China to France tourist visa
Complete France Schengen visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Chinese citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- France Schengen Visa
- Fee
- €90
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (up to 45)
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
- Visa Application Form — Complete the Schengen visa application form using the France-Visas online portal
- Biometric Photographs — Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications
- Travel Medical Insurance — Valid travel insurance covering all Schengen countries for your entire stay
- Flight Reservations — Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen Area
- Accommodation Confirmation — Proof of where you will stay during your visit to France
- Detailed Travel Itinerary — Day-by-day plan of your activities and movements in France and other Schengen countries
- Cover Letter — Personal letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip
- Bank Statements — Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
- Employment Documentation — Evidence of your employment status and income in China
- Household Registration (Hukou) — Copy of your household registration booklet
- Ties to Home Country — Documentation proving your intention to return to China after your trip
- Biometrics Enrollment — Fingerprints and photograph captured at TLScontact Visa Application Centre
- Signed Declarations — Mandatory declarations confirming accuracy of information and insurance coverage
How to apply
- Determine your travel dates and — Determine your travel dates and create detailed itinerary Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure France is your main destination or first entry point. 1
- Create an account on France-Visas — Create an account on France-Visas portal Visit france-visas.gouv.fr and create your personal account. 1 The portal will guide you through determining which visa you need and generate your personalized document checklist.
- Complete the online visa application — Complete the online visa application form Fill out the Schengen visa application on France-Visas. 1 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.
- Gather all required documents Collect — Gather all required documents Collect passport, photographs, bank statements, employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, accommodation confirmations, and hukou copy. Review the complete requirements checklist provided by France-Visas. 1
- Purchase travel insurance Buy Schengen — Purchase travel insurance Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period. 6
- Book TLScontact appointment Schedule your — Book TLScontact appointment Schedule your appointment at the nearest TLScontact Visa Application Centre through their online booking system. 2 Pay the TLScontact service fee online during booking. Slots fill quickly during peak season, so book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Common questions
- How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?
- The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days across all Schengen countries combined over a rolling 6-month window. You cannot circumvent this by leaving and immediately re-entering.
- Can I visit other European countries with a France Schengen visa?
- Yes! A Schengen visa issued by France grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- How long does it take to get a France Schengen visa from China?
- Standard processing is 15 working days from when your application reaches the French consulate. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week, and summer), processing may extend to 30–45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date to account for potential delays.
- What is the France Schengen visa approval rate for Chinese citizens?
- As of 2024, France approved approximately 93.9% of Schengen visa applications from Chinese citizens. With over 458,000 applications processed annually, France is one of the most popular Schengen destinations for Chinese travelers.
- Where can I apply for a France Schengen visa in China?
- You can apply at TLScontact Visa Application Centres across China. Centers are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Jinan, Kunming, Xi’an, Changsha, Fuzhou, and Shenzhen. Book your appointment online through the TLScontact website after completing your application on France-Visas.
- How much money should I show in my bank account for a France Schengen visa?
- While there’s no fixed minimum, it’s recommended to show at least €60-€100 per day of your stay. For a 2-week trip, this would be approximately €840-€1,400 (¥6,500-¥11,000). Your bank statements should show stable income and consistent balance over 3–6 months.