🇨🇳CHINA

🏳LUCN-LU

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit LU?

Q: Does ETIAS apply to Chinese passport holders?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Chinese nationals remain visa-required and must apply for a full Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the validity granted on your visa.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90, plus a VFS Global service charge of about EUR 25. Children aged 6-11 pay EUR 45; under 6 are exempt.

Q: How early should I apply?

You can apply up to 6 months before travel and must apply at least 15 calendar days before departure. Allow extra time for peak season.

Q: Can I use a Luxembourg visa to visit other Schengen countries?

Yes. A uniform Schengen visa lets you travel throughout the Schengen Area, but Luxembourg must be your main destination when applying.

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Luxembourg for tourism. ETIAS does NOT apply to Chinese nationals. Luxembourg is a Schengen member state, and holders of a Chinese ordinary passport are not visa-exempt. To visit for tourism you must obtain a uniform Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travel, which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are lodged through VFS Global (Luxembourg's external service provider in China) or, in some jurisdictions, the relevant Schengen partner handling Luxembourg cases. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 plus a VFS service charge, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected, and travel medical insurance is mandatory. Decisions normally take up to 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days in complex cases. Note the upcoming EU border changes: the Entry/Exit System (EES) launched 10 April 2026 and ETIAS is expected in Q4 2026 - but ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities, so Chinese passport holders continue to need a full Schengen visa.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

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 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 + EUR 25 VFS service charge

consular fee only

Processing time

15 calendar days (up to 30-45 in complex cases)

standard track

Validity

As granted, within 90/180 Schengen rule

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm Luxembourg is your main destination

Apply at Luxembourg's consular service (or its representing partner) only if Luxembourg is your sole or primary Schengen destination; otherwise apply at the country where you spend the most days.

· Schengen rule

/02

Book a VFS Global appointment

Submit your Schengen Type C application through VFS Global, Luxembourg's authorized external service provider in China. Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before departure.

· VFS Global· 6 months max ahead

/03

Complete the form and gather documents

Fill the Schengen application form in English, and prepare passport, photos, travel insurance, accommodation and flight bookings, and proof of funds.

· English form

/04

Attend appointment and give biometrics

Attend in person to submit documents and provide fingerprints and a digital photo (first-time applicants or if biometrics older than 59 months).

· Biometrics

/05

Pay the visa fee and service charge

Pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the VFS service charge at submission.

· EUR 90 + service fee

/06

Wait for the decision and collect passport

Allow up to 15 calendar days (longer for complex cases). Collect your passport from VFS or via courier once a decision is made.

· Up to 15 days

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, with 2 blank pages

required

Completed Schengen visa application form (in English)

required

Two recent biometric photos (35mm x 45mm, light background)

required

Travel medical insurance, min EUR 30,000 coverage, all Schengen

required

Round-trip flight reservation

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings) for full stay

required

Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)

required

Employment proof / business license / enrollment letter

recommended

Cover letter with itinerary and purpose of visit

recommended

Visa fee + VFS service charge paid

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard Type C fee; ~CNY 740

Schengen visa fee (children 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service chargeEUR 25Per application; ~CNY 205

Travel medical insuranceEUR 30-60Varies by trip length and insurer

Total estimateEUR 115 — EUR 175incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Normal decision window after a complete application is lodged.

Extended/complex review

30-45 calendar days

Applies when additional documents or checks are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Luxembourg is a Schengen member

Short-stay entry follows the uniform Schengen visa policy.

High

/02

China is not on the EU visa-exempt list

Ordinary Chinese passport holders are not visa-free for the Schengen Area.

High

/03

ETIAS does not cover Chinese nationals

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travelers; Chinese passport holders still need a full Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

EES biometric border checks from April 2026

The EU Entry/Exit System records entries/exits but does not replace the visa requirement.

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

2026-05-30

China to Luxembourg route verified

Confirmed via VFS Global and the Luxembourg Consulate (Shanghai) that Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90, ~15-day processing). Verified ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals, and noted EES went live 10 April 2026.

/09 — The questions