How to apply for a French Visa from China

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 27/06/2024 

In 2023 alone, nearly 90 million international tourists flocked to France, thereby once again making it the most visited country in the world. And among these millions, a significant percentage — over 1 million by most internet estimates — happened to be coming from China. However, if you’re a Chinese citizen planning to experience the magic of France firsthand too, you'll need a bit of paperwork first. And that’s because — along with many, many other firsts in the world —France is also one of the founding Schengen countries. This means that Chinese passport holders generally require a Schengen Visa to enter its borders. But fear not — French locals AXA (and your first choice in top-quality travel insurance for a Schengen visa) have all you need to know below. 

• How can I get a France visa from China?
• What documents do I need for a France visa from China?
• How much is a China tourist visa fee?
• Where and when can I apply for a France visa in China?
• What about ETIAS and EES for Chinese citizens?
• How can AXA help?

How can I get a French visa from China?

Obtaining a French visa from China involves several steps. First, you'll need to determine the type of visa you require. That will be based on the purpose and duration of your visit. 

Once you've identified your appropriate visa type, you’ll need to gather the necessary documents, submit an online application form, attend an in-person interview, pay the visa fee — and, well, hope for the best! 

But, again, AXA got your back with all of the above below.

What type of France visa from China can I apply for?

There are four basic types of Schengen Visa. The most common one is the short-stay — aka the Type C (or the “tourist”) visa. It is the go-to for Chinese (and other) citizens vacationing in France. A Type C visa allows you to travel to any Schengen country (not just France,that is) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

If you plan to work and/or study in France, then you’ll need to apply for either a business, work*, or student Schengen visa. 

And if you plan to travel to France frequently, you can opt for a multiple-entry visa. 

*PRO-TIP: AXA can also tell you specifically how to get a work visa for France!

Is a French visa from China difficult to get?

The difficulty of obtaining a French visa from China depends on your individual circumstances. And while the internet doesn’t necessarily have exact numbers about specific success rates for Chinese applicants, online statistics suggest that Schengen visa rejection rates for all nationalities typically range between 10% and 20%. 

For example, according to the European Commission, in 2023, the average refusal rate for all Schengen countries was 16%. France’s, meanwhile, was at 16.7% — ranking it 8th among the countries with the highest visa refusal rates. 
But France was also the country that granted the most visas in 2023. And not only that, but — according to the French Ministry of the Interior Statistics, the largest number of visas issued by France in 2023 was actually — you guessed it — to Chinese nationals. 

In other words, if you’re a​ Chinese passport holder and you meet all the requirements, submit a well-prepared application, and make sure you time everything right — your chances of being approved for a visa to France are actually pretty good. 

*PRO-TIP 2: AXA can also tell you​ which countries are the easiest to get a Schengen visa to and from.

What documents do I need for a France visa from China?

The specific documents required for a French visa application from China may vary depending on your visa type and particular situation. However, the general paperwork you'll likely need is: 

• A completed French visa application form (which you can find courtesy of the official French website) 
• Two recent passport-sized photos. 
• Your valid Chinese passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in France. 
• Proof of travel and medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. 
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, rental agreements, etc.). 
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in France (bank statements, employment certificates, etc.). 
• Round-trip flight tickets or itinerary. 
• A letter of invitation, if applicable (for visiting family or friends). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: AXA always strives to bring you the most up-to-date Schengen visa requirements. But it’s best to also double-check with the French Government’s​ official France visas website (and the Chinese government) to make sure you have everything covered. 

*PRO-TIP 3: AXA, meanwhile, can also tell you all you need to know about travel insurance to France.

How much is a France tourist visa fee from China?

​This part is important! Because, traditionally, the fee was 80€ for adults and 40€ for children (and free for children under 6 yo). And that’s from China or anywhere else. 

However, in early 2024 the European Commission announced that the price of the Schengen visa will increase starting June 11, 2024. 

So from that date on, Schengen visa prices for Chinese citizens (and universally) are as follows:

• €90 for adults: (roughly ¥633)
• €45 for children over 6 years old: (roughly ¥316.50
• free* for children under 6. 

*In certain cases, the visa fee may also be waived for:

• participants in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events (25yo or under)
• students/teachers on study and/or training trips;
• certain professionals traveling for scientific research. 

NOTE: You’ll also likely have to pay some extra administrative and/or service fees associated with your visa center and/or the corresponding officials. These visa fees are not reimbursed if your visa is refused.

Where and when can I apply for a France visa in China?

First off — and this is important — you’ll need to create an account via the official France visas website (available in English, Chinese, and several other languages) to begin the process.

