Formalities for Chinese tourists travelling in France

Understand all formalities for Chinese citizens travelling in France: visa, documents, travel requirements, health insurance and stay conditions.

Formalities for Chinese tourists to enter and travel in France

Travelling in France requires Chinese tourists to comply with specific formalities before and during their stay. These formalities include visa applications, health insurance, proof of resources, accommodation arrangements, and adherence to entry and travel regulations. Understanding each requirement is essential for a safe and lawful visit.

Visa requirements for Chinese citizens

Chinese citizens must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to France. France is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visitors with a Schengen visa to travel freely between 27 countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The visa must be requested from the French consulate or through an accredited visa center (such as TLScontact) in China. Applications must be made at least 15 days before the planned departure. However, it is recommended to apply one to three months in advance to accommodate processing times.

Visa fee:

• €80 (approximately $85 or 620 CNY) for adults
• €40 (approximately $42 or 310 CNY) for children aged 6–12
• Free for children under 6 years old

Applications must include:

• A valid passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure from the Schengen Area
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Proof of accommodation in France (hotel reservation or certificate of accommodation)
• Proof of financial resources
• Travel health insurance

Processing time for a short-stay visa is usually between 7 to 15 days, but it can vary depending on the season and specific cases.

Proof of financial resources

Travelling in France requires proof that the visitor has sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay. French regulations require that non-European visitors show they have at least €65 per day (approximately $69 or 500 CNY) if staying in a hotel, and €32.50 per day (approximately $35 or 250 CNY) if accommodation is provided free by a host.

Acceptable proof includes:

• Bank statements for the last three months
• Traveller’s cheques
• Credit card statements
• Sponsorship letter if staying with a host in France

Failure to provide adequate proof of means may result in denial of entry at the border.

Health insurance requirement

All tourists must hold travel health insurance covering emergency medical expenses and repatriation for at least €30,000 (about $32,000 or 230,000 CNY).
This insurance must cover all Schengen countries, not just France. Policies can be purchased from international insurers or providers specialized in travel to Europe.

Typical cost:

• Around €20 to €50 (approximately $21 to $53 or 150 to 380 CNY) depending on the duration of stay and age of the traveler.

Proof of insurance must be submitted during the visa application and can be requested again by border control authorities upon arrival.

Accommodation proof

Chinese tourists travelling in France must show where they plan to stay. This can be:

• A hotel reservation for the duration of the stay
• A certificate of accommodation (“attestation d’accueil”) if staying with friends or family in France.

An attestation d’accueil must be requested by the host at the local town hall (“mairie”) and takes about one to two weeks to obtain. It proves that the host accepts responsibility for the visitor and provides details of living conditions.

If accommodation is not properly documented, travelers may be denied entry.

Entry checks at French borders

Upon arrival in France, Chinese travelers must present:

• A valid passport
• A Schengen visa
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial resources
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Travel health insurance certificate

Border police may refuse entry if documentation is incomplete or if there is a suspicion of intent to overstay.

Border controls are strict but conducted professionally. Travelers are advised to have all documents printed and ready for inspection. Electronic copies are not always accepted at border crossings.

Duration of stay and extension rules

The Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying is considered a serious offence under French immigration law. Fines, deportation, or future visa bans can apply.

Extensions for Schengen short-stay visas are extremely rare and are only granted in cases of force majeure or serious personal reasons (e.g., medical emergencies).

To stay longer, such as for study or work, a different type of long-stay visa must be applied for before arrival in France.

Customs regulations and declaration

Tourists are allowed to bring personal goods without paying duty, within specific limits:

• Alcohol: 4 liters of wine, 1 liter of spirits (>22% alcohol)
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco
• Goods bought outside the EU: up to €430 (approximately $457 or 3,300 CNY) in value per person

Amounts above these limits must be declared at customs. Undeclared excess can lead to confiscation of goods and payment of customs duties and fines.

Practical travel tips

For Chinese citizens travelling in France:

• Mobile phones: Chinese mobile phones can work in France but may require activation of international roaming. French SIM cards (e.g., Orange, SFR, Bouygues) can be bought easily at airports or city centers.
• Payments: Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Some small businesses prefer cash, especially in rural areas. Carrying small amounts of euros is advised.
• Language: English is understood in tourist areas, but basic French phrases are helpful.
• Emergency number: In case of emergencies, dial 112 (general emergencies) or 15 (medical).

Travelling in France for Chinese tourists requires careful preparation, particularly regarding visas, health insurance, accommodation, financial proof, and travel documents. Complying with these formalities ensures a smooth entry and stay. Planning well in advance and understanding the requirements can prevent delays and complications at the French borders.

XperienceFrance is your travel specialist in France.