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Ah, China! Its majestic landscapes, its ancient culture, its delicious food... and its administrative formalities. Before you dream of the Great Wall or stock up on dim sum in Shanghai, one question remains: do you need a visa to go to China?
Spoiler (but you probably saw it coming): in most cases, yes, a visa is required . But not always, and not for everyone. That would be too easy! So buckle up, we're taking you on a quick tour of China's entry requirements.
If you're a French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian, or other French-speaking local, you'll most likely need a visa to set foot on Chinese soil. And no, it's not as simple as a plane ticket and a passport. We're talking Chinese-style formalities here, with its small batch of documents, patience, and passport photos with very precise standards, a bit like having to submit to a Chinese Umbrella, Parasol & Umbrella ceremony, where every detail counts.
But don't panic: it's not Mission Impossible either. All it takes is a little organization.
Yes, there isn't just one visa for China, but a whole host of them. Don't panic, we'll give you a rundown of the most useful (and easy to understand) ones.
This is the most classic: are you going to discover the pandas, the Forbidden City, or go shopping in Guangzhou? You need the L visa , aka the tourist visa . It generally allows you to stay up to 30 days on site, with one or more possible entries depending on what you apply for (and obtain!).
Are you going to China to shake hands, sign contracts, or visit factories? You need an M visa . This is for business trips. It's not a work permit, mind you; it's just a visa for occasional business trips.
Small but practical: the transit visa allows you to pass through China without staying there. For example, if you have a layover of several hours (or days) in Beijing, you can sometimes benefit from a visa exemption . But there are rules, which we'll detail a little later.
Without going into too much technical detail (we promise!), you should know that there are also visas for:
Study (X)
Work (Z)
Joining a Chinese spouse (Q)
Volunteer or do an internship (F)
But hey, if you're reading this article, it's probably for a tourist or business trip , so we're not going to drown you in letters of the alphabet.
Good news: In some cases, you can enter China without a visa, much like opening a Chinese fan and discovering new possibilities. Bad news: It's highly regulated and depends on a ton of factors (entry location, nationality, length of stay, etc.).
Some major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu (and a few others) offer visa exemptions for international transit . This means that if you arrive from country A and depart for country B, you can stay in China for a few hours to a few days without a visa .
Are you leaving from Paris → stopover in Shanghai → final destination Tokyo?
Shanghai is your stopover, and you are leaving somewhere other than France?
→ You can benefit from visa-free transit for up to 144 hours (6 days) in certain cities.
But be careful:
You must already have your entry and exit tickets
No return to the same country
You must stay within the entry region (if you enter through Shanghai, you cannot wander around Beijing)
Don't risk your trip on this without checking the latest regulations with the Chinese consulate or a specialized agency. It's better to miss a good deal than to miss your flight because you don't have the right paperwork.
For travelers in organized groups, some Chinese provinces allow visa-free entry, provided they are supervised by an authorized agency and do not deviate from the itinerary. It's rare, but it does happen, a bit like a Chinese screen hiding unexpected possibilities. Traveling solo or as a couple? Forget it.
A slight twist in the story: Hong Kong and Macau are not in the same boat as mainland China. For citizens of many countries (including France), you can stay there for up to 90 days without a visa .
But if you're planning on going to mainland China from Hong Kong, you'll need a regular Chinese visa . And no, you won't get a free pass just because you took the tram from Central.
Okay, now that you know you need a visa, the next step is to figure out how to get one without skyrocketing your cortisol levels . We'll walk you through it step by step.
Here's what you generally need:
A passport valid for 6 months after the return date (with at least two blank pages)
A recent passport photo (not the one taken for your canteen card in 2007)
A copy of your return plane tickets
Proof of hotel reservation
The completed application form (to be done online on the official website)
Travel insurance (sometimes requested, sometimes not... depending on the administrative mood)
And if you're applying for a business visa, you'll also need a letter of invitation from a Chinese company . It's nothing complicated, but you need to have it handy.
Applications are made at the Chinese Visa Application Centers (CVASC), located in major cities (Paris, Brussels, Montreal, etc.). It is mandatory to make an appointment online and to appear in person (yes, no documents sent by carrier pigeon, nor Chinese Gong to announce your appointment).
Allow 4 to 7 business days for a standard procedure. There's also an express option (2 days), but it's more expensive. So if you're the type to book your flight the day before, get your wallet ready.
A single-entry tourist visa will cost you around €126 in France (including service fees). Prices vary slightly depending on your country, the type of visa, and the number of entries requested. Bonus: it's non-refundable , even if you change your mind.
Because we like you, here is a short list of pitfalls to avoid so that your request doesn't end up in the trash.
No, you need the plane tickets BEFORE you apply. Same goes for hotel reservations. Yes, it's a little stressful, but that's how it is.
In this case, you will need an invitation letter , a copy of their ID card, and sometimes a certificate of accommodation. So think carefully: it is often easier to book a cancellable hotel.
Never exceed the permitted time limit . China doesn't joke about this. An extension is sometimes possible on site, but it's not guaranteed, and the fines are steep.
Good news: once you have your visa, you're practically free as a bird. But be careful, China loves paperwork.
You must check in within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel, they'll do it for you. If you're staying at someone's house, you must go to the nearest police station with them and your papers. Yes, even if you're just staying one night. More info here .
Do not work if you have a tourist visa
Do not change your address without warning if you are staying for a long time.
And above all: do not exceed the authorized length of stay
Otherwise, you risk a fine, deportation, or banishment . Atmosphere.
Let's be clear: except in very specific cases (transit, stay in Hong Kong or Macao, organized group), a visa is essential to go to China . Don't panic, it's doable, but you have to be careful.
SO :
✅ Check the type of visa you need
✅ Prepare your papers carefully
✅ Don't leave it to the last minute
✅ Respect the conditions once there
And above all: don't let the process discourage you . Because at the end of the road, there's China , with its crazy landscapes, its fascinating culture, and its incomparable cuisine (yes, even the cheap steamed dumplings on the street corner are to die for).
Need help applying for your visa? There are plenty of specialized agencies that can handle it for you. It's more expensive, but it saves you headaches.