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Do French passport holders need a visa for China?

Covers 11 passports and 80 destinations. Rules older than 30 days are flagged for re-check.

How this tool works

We read the official notice for each pair and record the date. Nothing here is generated; a pair with no written check is not shown.

No visa. French ordinary passport holders can visit mainland China for tourism for up to 30 days.

Through December 31, 2026, French ordinary passport holders are exempt from a visa for tourism stays of up to 30 days. Other visit purposes or stays longer than 30 days require a visa before travel. Foreign visitors must register within 24 hours of arrival; hotels handle registration for their guests. A passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from China.

Source: France Diplomatie. Checked Oct 19, 2026See the source

Maximum stay: 30 days; For tourism; exemption through December 31, 2026
Passport validity: 6 months past departure
Registration: Within 24 hours; Hotels register guests
At the border: Photo and fingerprints; Taken on arrival

Before you fly

China visa-free entry

Who qualifies, the 240-hour transit

Read the guide China travel guide

Entry, money, when to go

Read the guide eSIM and phones

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