BLS International Services Ltd, a global leader in visa, passport, and consular outsourcing services, has been awarded a three-year contract by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, to establish and manage Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China. The operations are set to begin on October 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s diplomatic and people-to-people engagement with China.
This strategic development coincides with India’s decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals, which had been suspended since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The new initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, facilitating travel, and promoting tourism and business exchanges between the two Asian giants.
A Step Toward Rebuilding India-China Travel and Diplomacy
The reopening of Indian visa services in China through BLS International’s IVACs reflects a crucial shift toward normalizing travel relations. After nearly five years of suspension, the resumption of tourist visas marks a positive step in diplomatic and cultural engagement between India and China.
With the establishment of centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, BLS International aims to provide efficient, transparent, and technology-driven visa processing services for Chinese applicants wishing to travel to India for tourism, business, education, or medical purposes.
Enhanced Visa Application Experience with Modern Technology
BLS International’s upcoming Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in China will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology systems to streamline the visa application process. The facilities will include:
- Multilingual staff trained in Mandarin, English, and Hindi to assist applicants.
- Digitally integrated application systems for faster document verification and processing.
- Comfortable waiting areas and biometric facilities designed for applicant convenience.
- Secure document handling and tracking mechanisms to ensure transparency and reliability.
These centres are expected to greatly improve the efficiency of Indian visa issuance in China, reducing processing times and enhancing the overall applicant experience.
Strategic Role of BLS International
As a trusted global partner for multiple governments, BLS International operates in more than 60 countries, processing millions of visa and consular applications annually. The new contract further strengthens the company’s long-standing partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and highlights its expertise in managing large-scale visa operations worldwide.
Through this agreement, BLS International reaffirms its commitment to providing secure, technology-driven, and customer-friendly solutions, aligning with India’s vision of “Digital India” and global outreach.
Significance of India’s Visa Resumption for Chinese Nationals
The reinstatement of Indian tourist visas for Chinese citizens not only revives travel and cultural exchange but also opens new avenues for trade, investment, and education. The move is expected to benefit students, business professionals, and tourists, boosting people-to-people connections and tourism between the two countries.
It also signals India’s willingness to re-engage diplomatically and promote greater regional cooperation after years of restricted movement.
The 3-year MEA contract awarded to BLS International to manage Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou marks a significant diplomatic and operational milestone. As the centres become operational from October 14, 2025, they will play a crucial role in reconnecting India and China, fostering stronger travel, cultural, and economic ties.
With its expertise and technological innovation, BLS International is set to make the Indian visa process seamless, efficient, and globally competitive, reinforcing India’s position as an accessible and welcoming destination for international visitors.
