Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, a visa is mandatory for mainland China travel, except Hong Kong (visa-free under 90 days). Tourist visas cost around €126, require a passport valid for 6 months, and are processed in 6 business days through official application centers.
Types of visas and rates
- Tourist visa : 126 euros (single or multiple entries), valid for 30 days
- Express visa 24h : 149 euros
- Business visa : same rate, valid for 6 months, requires invitation letter
Application procedure
Applications are only accepted at Chinese visa application centres (Paris, Marseille, Brussels) or consulates in other cities. Form to be completed on visaforchina.org, then a mandatory appointment is required.
Required documents :
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 consecutive blank pages
- Photocopy of passport and identity photo
- Hotel reservations and return flight tickets
- Financial proof (bank statements for the last 3 months) or employment certificate
- International travel insurance certificate
Special cases
Transit without visa : 72h or 144h permitted at certain airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Canton, etc.) for transit passengers only.
Extension on arrival : possible in 30-day periods (160 yuan) at the Public Security Bureau.
Key points
Warning: traveling to Hong Kong will cancel your single-entry China visa. Request your visa 1 month before departure, no more than 2 months in advance.