China Visa for French Citizens 2026
| Key Facts — China for French Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Status | Visa-Free 15 Days + Free eVisa Option |
| Visa Type | Visa-Free (15 days) / eVisa (FREE) |
| Fee | Free |
| Max Stay | 15 days visa-free; 30 days eVisa |
| Processing | Instant at border (visa-free) / 4 business days (eVisa) |
| Apply At | evisa.mfa.gov.cn (eVisa) |
China Visa-Free Entry for French Citizens
French passport holders benefit from visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days under the 2023–2025 bilateral agreement. For longer stays, a free eVisa (up to 30 days) is available at evisa.mfa.gov.cn.
Visa-Free & eVisa Details
- Visa-free: 15 days, no application required
- eVisa: Free, up to 30 days — apply at evisa.mfa.gov.cn
- eVisa processing: ~4 business days
- Entry: Most international airports and ports
How to Apply
- For short stays (up to 15 days): No advance application needed — present your valid passport at the immigration counter.
- For stays up to 30 days: Visit evisa.mfa.gov.cn to apply for a free eVisa.
- Complete the online form with passport details, travel dates, and upload a passport photo.
- Receive eVisa approval by email within 4 business days.
- Print and carry the eVisa approval letter alongside your passport.
Required Documents
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity
- Passport photo (for eVisa application)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation address
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at evisa.mfa.gov.cn or your nearest Chinese embassy before travel.
Cost & Validity for French Travellers
French citizens pay no visa fee to enter China for tourism. The permitted stay is 15 days visa-free; 30 days eVisa, granted automatically on arrival with a valid passport. Because entry is visa-free, there is no application form, no embassy appointment and no processing wait — instant at border (visa-free) / 4 business days (evisa).
Length of Stay & Overstaying China
The standard tourist stay for French citizens is 15 days visa-free; 30 days eVisa. Overstaying this limit in China can lead to fines, deportation and a temporary re-entry ban, so track your permitted days carefully. If you need longer, enquire about an extension or a different visa category with China’s immigration authority before your authorised stay expires.