Editor's Note

Ask CNS is a column where we cover… you guessed it, frequently asked questions. We regularly receive questions from readers and sometimes collect questions that we use to deep dive and provide answers. Do you have a burning question that needs answering? Drop the question down below in the comments section of our WeChat article, or send us the question directly to our WeChat account: citynewsservice (in case you're shy!)

You've got a job that's bringing you back to China, and you've got a French spouse who's along for the ride. So the big question is:

Q: I'm an expat (French) spouse of a Chinese citizen. Can I rock up to China and score a visa at the port for a little family time, or is there more paperwork involved?

Let's get into it.

The Default: Apply Before Arriving

Here's the deal: In general, as a foreign spouse, you will need to apply for a visa before setting foot in China. That's the baseline rule according to China's Exit and Entry Administration Law. No surprises there. So, normally, you'd visit a Chinese consulate back in France (or wherever) to apply for the visa.

But Life's Messy Sometimes Innit?

Sometimes... you need to get back to China *now.* Maybe work called, maybe you've got an emergency, or maybe you're just that spontaneous. Whatever the reason, if you can't get a visa sorted in time, there's the option of a port visa. This is basically a lifeline for people who urgently need to be in China but haven't had time to go through the usual visa dance. The catch? It's for single entry only and gets you a 30-day stay. The golden ticket to get that port visa: an invitation letter and the right documents in hand when you arrive.

Some Bigger News, for French Citizens... and Other Citizens

Now, here's where things get interesting for you a selected number of you expats reading this.

Starting December 2023, China's rolled out a sweet visa-free policy for French citizens. But not just for French citizens, there is an expanding list of countries where China has granted visa-free status. Check out an expanded list of visa-free countries here.

It covers business, tourism, family visits, and even just hanging out in China while passing through. If you need to stay longer (because, let's face it, 15 days go by quickly), there's an option to apply for a visa or residence permit once you're in the country – just hit up the local public security bureau's exit and entry department for that.

TLDR:

So, the short version: if you're planning a quick trip, the new visa-free policy might be all you need. But if you're thinking long-term, you'll want to look into either the port visa or getting the proper visa from a Chinese consulate before you head over. Just depends on your timeline.

More Questions?

Got more questions? You can always call China's immigration hotline at 12367 or check with local exit-entry authorities for all the nitty-gritty details.

Oh, and if you're wondering what else is changing for expats in China, check out these new measures they've introduced:

China eases entry of foreign nationals with five new measures.

24-hour port visa services for expats with urgent business need.

Why are expats in Shanghai dialing this number in their thousands?