China entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must meet validity rules before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in China. Airlines at CDG and other French airports may ask for 6 months validity — carry proof of your return flight if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from China | Immigration at Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou Baiyun routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Chinese immigration rarely asks for it at the counter, but hotels are required by law to register you within 24 hours of check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least ¥3,000–¥5,000 RMB (roughly €400–€650) available for your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Chinese immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied travel.
Keep digital copies of documents
Save screenshots of your return ticket, accommodation booking, and passport info page on your phone. Immigration may ask to see them, and having them ready speeds up the process.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave home, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Chinese immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreigners' or 'All Passports'. Join the queue for visa-free entry. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask to see your return ticket.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp for the correct date before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$140 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking, flight itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 60 days
Validity6 months or 1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of multiple trips or strong ties to home country.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months to 1 year
Cost~$160 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company. Allows multiple entries.
Student visa (X visa)
Max stayDuration of study (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost~$140 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Requires admission letter from Chinese educational institution. Must register with local police within 24 hours.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$160 USD (application fee) + employer costs
For those with a job offer from a Chinese employer. Requires work permit, health check, and degree verification. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of study (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$140 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee) + investment requirements
For investors with significant capital (usually >$500,000 USD) in a Chinese business. Requires business plan and government approval.
retirement visa
Private Visit Visa (S Visa) for retirees
1 year, renewable annually
~$160 USD (application fee) + proof of pension
For retirees with family in China or those who can demonstrate strong ties. Requires proof of sufficient pension and health insurance. Not a formal retirement visa but a long-term stay option.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is 10,000 CNY (~$1,400 USD). Overstay may also lead to detention and deportation. | 500 CNY (~$70 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries. Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate. | ~$140 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. Requires additional documentation. | ~$200 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through China
No transit visa needed
French passport holders can transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours at most international airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may be eligible for 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit at certain airports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
- Transit without visa is not allowed if leaving the airport or changing airports in the same city.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have periodic high pollution levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet and Yunnan. Acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but exists in rural parts of Yunnan and Hainan. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard urban travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2, Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Expect long queues; arrive early.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.81 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a proper visa (e.g., tourist visa) before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Chinese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Currently, no arrival declaration is required for visa-free entry. However, during health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19), China may reinstate health declaration forms. Check the latest requirements before travel.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all international airports and land border crossings. However, some remote land borders may have limited facilities. Major airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou Baiyun are the most straightforward.
Overstaying is a violation of Chinese immigration law. You may be fined up to 500 CNY per day of overstay, detained, and banned from re-entering China for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Working or studying without the appropriate visa is illegal and can lead to deportation and a ban.
If you stay in a hotel, they will register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.