(ECNS) -- India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals for the first time in five years, the Indian Embassy in China announced Wednesday. The move, effective Thursday, ends a suspension imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This policy shift comes amid a gradual easing of restrictions on business visas for Chinese travelers, which had previously faced limitations.
The news triggered an immediate surge in interest. According to travel platform Qunar, searches for flights to New Delhi skyrocketed, peaking at more than 10 times the usual volume. The Hong Kong–New Delhi route saw the highest demand, with average fares about 862 yuan ($119).
Trip.com reports that applications for Indian business visas have already grown by 63% year-on-year in 2025. Before the pandemic, both tourist and business travel from China to India had shown steady growth.
However, travel experts caution that India's visa approval process remains stringent, with a relatively high rejection rate and uncertainty about long-term trends.
(By Evelyn)
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