240-hour visa-free transit
France - China 240-hour transit eligibility
France is a Western European nation with diverse landscapes from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast, served by Paris (CDG) a major hub, Nice (NCE), and Lyon (LYS). French passport holders can transit through China for up to 240 hours without a visa.
- Region
- Western Europe
- Common departure cities
- Paris, Nice
- Beijing time difference
- 6–7 hours behind Beijing
- Example third-place transit
- Example transit: Paris → mainland China → a third country or region (not your departure country).
Before you transit — get China-ready
Open the full arrival checklist →Important reminders
- Visa-free entry does not allow work and cannot be extended.
- Register temporary accommodation within 24 hours after check-in.
- Tibet and some border areas may require extra permits before travel.