India to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens after five-year pause post-Galwan

The Union Home Ministry has issued a revised framework to grant regular tourist visas to nationals of the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Visa conditions for Buddhist pilgrims and family members of Chinese diplomats have also been eased to facilitate travel to India. A decision on extending e-visa facilities is still pending.

The move follows a series of steps last year, including a January 2025 agreement between India and China to resume direct passenger flights. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which was earlier suspended for five years, was also revived in June 2025. Officials said all foreign nationals entering India must carry a valid passport or UN Laissez-passer along with a visa issued by an Indian mission or post abroad.

As per existing MHA guidelines, foreigners are prohibited from carrying satellite phones into India while on tourist visas. Such devices will be seized upon detection, and violations will invite strict action under Indian law.

These restrictions have been established in the wake of the 2025 Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 tourists were killed in Baisaran Valley. In the aftermath of the rollout of the new modalities, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated 14 more seaports, half of them from Gujarat, as immigration checkpoints for foreign nationals who hold e-visas.

Electronic visa facilities have been operational since March 19 at Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav, and Mandvi seaports in Gujarat; Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu; and Kakinada and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, as per a report from The Hindu.

Regular visas on offer will cover categories such as tourist, business, employment, student, and entry visas for Chinese nationals. The process involves completing an online application and submitting a hard copy with supporting documents and fees at a visa facilitation centre.