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🇨🇳CHINA
🇫🇷FRANCE (SCHENGEN)CN-FR

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit France (Schengen)?

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 2026-05-26
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.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
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
Around 15 days (may extend to 30-45)
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 (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shenyang, Jinan, Kunming, or Hangzhou).
· TLScontact· jurisdiction matters
/04
Submit documents and biometrics
Attend in person with passport, photo, supporting documents, insurance, and fee. Fingerprints and a photo are taken if not provided in the last 5 years.
· fingerprints· 5-year 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

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Chinese passport
Valid at least 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued within 10 years
France-Visas application form
Signed printed summary
Two recent passport photos
35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
Travel medical insurance
Minimum €30,000 cover for the whole Schengen stay
Flight reservation
Round-trip itinerary covering the requested dates
Accommodation proof
Hotel bookings or invitation (attestation d'accueil) for the entire stay
Funding evidence
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and any sponsor proof
Employment or business proof
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
Tax records
Recent personal income tax records, when applicable
Day-by-day itinerary
Outline of cities, transport, and activities in France and other Schengen states
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee€90Adults; €45 for children 6-11; free under 6
TLScontact service feeAround €30Set by the application provider
Travel insuranceVariesMinimum €30,000 coverage
Couriers, photos, translationsVariesOptional
Total estimate¥1,000 — ¥1,800+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard decision
15 calendar days
Most decisions arrive in this window after biometrics. Peak season may run longer.
Extended review
30-45 days
If consular checks or additional documents are needed.
Peak season delay
Up to 60 days
Apply early before summer or Chinese holidays.
/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
2026-05-26
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

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