China Visa RequirementsFor France passport holders
French citizens benefit from a bilateral visa-free agreement with China allowing stays of up to 15 days without advance visa application.
Great news! France passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No advance visa required for stays up to 15 days. Present your valid French passport at Chinese immigration. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a Chinese visa (typically L visa for tourism) at the Chinese Embassy before travel. Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to the standard entry.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
France to China: What You Need to Know
China and France signed a bilateral short-stay visa exemption agreement that came into effect in 2024, allowing French passport holders to enter China for tourism, business, or transit without a visa for up to 15 days. This is a significant change from the previous requirement for all EU nationals to obtain a Chinese visa in advance.
The 15-day exemption applies to ordinary passport holders and covers entry by air, land, and sea at designated ports. For stays beyond 15 days or for purposes such as work or study, French citizens must apply for the appropriate Chinese visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before travelling.
French citizens planning to visit Tibet require additional permits beyond the standard entry arrangement.
Practical Tips
The Great Firewall blocks access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western social media in China: download a VPN before departure. China uses the digital yuan (CNY/RMB): card payment is widely accepted via Alipay and WeChat Pay, which require a Chinese phone number to set up. Book accommodation in advance in major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for China?
French citizens can enter China for up to 15 days without a visa under a 2024 bilateral visa exemption agreement. For longer stays, a Chinese visa must be applied for in advance.
How do French citizens apply for a Chinese visa for stays over 15 days?
Apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Service Centre in France. A tourist visa (L visa) typically requires a passport, photos, hotel bookings, and a completed application form. Processing takes 4 to 5 business days.
Can French citizens visit Tibet?
Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to a standard Chinese visa. The permit must be arranged through a licensed travel agency in China and cannot be obtained independently by foreigners.
What should French visitors know about internet access in China?
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western websites. Download and configure a VPN before entering China, as VPN apps cannot be downloaded from within the country.