Quick Answer
Can France citizens visit China visa-free in 2026?
Yes. France passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days. The stay is for tourism, business, or family visits and cannot be extended inside mainland China.
Source: Chinese MFA, 2026
Visa policy for Chinese borders
30-day visa-free entry to China. Valid for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. Extension possible through local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China.
Common questions
Do French citizens need a visa for China in 2026?+
No. French passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the Schengen-China bilateral visa exemption.
How long can a French citizen stay in China without a visa?+
Up to 30 days per entry. Cannot be extended inside China. Apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese consulate in advance for longer trips.
Can French citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?+
Yes, with onward tickets to a third country and a transit through an eligible port. Maximum stay 240 hours within the approved transit region.
Visa & travel facts
- Visa status
- Visa-free, 30 days
- Max stay
- Up to 30 days
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- EUR
- Region
- Europe
Alipay & foreign cards
Cards that work: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx
- BNP Paribas Visa Premier
- Société Générale CB
- Crédit Mutuel Mastercard
Often unreliable: Most pre-paid French cards
- BNP Paribas Visa Premier consistently works across all merchant categories.
- CB (Carte Bancaire) branded cards work on Alipay via Visa/Mastercard rails.
Connectivity — eSIM & VPN
| Provider | Data | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Airalo | 5–20 | $9–$32 | Best for FR travelers. |
| Holafly | 5–unlimited | $19–$50 | Unlimited data. |
| Bouygues / Orange FR | EU roaming | €0-€5/day | EU roaming may include China on some plans. |
VPN that works: Astrill, NordVPN, Mullvad (Sweden-based)
Avoid: Hola VPN Most free VPNs
- Orange/SFR/Bouygues roaming at €4-6/day — eSIM is much cheaper.
- Bouygues 'B&You' plans often include EU roaming but not China — verify.
Tax refund
Eligible for the departure sales-tax refund — minimum spend ¥500.
- Tax Free Shopping stores (look for Global Blue or Premier Tax Free logos).
- Form at checkout.
- Airport Tax Free counter.
- Refund in EUR to French bank or CNY cash.
Participating airports: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou
Your embassy in Beijing
No. 3 Liangmaqiao Dongjie, Chaoyang District · +86 10 8532 8000 · +86 10 8532 8000 (24/7) · Mon-Fri 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:30
Plan the rest of your trip