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China visa rules for France passport holders
Checked against official Chinese sources on 9 November 2026
30days · Visa-free entry (unilateral policy) Visa-free
- Up to 30 days with an ordinary France passport, entering through any open port.
- Allowed purposes: tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchange visits, and transit.
- Not allowed: work, study, or journalism — those still need a visa.
- The policy currently runs until 31 December 2026 (you must enter by that date).
- This end date is close. China has extended the policy every year so far — we update this page as soon as an extension is published.
Official source: Chinese Embassy notice on extending the unilateral visa-free policy (1 Dec 2025)
10days (240 h) · 240-hour visa-free transit Visa-free
- Stay up to 240 hours (10 days) if you are travelling through China to a third country or region — e.g. USA → Shanghai → Japan.
- You need a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date leaving China within 240 hours. Hong Kong and Macao count as separate regions, so Shanghai → Hong Kong works; flying back to the country you came from does not.
- The clock starts at 00:00 on the day after you arrive.
- Tell the airline at check-in and the border officer on arrival that you are using 240-hour visa-free transit.
Official source: National Immigration Administration: 240-hour visa-free transit policy (updated 20 Aug 2026)
30days in Hainan · Hainan 30-day visa-free entry Visa-free
- Up to 30 days on Hainan Island (Haikou, Sanya and the rest of the province). You must stay within Hainan.
- Enter through any open port in Hainan, e.g. Haikou Meilan (HAK) or Sanya Phoenix (SYX).
- Covers tourism, business, visits, medical treatment, conferences, exhibitions and sports.
- Only applies if your trip starts with a flight or ship straight into Hainan.
Official source: National Immigration Administration: Hainan 30-day visa-free entry (61 countries)
Check a specific airport or port
240-hour transit only works at 65 approved ports, and where you can travel depends on the port. Pick your arrival port in the checker to see the exact area you may visit.
FAQ
Do France passport holders need a visa for China?
France passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days.
How long can I stay in China with a France passport?
Up to 30 days per entry for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchange or transit. For longer stays, or to work or study, apply for a visa.
Do I need a return ticket?
The 30-day rule does not require an onward ticket by itself, but airlines and border officers can ask how and when you will leave, so carry a booking for your departure and your first hotel.
Can France citizens use 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes. France is one of the 57 countries eligible for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. You must enter through one of the 65 approved ports and continue to a third country or region within 240 hours with a confirmed ticket.
Next steps
- Set up Alipay before you fly — most shops and taxis don't take foreign cards.
- Install the essential apps — maps, taxis, trains and translation that work in China.
- Read the full 240-hour transit guide, including all 65 ports.
Visa-free entry is not guaranteed: immigration officers decide at the border. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Always check the official sources linked above before you book.