Macau Departures: Indians Pay Less for Mainland China Visas Until Dec 2026

Indian citizens planning a holiday in mainland China still need to secure a tourist visa before they travel, and reduced visa fees for Indian applicants have been extended to 31 December 2026, according to a 2026 visa guide. The relevant category for a holiday trip is the L visa, or tourist visa.

Key facts

• Indian ordinary passport holders need a visa in advance for mainland China.
• The tourist category is the L visa; there is no visa on arrival or e-Visa to rely on.
• Reduced fees for Indian applicants run until 31 December 2026.
• Listed fees: ₹2,900 single entry, ₹4,400 double entry, ₹5,900 six-month multiple entry, ₹8,800 one-year multiple entry, ₹1,800 for a group visa.
• Passport must have at least six months' validity and more than two blank visa pages.

Do Indian travellers need a visa for China?

Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders generally must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China for tourism, and should not assume they can enter using a visa on arrival or an e-Visa. The guide also notes that itineraries including Hong Kong or Macau are subject to separate entry requirements, which may differ from those for mainland China, so travellers should check those arrangements separately.

What documents are required?

The guide lists a valid passport that meets the validity and blank-page requirements, a completed and signed visa application form, a recent colour photograph on a white or near-white background, a travel itinerary and relevant travel arrangements, and financial documents such as personal bank statements for the preceding three months, as required by the relevant visa application centre.

Financial documentation requirements may vary by application centre and by individual circumstances. Applicants are advised to confirm the applicable checklist before submitting. The visa application form is filled out online, then printed and signed where required, with details matching the passport and supporting travel documents.

How much does it cost?

The reduced fee schedule for Indian applicants lists ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for six-month multiple entry and ₹8,800 for one-year multiple entry. Group visas are listed separately at ₹1,800. These reduced rates apply until 31 December 2026.

Visa application service charges are additional, and express or urgent processing may cost extra. Fees and service charges are generally non-refundable even if an application is refused.

Are fingerprints required?

Many short-term applicants staying for 180 days or less are exempt from fingerprint collection under the extended policy, subject to applicable exceptions.

What this means for travellers

Indian travellers should confirm their passport meets the six-month validity and blank-page rules, complete the online form and prepare financial documents early, and submit through the relevant Chinese Visa Application Service Centre according to its current instructions. Building in time for document preparation and processing is recommended.

The guide notes that visa requirements, fees, processing arrangements and entry rules may change, and that the latest requirements should be confirmed before applying. No change to the fee schedule after 31 December 2026 has been announced.