Once you’re registered and have all your paperwork in order, you can apply for a French visa from China at a French visa application center. These are known as TLScontact centers, and — fortunately — they are located in several major cities throughout China, including: 

• Beijing 
• Changsha 
• Chengdu 
• Chongqing 
• Fuzhou 
• Guangzhou 
• Hangzhou 
• Jinan 
• Kunming 
• Nanjing 
• Shanghai 
• Shenyang 
• Shenzhen 
• Wuhan 
• Xi'an 

You’ll first need to schedule an appointment online,and then come in for an in-person interview (with all your docs from above) for biometric collection.

Can I apply for my French visa from China online?

As of mid-2024, you will still need to be physically present at some point to apply for your Schengen visa — for France or anywhere else. 

However, the EU does plan to bring the whole Schengen Visa application process online at some point. So — like those of millions of travelers around the world — AXA’s fingers remain crossed.

What is the current wait time for a France visa from China?

Like all Schengen visa applications, French Schengen Visa applications take around 15 days to process. And that’s universal too — i.e., from anywhere in the world. 

However, due to France’s being the number one tourist destination in the world and all, demand is obviously high. And — depending on your specific situation — it may take up to a month or two, especially during busy periods (i.e., summer, holidays, and so on). 

In other words, give yourself plenty of time to prepare all the documents and schedule your interview. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The overseas territories of France (i.e., French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, St Pierre and Miquelon, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and Wallis and Futuna Islands) are subject to their own bilateral arrangements between the countries concerned. So if your destination is not continental France, you can — and should — learn more about the visa requirements for visiting overseas French territories here.

What about ETIAS and EES for Chinese citizens?

Meanwhile, the ​European Information and Authorization System” — aka ETIAS — is another one of the EU’s long-awaited updates for travel to France (and other European countries). 

First, however, the EU needs to implement its counterpart the “Entry/Exit System” — aka EES — which is intended to replace the traditional passport stamping associated with international travel. 

As of mid-2024, neither ETIAS nor EES have yet to affect travel to the Schengen — for Chinese citizens or anyone else. And even when they do fully go into effect, only the latter will affect Chinese citizens per se (ETIAS being reserved exclusively for nationals who don’t need a Schengen Visa). 

However, we still recommend you check back with the official source — i.e., the European Commission — for the latest developments. And, like us, hope for the best. 

PRO-TIP 4: AXA can tell you more about a few other key changes Europe has planned for 2024 too.

How can AXA help?

While we can’t necessarily give you the Schengen visa for France itself, AXA can bring you one big step closer to making your trip to France from China a reality. As well as ensure said trip is both safe and worry-free. And that’s by doing what we do best — i.e., providing you with affordable, top-quality travel insurance. 

Firstly because, to be granted a Schengen visa, you’ll need travel insurance. Moreover, your plan will need to meet the following requirements:

• Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
• Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just ​France)
• Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone. 

And all three AXA plans — Low-Cost (starting at as little as 22€, or roughly ¥158), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements above! 

Moreover, in most circumstances, AXA will refund your insurance fees if your visa application is rejected. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

And here are just a few more reasons to go with AXA: 

• Our plans have no age restrictions.
• They can be purchased online in a matter of minutes.
• AXA travel insurance certificates — accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and TLSContact centers in China (and worldwide) — can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too.
• All three plans include remote medical consultation — 24 hours a day, wherever you are (known as “Doctor, Please!”);
• And our plans cover you not just in France but in all Schengen territories (and beyond).

So compare and learn more about our 3 comprehensive plans today. With AXA’s 24/7 coverage and ongoing support, your adventure to (and in) the most visited country on the planet is sure to be a bon voyage indeed.

RELATED ARTICLES: ​

• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form 
• How to track your Schengen visa application 
• How to extend a Schengen Visa 
• Is it safe to go to France? 
• How safe is Europe to visit? 
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance 
• How to apply for a France visa from India

FAQ

Is France part of the EU?

Yes. Along with being a founding Schengen State, France is also one of 27 members of the European Union.

What currency is used in France?

France is also a member of the Eurozone. Its currency is, therefore, the Euro (€). 

NOTE: However, the currency in Tahiti (French Polynesia) is the French Pacific Franc (i.e., the F CFP). And one Euro is roughly 119.33 F CFP.

Can Chinese citizens stay in France for longer than 90 days?

Yes. But you’ll need to apply for a long-stay Schengen visa.

What happens if I overstay my visa in France?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from ever visiting France again. Fortunately, AXA is happy to help you avoid all of them.

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering France from China?

No. As of late 2022, all COVID restrictions for visiting France have been lifted. But you should double-check the COVID section of France’s official Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs website for the latest info just in case.