Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or medical advice. Requirements, fees, and policies are subject to change. Always verify current information with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional.
China has opened its doors to Spanish travellers in a way that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. Since late 2024, holders of an ordinary Spanish passport can enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The policy covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.
For expats based in Hong Kong, this is particularly relevant. The mainland border is a short train ride away, and the visa-free policy makes spontaneous trips to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or further afield significantly easier. This guide covers who qualifies, what documents to prepare, how to register after arrival, and what to do if you need to stay longer than 30 days.
Who Qualifies for Visa-Free Entry
Spain is one of 50 countries covered by China’s unilateral visa exemption policy, extended through 31 December 2026. The policy applies to holders of ordinary Spanish passports. Diplomatic and official passports are handled under separate bilateral agreements.
To qualify, your visit must fall under one of these purposes: tourism, business negotiations or trade events, visiting relatives or friends, non-profit cultural or academic exchanges, or international transit. Employment, journalism, study programmes, and any activity requiring a work permit are not covered.
Entry Requirements and Documents
The visa-free policy does not mean paperwork-free. Border officers at Chinese ports of entry may ask for supporting documents, and arriving without them can result in denied entry. Prepare the following before your trip:
- Passport valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in China. Most airlines and travel advisories recommend at least six months of remaining validity
- Return or onward flight confirmation showing you will leave China within 30 days
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host
- Proof of purpose if visiting for business: a letter from the Chinese company or event organiser
Emergency or temporary passports issued by Spain are not accepted under the visa-free policy. You must hold a standard ordinary passport (pasaporte ordinario).
The 30-day stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following your date of entry. For example, if you arrive on 1 May, your 30 days begin on 2 May, and you must depart by 31 May.
The Digital Arrival Card
China has been phasing out paper arrival cards at major airports. Most international arrivals now complete a Digital Arrival Card before boarding or upon arrival.
You can fill it out in advance through three channels: the National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website, the NIA mini-program on WeChat, or the NIA mini-program on Alipay. The form asks for basic personal details, passport information, flight number, and your address in China.
After completing the form, save or screenshot the QR code. You will scan it at the immigration counter instead of handing over a paper card. If you prefer paper, physical forms are still available at arrival halls, but the digital version is faster.
Registration Rules After Arrival
All foreign nationals in China must register their accommodation with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival at each new city.
If you stay at a hotel, the hotel handles registration automatically at check-in. If you stay at a private residence, an Airbnb, or with friends or family, you must visit the nearest police station (派出所) in person with your host. Bring your passport and the host’s ID. This rule applies every time you move to a new city.
Failing to register is a common oversight for first-time visitors. The penalty can include a warning, a fine of up to CNY 2,000, or in serious cases, detention. Hotels are the simplest option for avoiding this issue.
What the 30-Day Exemption Does Not Cover
The visa-free policy has limits that are worth understanding before you travel:
- No extensions within China. You cannot extend your 30-day visa-free stay at a PSB office. If you want to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa before your trip.
- Hong Kong and Macau trips. Leaving mainland China for Hong Kong or Macau requires passing through immigration. When you re-enter mainland China, you technically start a new 30-day visa-free period. However, immigration officers may question or refuse entry to travellers who appear to be making frequent short exits and re-entries to extend their stay indefinitely. A genuine side trip is unlikely to cause problems, but a pattern of monthly visa runs may be flagged.
- No work or study. The exemption covers tourism and short business visits. Any form of paid employment, teaching, journalism, or enrolment in an educational programme requires the appropriate visa.
- No access to restricted areas. Certain border zones and military areas in Tibet, Xinjiang, and other regions require separate permits regardless of your visa status.
Overstaying carries penalties of CNY 500 per day, with a maximum fine of CNY 10,000. Serious overstays can result in detention, deportation, and entry bans of up to 10 years.
When You Need a Visa (and How to Apply)
If your plans require more than 30 days, or your purpose is not covered by the exemption, you will need to apply for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Madrid or Barcelona.
