⚠️ Timetables, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.
The island’s airline flies non-stop from Paris to several Chinese cities, with onward flights to Haikou and Sanya.
Official websitehainanairlines.com→Direct Paris–Hong Kong flight, then a connection to Haikou. A good option to combine Hainan with the Hong Kong Islands.
Official websitecathaypacific.com→Low-cost airline with direct flights between Hong Kong and Sanya.
Official websitehkexpress.com→Sanya’s official tourism website, in several languages: arrival, transport, car rental and practical tips.
Official websitevisitsanya.com→How long does it take to get to Hainan?
There are no direct flights between France and Hainan: allow for a connection in mainland China or Hong Kong, i.e. 15 to 20 hours of travel in total. The Condor Frankfurt–Sanya route via Bangkok ended in late October 2026.
| Route | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Paris → Shenzhen | ≈ 12 h | Direct flight, Hainan Airlines |
| Paris → Hong Kong | ≈ 12 h | Direct flight, Air France or Cathay Pacific |
| Shenzhen or Guangzhou → Sanya | ≈ 1 h 30 | Domestic flight |
| Hong Kong → Sanya or Haikou | ≈ 1 h 30 | Direct flight (HK Express, Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific) |
| Haikou → Sanya | ≈ 1 h 20 to 1 h 30 | High-speed train (east coast) |
Entry and arrival
French citizens and those of many other European countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026; no extension has been announced yet for 2027. Hainan also applies its own scheme: 30 days visa-free for nationals of 59 countries, provided they arrive directly on the island (international flight, or transit via a third country, Hong Kong or Macao). On arrival, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay: they accept Visa and Mastercard.
When to go and at what price?
High season runs from November to April: book early, especially around Chinese New Year, when domestic flights and Sanya hotels soar. From May to October prices drop, but it is hot, humid and typhoons are possible.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from France?
No: you need a connection, for example in Shenzhen (Hainan Airlines), Hong Kong (Air France, Cathay Pacific), Guangzhou, Beijing or Shanghai.
Do I need a visa?
Not for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026 for French and many European citizens. Arriving directly in Hainan (for example from Hong Kong), the island’s own scheme also applies. Check the latest rules before you leave.
Is it better to arrive in Sanya or Haikou?
Sanya, in the south, for beaches and resorts; Haikou, in the north, for the city and volcanoes. The high-speed train links them in 1 h 20 to 1 h 30.
Can typhoons disrupt flights?
Yes, especially from July to October. Leave a margin before your international return flight.
Header photo: Sanya Bay — Shizhao, CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons