France Joins Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Finland, Japan, Australia, And More Countries In Strengthening Tourism And Trade Relations With China Through New Visa-Free Access

Published on
February 16, 2026

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France joins Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Finland, Japan, Australia, and more countries in boosting tourism and economic growth to China with new visa-free travel access as the Chinese government extends its visa-waiver policy through 31 December 2026. This strategic move allows French nationals to travel to China without a visa for up to 15 days, enabling easier access for tourism, business, and family visits. By removing visa barriers, China aims to stimulate post-pandemic recovery, drive increased trade, and attract high-value international tourists, particularly from Europe. With Air France reinstating daily flights between Paris and Shanghai, the policy is set to bolster not only bilateral ties but also global economic growth and tourism exchanges.

On 15 February 2026, China’s government officially announced the extension of its visa-free entry policy for six European countries, including France, until 31 December 2026. This decision allows French passport holders to travel to China visa-free for stays of up to 15 days, for tourism, business, or family visits. While this announcement is a major step forward in facilitating smoother international travel, it also marks a significant milestone in China’s efforts to boost tourism and economic growth following the pandemic.

This newly extended visa-waiver policy is just one part of China’s broader strategy to re-engage the world’s top economies and enhance its economic recovery. By offering visa-free access, China is looking to bolster both tourism and trade ties with key global markets. Below, we dive deeper into the implications of this exciting development for France and other nations involved.

Visa-Free Entry: A Game Changer for French Nationals and Other Eligible Countries

Under this new extension, French nationals can travel to China without the need for a visa, making it easier than ever to visit for tourism, business, or family matters. The visa-waiver allows stays of up to 15 days without the need for bureaucratic hurdles like visa processing or expensive applications. For French businesses and tourism operators, this is expected to dramatically cut down lead times, which were previously set at 7-10 working days for the L-visa process.

The extension is a boon for French exporters, eager to reconnect with China’s post-pandemic market. Bilateral trade between France and China topped a massive €88 billion in 2025, though business-travel volumes remain 18% below 2019 levels. The new policy promises to reduce barriers for French business travellers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who had been discouraged by the visa costs and long wait times in the past.

Additionally, Air France is already planning to restore twice-daily Paris–Shanghai flights, citing the removal of visa-related barriers as a key driver for strengthened demand in the upcoming months.

A Strategic Step in China’s Economic Recovery and Boost to Tourism

The visa-waiver extension is not just about making it easier for French nationals to travel. It is a clear economic strategy designed to enhance international business engagement and fuel China’s tourism recovery. The new policy will pave the way for increased business trips, cultural exchanges, and a surge in leisure travel.

The Chinese tourism sector has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, and its pandemic-induced slump has led to significant losses. However, with the introduction of visa-free travel, China aims to rebuild its tourism numbers, especially from Europe—a region known for its high-spending tourists. The French market alone holds enormous potential. With Paris and other French cities being top tourist destinations globally, the removal of visa requirements makes China a much more accessible destination for French nationals looking to explore China’s rich history and cultural landmarks, such as the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City.

Tourism authorities in France and China are already predicting a boost in tourism bookings, as many French nationals are now more likely to visit China for both business and leisure. This could prove to be a **key factor in reaching China’s post-pandemic tourism growth targets.

What This Policy Means for Other Countries

While France enjoys this extended visa-free entry, they are not the only country benefiting from this policy change. As part of this expanded policy, several other countries across the globe can now enjoy the same visa-free access to China, providing unprecedented travel opportunities.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to China Under This New Policy:

• European Countries
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden (effective from November 2025)
  • Switzerland
  • Iceland
  • Bulgaria
• Asia
• Oceania
• Latin America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
• Middle East
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

These countries will enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days under the new policy, with the stipulation that long-term stays or employment still require appropriate visas. For these nations, China’s move is a clear signal of stronger diplomatic ties and a renewed focus on boosting international trade and tourism.

Air Travel: A New Era for Chinese and French Connections

The lifting of visa barriers has opened the floodgates for airlines operating between China and France. Air France’s decision to resume twice-daily Paris–Shanghai A350 flights is an important indication that both governments see renewed demand in air travel. As the global aviation industry continues its recovery, the added convenience of visa-free travel for French citizens is sure to spur even more air traffic.

Beyond Air France, several other European and Chinese airlines are expected to announce more routes and frequencies, further cementing the economic and tourism ties between the two regions.

Increased air connectivity also means better options for French tourists to explore major Chinese cities, creating potential for expanded tourism networks. Not only will tourism operators see a surge in bookings, but local businesses are also anticipating a spike in trade visits from French entrepreneurs eager to tap into the Chinese market.

Partial Reciprocity: China’s Visa Situation for French Nationals

While French nationals now enjoy visa-free entry to China, the arrangement is not fully reciprocal. Chinese citizens still require Schengen visas to travel to France. However, France’s two-year multiple-entry visa scheme provides a partial benefit to trusted business travellers from China. This scheme makes it easier for Chinese nationals to obtain visas for France if they have used Schengen visas at least twice in the past.

Although the reciprocity gap remains, this is seen as a strategic move by China to target business tourism, while also providing a more accessible travel route for French citizens. As China continues to engage in economic diplomacy, these measures reflect an effort to encourage business engagement and international cooperation.

What Does This Mean for China’s Broader Tourism Industry?

This policy shift is not just about easing travel for French nationals but also represents China’s renewed push to position itself as a global tourism leader. With growing competition in the tourism industry, particularly across Asia and Europe, China aims to capitalize on its historical and cultural assets to attract more international visitors.

While France is one of the leading sources of long-haul tourists, China is also looking to expand its tourism network with other eligible countries. Japan, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are just a few examples of nations that will undoubtedly fuel China’s tourism growth through the visa-free entry policy.

China’s cultural landmarks, business hubs, and natural wonders remain as key appeals for inbound travellers, and the removal of visa barriers is expected to dramatically increase tourist arrivals in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

The extension of visa-free entry for France and other countries marks a strategic step in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between China and Europe. With the increased tourism demand expected, as well as the boost to trade and business opportunities, both China and France are set to reap the benefits. The French market is now positioned to re-engage with China’s post-pandemic economy, while Chinese businesses and tourists gain easier access to France and the broader European Union.

France joins Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Finland, Japan, Australia, and more countries in boosting tourism and economic growth to China with new visa-free travel access to drive post-pandemic recovery and strengthen international trade ties. This extension allows French nationals to visit China for up to 15 days without a visa, facilitating business and tourism exchanges.

This policy change aligns with China’s goals to not only reopen for business but also to reclaim its place as a global leader in tourism and international commerce. As global travel continues to recover, this initiative will help shape future partnerships and pave the way for stronger bilateral relations between China and the European Union, especially in the areas of business, culture, and tourism.