The main visa types for Spanish applicants:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| L (Tourist) | Tourism beyond 30 days | 30, 60, or 90 days |
| M (Business) | Commercial activities, trade fairs | 30 or 60 days |
| X1/X2 (Student) | Study programmes over/under 180 days | Varies |
| Z (Work) | Employment with a Chinese employer | Entry only, convert to residence permit |
| Q1/Q2 (Family) | Family reunion, long/short stays | Varies |
| S1/S2 (Dependant) | Accompanying a work/study visa holder | Varies |
Since March 2025, all applicants must first complete the application form and upload supporting documents online via the CVASC website. Only after online pre-approval can you book an in-person appointment to submit biometrics and your passport. Standard processing takes 4 to 5 working days after submission. Express processing (2 to 3 days) and rush processing (1 day) are available for higher fees.
Standard visa fees for Spanish citizens are approximately EUR 125 for a single-entry visa (check the CVASC website for current rates). Multiple-entry visas cost more depending on duration.
The 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Option
Separate from the 30-day policy, China also offers a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free stay for travellers passing through China to a third country. This applies at 65 ports of entry across 24 provinces and regions.
To use this policy, you must hold a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your country of origin on the inbound leg) departing within 240 hours. You can move freely within the designated transit region, which in many cases covers the entire province.
This option is useful if you are flying from Europe to Southeast Asia or Australia with a long layover in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. It also applies if you are entering mainland China from Hong Kong and continuing to a third country.
Crossing from Hong Kong to Mainland China
For Spanish expats based in Hong Kong, crossing into mainland China is straightforward under the visa-free policy. We have a dedicated guide to all border crossings between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The main border crossings are:
- Lo Wu / Luohu (罗湖): MTR East Rail Line to Lo Wu station, walk across the bridge to Shenzhen. The busiest crossing, with direct metro access on both sides.
- Lok Ma Chau / Futian (福田): MTR East Rail Line to Lok Ma Chau, cross to Futian Port. Less crowded than Lo Wu, connects to Shenzhen Metro Line 4.
- West Kowloon High-Speed Rail (西九龙): Take the high-speed train from West Kowloon station directly to Shenzhen North, Guangzhou South, or dozens of cities across China. Immigration is handled at the station before boarding.
The same visa-free requirements apply at land borders as at airports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. Processing is typically faster at land crossings than at major airports.
For a guide to things to do in Shenzhen once you cross, we have a separate article covering family-friendly activities and attractions.
Payment and Connectivity in China
Two practical matters trip up first-time visitors to China: paying for things and staying connected online.
Payment
China is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Most merchants, restaurants, taxis, and street vendors use QR code payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Physical Visa and Mastercard terminals are rare outside international hotels and luxury stores.
Before your trip, download Alipay and link your Spanish bank card (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell are all supported). The app works for payments, metro tickets, DiDi rides, and food delivery. WeChat Pay also accepts international cards but requires a Chinese phone number for full functionality.
Carry some cash (CNY) for small vendors in rural areas and as a backup, but expect to use Alipay for 90% of transactions.
Internet Access
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail are blocked in mainland China. If you rely on these services, you will need a VPN (download and configure it before entering China) or an eSIM with a roaming data plan that bypasses local restrictions.
For navigation, Apple Maps works in China. Alternatively, download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) for more accurate local results. For a comparison of eSIM options for mainland China, we have a separate guide covering the plans that work best for short trips across the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter China visa-free multiple times in one year?
Yes. There is no stated limit on the number of visa-free entries per year, provided each stay does not exceed 30 days and you meet the entry requirements each time.
Do I need travel insurance to enter China?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be significant for foreign nationals, and healthcare systems differ across the border, and evacuation to Hong Kong or Spain is expensive without coverage.
Can I travel from China to Hong Kong and back on the same trip?
Yes. When you leave mainland China for Hong Kong, you pass through immigration. Upon re-entering mainland China, you technically start a new 30-day visa-free period. However, keep your trip to Hong Kong genuine rather than a brief exit purely to reset the clock, as immigration officers may question frequent short exits and re-entries.
Is the visa-free policy guaranteed to continue past December 2026?
The current policy is confirmed through 31 December 2026. China has extended the policy multiple times since it began in late 2024, but future extensions depend on diplomatic decisions that are announced separately.
What if I lose my passport while in China?
Contact the Spanish Embassy in Beijing or the nearest Spanish consulate (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong). They can issue an emergency travel document. You will also need to file a police report at the local PSB before you can leave the country.
