The Chinese embassy in India has introduced an online visa application system for Indian passport holders. The new digital portal allows applicants to fill forms, upload documents, and book biometric appointments online. This covers tourist (L), business (M), student (X), and work (Z) visas. Earlier, applying required multiple visits and lots of paperwork. The online system cuts down visits to just one, limited to biometrics. It also offers real-time tracking of applications. Applicants can pay visa fees in Indian Rupees (INR), avoiding extra foreign exchange charges, according to a report by the Shenzhen-based Greater Bay Area (GBA) portal. The Chinese embassy announced the launch on its official WeChat from December 22. Interested Indian applicants can visit the portal for details and application submission. This new digital facility comes amid steps by India and China to normalize relations after tensions along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh in 2020. Recently, India sped up business visa processing for Chinese workers and resumed tourist visas from July 2023. Additional moves include restarting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, restoring direct flights from October, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties, and easing visa rules. These efforts reflect improving connections between the two neighbours after a period of strain.