Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of France (metropolitan)

I. Chinese Embassies/Consulates in France (for Chinese Visa Applications)

 

1. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in France (Paris)

 

  • Address: 11 avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
  • Contact:
    • Tel: +33-1-53758840 (Visa Enquiries)
    • Fax: +33-1-47233541
    • Email: visa.france@visaforchina.org
  • Working Hours:
    • Visa Submission: Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00 (Appointment Required)
    • Collection: Mon–Fri 14:00–16:00
  • Website: China Visa Application Service Center (France)
  • Note: French citizens must submit applications via China Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) (branches in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg).

 

2. Consulate-General of China in Marseille (Consular District: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, etc.)

 

  • Address: 20 Boulevard Carmagnole, 13008 Marseille
  • Contact: +33-4-91320000
  • Working Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00 (Visa Submission)

II. French Embassies/Consulates in China (for French Visa Applications)

 

1. Embassy of France in China (Beijing)

 

  • Address: 60 Tianze Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
  • Contact:
    • Tel: +86-10-85312000
    • Visa Enquiries: Book via TLScontact
    • Email: infos.bjs@france-visas.gouv.fr
  • Working Hours:
    • Submission: Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30 (Appointment Required)
    • Passport Collection: Mon–Fri 08:30–12:00 / 13:30–16:30
  • Website: France Visa Official Website (China)

 

2. Consulate-General of France in Shanghai (Consular District: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui)

 

  • Address: 27 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Contact: +86-21-60106300
  • Other Districts: Guangzhou (South China), Wuhan (Central China), Chengdu (Southwest China), etc. Details on the website.

III. Chinese Visa Policies and Requirements for French Citizens

 

1. Visa Types & Documents:

 

  • Tourist (L Visa): Passport (valid ≥6 months), application form, photo, round-trip flight booking, hotel reservation, travel itinerary.
  • Business (M Visa): Invitation letter (from Chinese company), Chinese company business license copy.
  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit notice, employment contract, medical certificate.
  • Study (X1/X2 Visa): Admission letter, JW201/JW202 form.
  • Family Visit (Q1/Q2 Visa): Kinship proof (e.g., household register, marriage certificate), inviter’s ID.

 

2. Application Process:

 

  • Online form (China Visa Online Application) → Book CVASC appointment → Submit materials → Pay fees (cash/card, ~60–100 EUR) → Collect visa (4–5 working days; express service available with extra fee).

 

3. Notes:

 

  • Interviews may be required (e.g., for work visas).
  • Minors: Birth certificate, parental consent letter.
  • Fingerprint waiver for French citizens (2023 onwards, except special cases).

IV. French Visa Policies and Requirements for Chinese Citizens

 

1. Visa Types (Schengen Visa):

 

  • Tourism/Business/Family Visit: Passport, application form, photo, flight booking, hotel reservation, travel insurance (≥€30,000 coverage), financial proof (bank statements).
  • Long-Term Study: Admission letter, tuition payment proof, accommodation proof, French language certificate (e.g., TCF/TEF).

 

2. Application Process:

 

  • Book via TLScontact → Submit to French Visa Center (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.) → Fingerprint collection (first-time applicants) → Pay fees (≈€80, RMB accepted) → Processing (4–15 working days).

 

3. Notes:

 

  • Schengen Visa covers 27 countries; apply to France if it’s the main destination.
  • No invitation needed for short-term visas (≤90 days); 担保人 (sponsor) required for long-term visas.

V. Additional Information

 

  • Fees:
    • Chinese Visa: €60 (short-term); higher for long-term multiple entries.
    • French Visa: €80 (adults), €40 (6–12 years old).
  • Emergency Contacts:
    • Chinese Embassy in France (Consular Protection): +33-1-53758800 (24/7).
    • French Embassy in China (Consular Protection): +86-10-85312020 (Weekdays).
  • COVID-19 Policies (2025): No nucleic acid tests or quarantine for entry into China/France (subject to updates).

VI. Conclusion

 

Both China and France require advance appointments for visa applications. Ensure complete documentation and check official sources for updates. Express services may be available—verify with embassies/consulates.

 

Appendix: Official Links