SBKI News.in/Online Visa
China is set to introduce an online visa application and approval system for Indian citizens, marking a significant step towards easing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The move comes even as India has advised its nationals to remain cautious while travelling to or transiting through China, following recent complaints of mistreatment at Chinese airports. The dual development underscores both efforts to normalize travel and continuing concerns over the safety and dignity of Indian passengers abroad.
Online visa system from 22 December
According to the announcement, the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi will operationalise a full-fledged online visa application and processing platform for Indian applicants from 22 December. Under the new system, Indian citizens intending to travel to China for tourism, business, studies or family visits will be able to fill out their visa forms digitally and upload the required documents through a dedicated website of the Chinese visa centre. The platform will accept digital copies of passports, photographs and supporting papers, significantly reducing physical paperwork and long queues at visa centres.
Officials have indicated that the online system is designed to streamline processing, improve transparency and cut down on errors in manual forms. For many frequent travellers and businesspersons, this step is expected to reduce turnaround time, as essential pre-verification can be completed digitally before an in-person appointment, if required. The facility also aligns with Beijing’s broader push to modernise its consular services and to revive international travel flows after years of pandemic-related restrictions.
How Indian applicants can use the portal
The Chinese side has specified that Indian citizens will have to log on to the designated visa service website, access the Delhi mission’s page and select the appropriate visa category before starting the application. On the portal, applicants will be prompted to enter personal and travel details, including passport information, purpose of visit, itinerary and details of local contacts or inviting organisations. They will then be required to upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as passport bio-pages, invitation letters, financial proofs and accommodation details.
Once the form is completed and documents are uploaded, the system will generate an application number and acknowledgement, which the applicant should retain for future reference. In many cases, applicants may still need to visit the visa centre or embassy for biometric submissions or interviews, but the time spent on-site is expected to be lower because the scrutiny of documents would have started in advance. Applicants are advised to double-check all entries, as inaccurate or incomplete data on the online form could lead to delays or rejections.
India’s advisory after Shanghai incident
Even as the online visa platform is being rolled out, New Delhi has reiterated a travel advisory urging Indian citizens to exercise caution while visiting or transiting through China. The advisory was prompted by a serious allegation by an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh, who reported harassment at Shanghai airport during immigration checks. She claimed that Chinese officials subjected her to intrusive questioning and treated her Indian passport with disrespect, sparking outrage on social media and concern within diplomatic circles.
In response, the Indian government has reminded its nationals to remain vigilant about their rights and to immediately contact Indian missions in case of distress at Chinese airports. New Delhi has also conveyed its expectation that Chinese authorities will ensure that Indian passengers are not selectively targeted or humiliated during immigration or security procedures. India has further stressed that Chinese officers must fully adhere to international civil aviation practices and norms governing the treatment of foreign travellers.
Expectations from Chinese authorities
Indian officials have underlined that smoother visa access must go hand in hand with fair and non-discriminatory treatment on Chinese soil. While welcoming the decision to open an online visa window, New Delhi has sought credible assurances that instances of arbitrary or hostile behaviour at airports will not be repeated. The expectation is that China will sensitise its immigration and security personnel, particularly in major hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing, to handle Indian travellers professionally and in accordance with international obligations.
For Indian citizens, the new system offers an easier way to initiate travel plans to China, especially for business, education and family reunions. However, experts suggest that travellers should stay informed about the latest advisories, keep emergency contact details of Indian missions handy and retain copies of all travel documents throughout their journey. The coming months will show whether the combination of digital facilitation and diplomatic engagement can restore confidence in China-bound travel among Indians.
Brief note on related security development
In a separate but related security context, India has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to impose restrictions on a British Sikh businessman accused of involvement in Khalistan-linked extremist activities. New Delhi has viewed the move as a positive signal of international cooperation against individuals allegedly engaged in financing or supporting anti-India terror networks. The step, officials say, reinforces India’s broader call for partners to take firm action against transnational elements that misuse foreign soil to threaten India’s security and public order.Dainik jagran
Together, the rollout of China’s online visa system and stronger international action against extremist actors reflect the complex environment in which Indian external engagement is unfolding—where facilitation of travel and trade must coexist with vigilant protection of the rights and security of Indian citizens worldwide.
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