China visa requirements for French citizens in 2026

How to enter

French passport holders travelling for tourism should use the route below to enter China.

Further notes

• Visa-free from December 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
• 24-hour visa-free transit through China (unless arriving in Fuzhou, Huangshan, Mudanjiang, or Yanji).
• 72-hour visa-free transit through Changsha, Guilin and Harbin.
• 144-hour visa-free transit through Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jieyang, Kunming, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qinhuangdao, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen and Xi'an.
• Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as third countries under the 24, 72 and 144-hours transit without visa (TWOV) policies.

Frequently asked questions