No Visa Required for French Citizens! 🇫🇷 ➡️ 🇨🇳
Great news for French travelers! Since November 30, 2024, French citizens holding ordinary passports can travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa exemption policy is valid until December 31, 2025.
Key Details at a Glance
| Visa Status | Visa-Free Entry |
|---|---|
| Maximum Stay | 30 days |
| Passport Type | Ordinary French passport only |
| Entry Purpose | Tourism, business visits, transit, family visits |
| Policy Duration | November 30, 2024 – December 31, 2025 |
Entry Requirements for French Citizens
✅ What You Need:
- Valid French passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Return or onward ticket proving departure within 30 days
- Sufficient funds for your stay in China
- Clean criminal record (no recent deportations from China)
✅ Permitted Activities:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and conferences
- Visiting family and friends
- Transit through China
- Cultural exchanges
Important Restrictions & Notes
❌ What’s NOT Allowed:
- Work or employment (requires work visa)
- Study programs (requires student visa)
- Journalism activities (requires press visa)
- Stays longer than 30 days (requires regular tourist visa)
🚨 Special Considerations:
- Single entry only – you cannot exit and re-enter China on the same visa-free period
- Extension not possible – you must leave China before the 30-day limit
- All entry points accepted – airports, seaports, and land borders
Planning Your Trip from France
Best Entry Points:
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) – Direct flights from Paris CDG
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) – Multiple daily connections
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) – Southern China gateway
Pro Tips for French Travelers:
- Book return flights in advance – Immigration may ask to see your departure ticket
- Download translation apps – French is not widely spoken in China
- Prepare cash/cards – International cards work in major cities
- Consider travel insurance – Recommended for all international travel
Need a Longer Stay?
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a regular Chinese tourist visa. French citizens can apply at Chinese consulates in France or through authorized visa centers.
Cultural Shock Awaits! 🤯
Get ready for incredible surprises – from mobile payment everywhere to night markets that’ll blow your mind. China will challenge everything you thought you knew about travel!
Last Updated: August 2025
Source: Chinese Embassy official announcements and immigration authorities
Planning your China adventure? Check out our complete guides to Chinese cities, must-try foods, and cultural etiquette for French travelers!
Check out our Complete China Visa Guide .