China visa for Spain citizens

Current status (verified May 2026)

Spanish ordinary passport holders are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry to mainland China for tourism, business, family visit or transit. Spain joined the visa-free programme as part of the 2024 expansion.

What you need at the border

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• Onward ticket to a third country or back to Spain.
• Hotel reservation or address of accommodation.
• Digital customs and health declaration at arrival.

What 30-day visa-free covers

Tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit. You may move freely throughout mainland China excluding regions requiring special permits — Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit, and certain areas near sensitive borders have additional access rules.

What it does not cover

Employment, study, or journalism require the appropriate visa category. Stays beyond 30 days require an L visa. The Tibet Travel Permit must be arranged separately regardless of visa status.

Applying for a standard L visa

Spanish applicants use the Chinese Embassy in Madrid or consulates-general in Barcelona, or relevant CVASC offices. Standard L visa requirements and four-day processing times apply as for other EU nationalities.

Hong Kong and Macau

Spanish passport-holders are visa-free for Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (90 days). The mainland visa-free entitlement is independent of SAR entry rights.

Practical notes

Spain is a high-volume source market for China tourism, particularly for cultural and heritage tourism. Direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou operate regularly, which means the 30-day window is practical for most holiday itineraries.