India suspends tourist visas for Chinese nationals
India has invalidated tourist visas for Chinese nationals following ongoing diplomatic tensions over entry restrictions for Indian students in China. The decision impacts travelers and leaves many seeking clarity on their travel plans.
Chinese nationals residing in India will face serious immigration issues in the coming days after the country announced the invalidation of tourist visas issued to Chinese citizens looking to visit. Below is everything you need to know about the reasons behind this decision and its implications.
Context and consequences of the decision
Since April, tourist visas for Chinese nationals living in India have been invalidated, according to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) circular shared with member carriers on April 20. The notice stated: “Tourist visas issued to nationals of China are no longer valid.”
Since early 2020, nearly 22,000 Indian students in China have been barred from attending in-person classes at some universities due to Beijing’s ongoing refusal to allow their entry—despite multiple diplomatic efforts by Indian officials. China has maintained these restrictions under its COVID-19 pandemic measures.
Nonetheless, India has allowed certain groups to enter its territory, including Bhutanese, Indian, Maldivian, and Nepalese nationals, as well as passengers holding Indian residency permits. Travelers with valid regular or e-visas issued by India are also permitted entry, as are overseas Indian citizens documented via OCI cards or passports. Indian officials have also stated that diplomatic passport holders are allowed entry. The IATA circular also invalidated 10-year tourist visas previously issued to Chinese nationals.
India’s response and ongoing efforts
In March, the Indian government formally requested that China adopt a more sympathetic approach toward foreign students facing disruptions to their academic progress. According to Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), China had indicated it was reviewing the situation to facilitate the return of foreign students.
However, no favorable response has been provided regarding the re-entry of Indian students into Chinese universities. While India continues to urge China to adopt a more flexible stance, it remains open to further negotiations to resolve the diplomatic impasse. MEA spokesperson Bagchi confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, discussed the issue during a meeting in Dushanbe in September 2021.
This development adds to the existing points of contention between the two Asian powers.
A specialist in regulatory monitoring and a content destination expert, she analyzes daily changes in entry formalities to turn complex administrative processes into practical guides. Her role blends ground-level expertise with technical precision to ensure the reliability of the information provided to travelers.
