Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Spain

I. Chinese Embassies/Consulates in Spain

 

1. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Madrid

 

  • Address: C/ Arturo Soria, 113, 28043 Madrid
  • Contact:
  • Services: Visa applications, consular assistance.

 

2. Consulate-General of China in Barcelona

 

  • Address: C/ Leon XIII, 34, 08022 Barcelona
  • Contact:
    • Email: chinaconsul_bar_es@mfa.gov.cn
  • Note: Both offices coordinate visa services via China Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Madrid and Barcelona.

II. Visa-Free Policy for Spanish Citizens (2023–2025)

 

Eligibility: Ordinary passport holders of Spain.

 

  • Stay Duration: 30 days per visit (valid until December 31, 2025).
  • Exceptions:
    • Work (Z visa), study (X visa), or long-term stays (>30 days) require pre-approval.
    • Transit visas:
      • 24-hour transit: Any Chinese international airport (domestic travel allowed).
      • 72-hour transit: Changsha, Guilin, Harbin airports/Beihai port.
      • 144-hour transit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, etc. (airports/ports listed on China Visa Service Center).
    • Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as third countries under transit policies.

III. Visa Requirements for Non-Visa-Free Cases

 

1. Required Documents (for stays >30 days):

 

  • Passport: Valid for ≥6 months beyond stay, with ≥2 blank pages.
  • Travel Itinerary: Flight/hotel bookings (dates, destinations).
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements, pay slips (sufficient for stay and return).
  • Additional for Specific Visas:
    • Work (Z): Employment contract, work permit.
    • Study (X): Admission letter, JW201 form.
    • Family Visit (Q): Kinship proof (e.g., birth certificate), inviter’s ID.

 

2. Application Process:

 

  • Online: Complete COVA form → Book CVASC appointment.
  • Submission: Madrid/Barcelona CVASC (documents in person or via mail).
  • Processing Time: 4–5 business days (standard); express options available.
  • Fees: Free for visa-free stays; varies by visa type (e.g., ~€60–100 for work visas).

IV. Spanish Visa Policies for Chinese Citizens (Reciprocal Information)

 

1. Schengen Visa Requirements:

 

  • Eligibility: Tourist/business stays ≤90 days (per 180 days).
  • Documents: Passport (valid ≥3 months post-departure), flight/hotel bookings, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), financial proof.
  • Application Centers: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. (via TLScontact).

 

2. Long-Term Visas:

 

  • Study/Work: Proof of enrollment/employment, Spanish residency application.
  • Family Reunion: Kinship documents, sponsor’s income proof.

V. Key Travel Notes

 

  • Safety Advisory: Exercise caution in China (risk of arbitrary detention under national security laws).
  • Customs: No cash over €10,000; prohibited items include counterfeit goods, endangered species.
  • Health: Tap water unsafe; bottled water recommended.
  • Transit: Confirm transit rules (e.g., 144-hour policy requires onward ticket to a third country).

VI. Emergency Contacts

 

  • China (Spain):
    • Embassy (Madrid): +34-699089086 (consular protection).
    • Consulate (Barcelona): +34-932125622.
  • Spain (China):
    • Embassy (Beijing): +86-10-85310300.
    • Consulates: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu (see Spanish Embassy China).

VII. Summary

Spanish citizens enjoy visa-free entry to China for tourism/business (≤30 days, until 2025). Long-term stays or specific purposes (work/study) require pre-arranged visas. Chinese citizens planning to visit Spain must apply for Schengen visas (≤90 days) or long-term permits. Always verify updates via official channels: