Visa for France from China: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. A Chinese national must obtain a Schengen short-stay Type C visa before travelling to France for tourism. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area.

• Government fee90 EUR
• Application centre feeCapped at €45
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Prepare a valid passport, a compliant ID photo, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, a return ticket or itinerary, and travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000. The visa fee is generally €90 for an adult; confirm the amount that applies to your case on france-visas.gouv.fr, as reductions exist for certain categories.

You apply in China, at the French consulate or its authorised provider (for example VFS Global/TLScontact) depending on where you live. France must be your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen Area. Build your file through france-visas.gouv.fr, which generates your form, then book an appointment to submit documents and biometrics.

• Your application goes to the state that is your main destination. If France is where you spend the longest, it handles the file, whatever the entry point.
• With no main destination, the competent state is the one you enter first.
• If France has no consulate in China, another Schengen state may act on its behalf under a representation arrangement, or the file goes to the post accredited for your country.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for China, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in China but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Processing usually takes 15 to 45 days, so submit well in advance while staying within the allowed pre-departure window. A complete, consistent file (dates, accommodation, funds) speeds up assessment. Check your passport validity and keep copies of every supporting document.

The most common error is applying to the wrong Schengen country: the main destination decides which consulate is competent, here France. Watch out for insufficient insurance (below €30,000) and weak proof of funds, which drive many refusals. Do not book non-refundable tickets before the visa is granted.