The Chinese Embassy in India has announced an extension of reduced visa fees for travelers until December 31, 2025. This measure aims to streamline travel procedures for foreigners visiting China.Under the extended scheme, the single-entry visa fee remains ₹2,900, while double-entry visas are priced at ₹4,400. The cost for a six-month multiple-entry visa is ₹5,900, and a 12-month or longer multiple-entry visa is ₹8,800. Group visas and official group visas will continue to cost ₹1,800 per applicant.This decision builds on cost-reduction measures introduced last year, aimed at encouraging greater travel and engagement between the two nations.Progress on India-China Border DiscussionsThis announcement coincides with developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as India and China reported progress in restoring stability in certain disputed areas. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in its year-end review, stated that both nations have reached a "broad consensus" to address differences."India and China achieved a broad consensus to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the LAC. Both countries have been holding talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve differences," the MoD said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this progress during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24, 2024, emphasizing that "continuous dialogue brings solutions."The MoD also reported that the Indian Army maintained a high level of operational readiness to ensure stability along its borders, including the LAC. Counter-terrorism operations were carried out alongside infrastructure development initiatives in border areas. These measures align with the government’s "Viksit Bharat Vision" to enhance national security and frontier infrastructure.How to apply for a Chinese visaIn August 2024, the Chinese Embassy in India announced updated guidelines for visa applications to facilitate a streamlined process for Indian applicants. These updates cover application procedures, jurisdictional requirements, and document submissions.Application Procedures and JurisdictionsVisa applications are processed according to consular jurisdiction:Residents of Maharashtra and Karnataka: Applications are handled by the Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai.Residents of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal: Applications are managed by the Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata.Residents in other regions: Applications are processed by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.All regular applications must be submitted via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata, depending on jurisdiction.Key Changes in Application SubmissionDirect Submission Without Appointment:From November 2023, applicants can directly submit their documents at the Visa Center on any working day without prior appointment. Applications meeting the requirements will be processed on the same day.Fingerprint Exemptions:Certain categories of applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection, including:Children under 14 and individuals above 70 years.Applicants who had fingerprints collected in the past five years using the same passport.Individuals with uncollectible fingerprints.Temporary exemptions are available for short-term single or double-entry visa applicants.Processing Times:Express service: 3 working days.Regular service: 4 working days.Required DocumentsApplicants must provide:A completed visa application form.A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank pages.Two recent color passport-sized photos.Proof of legal stay or residence for non-Indian citizens.Supporting documents based on the visa category (e.g., invitation letters, financial proof, or admission letters for students).Special Categories and ExemptionsDiplomatic, official, and courtesy visas are exempt from fingerprint collection and must be submitted directly to the consular sections. Foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry include those under valid mutual visa exemption agreements or those holding APEC cards, residence permits, or transit visa exemptions.Applicants may be required to provide original invitation letters or attend interviews based on their visa category. Guidelines for visa fees and related services can be accessed on the embassy’s official website.