China Updates Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers: Old Passports & Bank Proofs Now Mandatory

China has introduced a series of stricter visa documentation rules for Indian travelers, making accuracy and consistency more important than ever. The new process requires applicants to submit old passports issued within the last five years, along with their current passport, to ensure complete verification of travel history. Any mismatch in names across documents now demands official name-change proof, such as a gazette notification or affidavit, to avoid delays or rejection.

The visa process also brings more formal requirements for documentation. Cover letters and invitation letters must now include full applicant details, travel purpose, exact stay dates in the YYYY MM DD format, itinerary, and inviter information. For business or visit visas, the invitation must include the inviter’s name, designation, company details, and an official stamp or signature—both in English and Chinese. Even the visa application form must be filled entirely in capital letters, as per updated VFS Global instructions.

Financial scrutiny has also increased, with greater emphasis on bank statements and proof of funds. While some guidance suggests travelers may need a balance of around ₹300,000 for tourist visas, the embassy notes a minimum proof of funds of ₹100,000, maintained consistently over previous months. Stable financial documentation is now crucial for approval.

One positive change is the removal of mandatory appointments at VFS centres in many cities. Applicants can now walk in and submit their documents on any working day. With complete paperwork, the standard processing time remains quick—about 4 working days for normal processing and 3 days for express applications.

What Travelers Should Do Now

• Submit your current passport along with any old passports from the last five years.
• Ensure your name matches across all documents or attach official proof of change.
• Prepare a clear, formatted cover letter with dates in YYYY MM DD.
• Provide a complete invitation letter for business categories.
• Maintain strong, consistent bank balances and gather recent statements.
• Fill all forms in capital letters.
• Submit the application to the correct VFS centre based on your jurisdiction.