China visa requirements for French citizens in 2026
Last updated 6 Jun 2024
Entry requirement
No visa required
Max stay
15 days
Purpose
Tourism
How to enter
French passport holders travelling for tourism should use the route below to enter China.
1
Visa Not Required
Travelers holding French passports are welcomed to China without the need for a tourist visa in 2026. Enjoy up to 15 days of visa-free stay and ensure to review the below guidelines for a smooth travel experience.
ENTRY
Visa Not Required
ALLOWED STAY
15 days
PURPOSE
Tourist
Optional · paid service
Want someone to handle the China paperwork?
Our partner iVisa checks your documents, files the application and chases it up — useful
if you are short on time or the form is not in your language.
You can also apply yourself for free using the official link above.
Further notes
- Visa-free from December 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
- 24-hour visa-free transit through China (unless arriving in Fuzhou, Huangshan, Mudanjiang, or Yanji).
- 72-hour visa-free transit through Changsha, Guilin and Harbin.
- 144-hour visa-free transit through Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jieyang, Kunming, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qinhuangdao, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen and Xi'an.
- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as third countries under the 24, 72 and 144-hours transit without visa (TWOV) policies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China from France?
No, French citizens do not need a visa for China.
Do French citizens need a visa for China in 2024?
No, French citizens do not need a visa for China.
Can French citizens travel to China?
Yes, French citizens can travel to China without a visa.
What is the maximum length of stay in China with Visa Not Required for French citizens?
The maximum length of stay in China with Visa Not Required is 15 days. French citizens must leave the country within the specified period.
What happens if a French citizen overstays their visa in China?
Overstaying in China even if a visa is not required can result in fines and penalties. Ensure to comply with the allowed stay duration of 15 days.
About China
- Official
- People's Republic of China
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese yuan
- Language
- Chinese
- Calling code
- +86
- Population
- 1,404,890,000
- Region
- Asia · Eastern Asia
Entry rules can change at short notice — always confirm with the official source before you travel.