Beijing: India's strict Visa rules for Chinese are being relaxed in a phased manner to woo tourists and help promote better understanding between people of the two neighbouring nations.

India would grant Visa for Chinese tourist groups within 24 hours if their Visa papers are in order, Indian Ambassador to China Shivshankar Menon said.

"This is a significant improvement compared to the past when Chinese tourists had to wait four days for an Indian Visa," he said while promising to streamline the Visa procedures.

The troubles for the Chinese tourists would not end here though, as an Indian Visa is only valid for 14 days after issuance by the Indian mission in Beijing.

At a tourism seminar organised by the Indian Embassy, Chinese tour operators urged officials to take up the matter with New Delhi and further relax Visa rules for Chinese tourists, who are fast emerging as big-time travellers.

Official sources said the initial relaxation of Visa regime has come after the countries signed a bilateral agreement on tourism in December last year and Beijing granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) to India from April 1, 2003, allowing its citizens to visit India in groups.

"With China granting ADS to India, we are ready to welcome Chinese tourists in large numbers," joint director-general, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, G Shanker Dhar said.

PTI