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China to France visa requirements

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to enter France. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for tourism, family visits, or short business trips to France. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Apply at TLScontact, the official application provider for France in China.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19
Visa type
Schengen Type C short-stay visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
€90
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually 15 calendar days; complete China short-stay files may be handled in 24-48 working hours after transfer, while special cases can extend to 45 days
standard track
Validity
Up to 5 years (multiple entry, when granted)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Start on France-Visas
Use the official visa wizard at france-visas.gouv.fr to confirm the visa type and required documents based on purpose of travel.
· france-visas.gouv.fr· official wizard
/02
Complete the online form
Fill in the Schengen visa form on the France-Visas portal and print the application summary plus appointment confirmation.
· online· English or French
/03
Book TLScontact appointment
Book at the TLScontact centre covering your residence. France-Visas lists centres in Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, Jinan, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Changsha, Hangzhou, Kunming, Xi'an, Nanjing, and Fuzhou.
· TLScontact· jurisdiction matters
/04
Submit documents and biometrics
Attend in person with passport, photo, supporting documents, insurance, visa fee, and TLS service fee. Fingerprints and a photo are taken if reusable Schengen biometrics from the last 59 months are not available.
· fingerprints· 59-month reuse
/05
Track and collect
Track via TLScontact. Collect at the centre or by courier once a decision is made.
· track online· courier optional
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items
Personalized checklist
China -> France · Schengen Type C short-stay visa
0 / 11 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredChinese passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Valid at least 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued within 10 years
RequiredFrance-Visas application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Signed printed summary
RequiredTwo recent passport photos
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
RequiredTravel medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Minimum €30,000 cover for the whole Schengen stay
RequiredFlight reservation
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Round-trip itinerary covering the requested dates
RequiredAccommodation proof
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Hotel bookings or invitation (attestation d'accueil) for the entire stay
RequiredFunding evidence
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and any sponsor proof
RequiredEmployment or business proof
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
RequiredTax records
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Recent personal income tax records, when applicable
RequiredDay-by-day itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Outline of cities, transport, and activities in France and other Schengen states
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Official sourcesFrance-Visas — China application page (no visible page date)France-Visas — Short-stay visa page (no visible page date)France-Visas — The process page (no visible page date)
Application link included: France-Visas — China application page (no visible page date)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee€90Adults; €45 for children 6-11; free under 6
TLScontact service feeAbout ¥250Basic service fee per file in China; optional services cost extra
Travel insuranceVariesMinimum €30,000 coverage
Couriers, photos, translationsVariesOptional
Total estimate¥1,000 — ¥1,800+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Complete China short-stay file
24-48 working hours after transfer
France-Visas China says complete short-stay files that need no extra checks are handled in this indicative window after transfer to the embassy or consulate.
Standard Schengen decision
Usually 15 calendar days
General France-Visas guidance says visa decisions are usually made within 15 days.
Special-case extended review
Up to 45 days
If consular checks or additional documents are needed, the decision period can be extended.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient or unclear funding
Bank evidence does not credibly cover travel costs, or shows recent unexplained large deposits.
High
/02
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property records too thin to show you will return.
High
/03
Itinerary inconsistencies
Booked dates, accommodation, and stated plans do not match.
Medium
/04
Insurance below the threshold
Policy coverage less than €30,000 or does not cover the entire stay.
Medium
/05
Prior Schengen issues
Previous overstays, refusals, or non-compliance affect new decisions.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-19 · major
Reviewed by Claude Code
Re-verified official sources; confirmed China remains Schengen visa-required for France, updated France-Visas China TLS centre list, 59-month biometrics reuse, China TLS service fee, and processing guidance.
2026-05-26
China to France route verified
Confirmed €90 Schengen fee, TLScontact as France's application provider in China, and 5-year biometrics reuse policy.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Should I apply for France or another Schengen country?—
Apply at the consulate of your main destination — the country where you will spend most days. If days are equal, apply at the first country of entry. Applying to France for a trip mainly in Italy can lead to refusal.
Do I need to provide biometrics every time?+
Can I get a 5-year visa on my first application?+
What insurance is required?+
Does the visa let me work in France?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

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Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
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China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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