likely to be received positively by business communities and tour operators in the two nations. It comes with muted optimism, though, since the overall bilateral relationship remains contentious. Security and border issues remain top-of-mind in negotiations between New Delhi and Beijing.
Until then, Indian consulates and embassies will start taking tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals from July 24. The officials made it clear that regular security checks will continue to be in effect, and every application will be reviewed under the rules as before.
