French Passport holders: Xi'an China transit visa-free guide
Visa-Free Entry Advantage
Good news! French Passport holders currently enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China. This means you can typically enter via the standard visa-free lane during your transit without the need to apply for a temporary transit permit, making your layover significantly faster and more flexible.
Policy summary
Enjoy the advantage of visa-free entry lanes without the need to apply for a temporary transit permit (TWOV) at the airport. This makes your layover significantly faster and more flexible.
- Policy type:30-Day Visa-Free
- Maximum stay:240 hours
- Airport:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
- Data last synced:2026-05-04
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Airport to City Overview
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is approximately 37 km from central Xi'an. Keep the Chinese address for your hotel or destination saved before arrival.
Metro
About 55 to 85 minutes
Operating Hours: Approx. 06:00 - 22:30
Connects to Beikezhan (North Station); transfer to Line 2 or 4 for city center.
Taxi
About 45 to 95 minutes
Useful with luggage or late arrivals.
Sample 48-Hour Itinerary
A focused 48-hour Xi'an transit gives you time for one main district and a comfortable airport return.
Reviewed by our editorial team based on on-the-ground experience at the airport and city transit routes.
Day 1: Core highlights
Arrive and travel to the city-center anchor; keep the first stop simple. Visit Terracotta Army and Xi'an City Wall with a meal break between them. Use Muslim Quarter for a low-pressure evening walk or fallback dinner area.
Day 2: Second-area route and departure buffer
Start with Giant Wild Goose Pagoda while queues and heat are lower. Add Bell Tower of Xi'an only if airport transfer timing remains safe. Return to the airport or station with a conservative buffer for international departure.
Must-Try Local Cuisine: Qin/Silk Road Cuisine (Bold & Wheaten)
FAQ
Do I need a 240H permit if my country has a 30-day visa-free policy?
No. If your country is eligible for 30-day visa-free entry, you should use that instead. It is far superior: 1) You can buy a round-trip ticket (A-China-A) without needing a third-country destination. 2) The stay is longer (30 days). 3) You can generally travel nationwide (for mutual visa-free countries).
Can I travel to other provinces under the 30-day visa-free policy?
Yes. Unlike the 240H transit policy, the 30-day visa-free entry allows you to travel freely across all provinces in China for up to 30 days.
How long can I stay with my French Passport?
You can stay for up to 30 days. This is significantly longer than the 240H transit permit and provides more flexibility for your travels.
Do I still need an onward ticket to a third country?
No. The 30-day visa-free policy does not require you to be in transit to a third country. You can fly directly from your home country and return directly if you wish.
Is Xi'an a good place to start my 30-day trip?
Indeed. The starting point of the Silk Road. You can see the Terracotta Army here before taking a fast train to other ancient capitals. Plus, Xi'an is a major hub with excellent connections to the rest of China, making it an ideal starting point for a longer exploration.
What documents should I prepare for Xi'an arrival?
Just your valid biometric passport and a completed regular arrival card. We recommend having your return ticket and hotel bookings ready for inspection, though they are usually not as strictly scrutinized as for the 240H permit.
Official Data Verification & Resources
For reference only. Verify with official sources before travel. Source: National Immigration Administration
Updated: · China Transit Guide Editorial