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Travel from Spain to China: All the requirements
Find out the requirements for travelling to China from Spain. Do you need a visa? Are vaccinations mandatory? Discover everything you need to know.
Do you know what are the requirements for travelling to China from Spain in 2025? Great, because we’ve prepared a complete guide with everything you need to know. Before you leave, it’s important that you’re clear about the documents you’ll need to submit. If you arrive at immigration control and don’t have everything in order, you might face issues. It’s unusual for tourists to be turned around, but it could happen.
Although, we inform you that since late 2024, Spanish travellers can visit the country without a visa, there are other factors to consider. Are vaccinations mandatory? Do you need to provide proof of income? Join us to find out what you should pack for the trip you’re planning.
Tip before travelling to China
We’ll tell you all about it. But first, allow us to digress. It isn’t a requirement, but it’s something that could make your trip much easier. If you’re used to travelling, you’ll already know that going on an adventure without being able to access the internet at all times is complicated. In this country it’s much more so. Keep in mind that, as we mentioned in our post about the best VPN for China, it has a strict digital censorship system that blocks services and platforms like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. If you arrive without a connection and need to contact your accommodation or request transportation, relying on the airport’s public network might not be the best idea.
To avoid this, you have several options. If you’re going to visit the main places and stay for only a few days, we recommend you to take a look at Holafly’s eSIM for China. You’ll have unlimited data, it activates in a few minutes and allows you to surf without restrictions. And with built-in VPN! You’ll be able to use Google Maps, send WhatsApp messages or check your email without any problems.
Are you planning to get to know the country better and stay for a longer period? In that case you’ll be interested in Holafly Connect’s global plans. You can choose between a 10 GB plan, a 25 GB plan or an unlimited data plan (and switch from one to the other whenever you want). In addition, the 25 GB and unlimited plans allow internet sharing with other devices.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll be able to activate it before leaving Spain. This way, you’ll be connected as soon as you land. You’ll avoid roaming, won’t rely on public Wi-Fi, and can move around with complete peace of mind.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Now that said, let’s go over the requirements for traveling to China from Spain in 2025.
1. Valid passport for travel to China
Let’s start with one that you might already guess, as it’s compulsory for travel to any destination outside the Schengen area. You’ll have to present a passport for boarding. In the case of China, there’s a peculiarity: Depending on which part of the country you travel to, they’ll require different minimum validity periods.
To go to mainland China, you just need to make sure it’s valid for the time you plan to stay. However, if you’re going to Hong Kong or Macao, the minimum validity is six months from the date of entry.
Airlines are usually strict with this requirement and may deny boarding if your passport is close to expiring. Don’t be overconfident. In addition, China takes biometric data on all foreign travellers between the ages of 14 and 70. It’s very important that your passport is in good condition and without visible damage.
It’s important to carry it with you at all times. If you can, it’s advisable to make a photocopy in case of theft or loss.
2. Tourist, residence or work visas for China
The million-dollar question. Do I need a visa to travel to China from Spain? The answer is no. From 30 November 2025, Spaniards don’t need one if they’re staying less than 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or exchanges. In principle, this measure lasts until 31 December 2025. Do you plan to stay longer? Then you’ll have to apply for it. Let’s look at the most common ones:
- Tourist visa (L): If your stay is longer than 30 days, you’ll need this visa. It’s given for periods of between 30 and 90 days. It can be single- or multiple-entry. To obtain it, you must present a passport that is at least six months old. You’ll also need the application form, flight and accommodation reservations, or an invitation letter from a resident in China.
- Student visa (X1 and X2): X1 is for courses longer than 180 days and allows multiple entries. The X2 is for studies of shorter duration and allows only one input. For both, you’ll need an admission letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and medical insurance with coverage in China.
- Work visa (Z): Must be applied for with an official work permit issued by the Chinese government. In some cases, you may also need to present an apostilled university degree, criminal background check, and a medical exam from a certified clinic. Once you arrive, you’ll have to apply for a residence permit in order to be able to work.
- Permanent residence visa (D): For foreigners who wish to settle permanently in China. It’s granted to investors, highly skilled professionals, or spouses of Chinese citizens with over five years of marriage and residence in the country. The process is complex and can take several months.
- Business visa (M): To attend meetings, trade fairs or conduct business activities. It’s granted for a maximum of 180 days and requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or documents justifying your activity in the country.
3. Registration of accommodation with the Chinese police
Another important thing to know is that Chinese law requires all travellers to register at the nearest police station (“paichusuo” 派出所). If your plan is to stay in a hotel, you don’t have to worry about this, the establishments take care of it. However, if you’re staying with a friend or in an Airbnb, you’ll need to go closer. You must apply within 24 hours of arrival (72 hours in rural areas).
If you don’t register, you could face severe penalties. In some cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, the process can be done online through platforms set up by the local police.
To register, you must present your passport with the entry stamp, accommodation address and host contact details, the foreigner residence registration form (they’ll provide it), and the property document or rental contract (not always).
Note that if you’re moving around the country, this process must be done at each new destination. To avoid problems, it’s best to find out about online registration options in the city you’re arriving in.
4. Medical insurance to travel to China
Are you going to apply for any of the visas mentioned above? Taking out medical insurance for foreigners in Asia is advised. At least in most of them, such as the study or work place. Check the conditions when you apply. The Chinese authorities usually require you to have medical coverage of at least $30,000.
Some universities and companies offer local insurance, but it’s better to get international coverage before you go.
5. Pass immigration control in China
And finally we come to the last step that you’ll have to complete before you can start enjoying your trip to China. Although most Spanish travellers have no problem getting in, it’s important to be prepared. Migration officials may ask you questions or request additional documentation.
What kind of questions might you be asked upon arrival?
- What’s the purpose of your trip?
- How long will you stay in China?
- Where will you stay?
- Do you have sufficient funds for your stay?
- Have you been to China before?
Don’t be nervous. Responding confidently and presenting your documents is enough to pass through without issues.
If you’re travelling on a work, study, or residence visa, expect additional questions about your activity in the country. For these cases, it’s advisable to bring copies of your visa application documents and any other paperwork supporting your stay.
More tips to travel to China
That covers all the requirements for travelling to China from Spain that you need to consider before starting your trip. However, there are other things that could be worth considering. Although they aren’t compulsory, they’ll make your stay much easier. Let’s take a look at some tips to keep in mind in this destination:
1. Travel insurance for China
As we said before, it isn’t compulsory for tourists to carry insurance with medical cover. However, taking out a policy that has your back in case of emergencies is a very smart decision. China and Spain don’t have a health agreement.
Can you imagine needing health care in the middle of China without knowing Chinese? Believe us, in that case you’ll be glad you took out an insurance company that can mediate for you. It won’t hurt to have your bills paid either – a private doctor’s consultation can cost €150 ($162). One day of hospitalisation, over €1,000 ($1,080).
In addition, travel insurance cover for Asia goes far beyond health care. They’ll protect you against other common unforeseen events, such as lost luggage, flight cancellations or assistance in the event of theft.
2. Driving licence in China
Unlike most countries, China doesn’t accept the International Driving Permit (IDP). If you plan to rent a car to get around the country, you’ll need to apply for a temporary driving licence. You can do this at Beijing Airport or in Shanghai (valid for 3 months, for car rentals only).
For longer trips, you’ll need to apply for a Chinese driving licence.
3. A plane ticket to China and back to Spain
It isn’t mandatory, but some tourists without a visa have been asked for a return ticket. To avoid hassle, the best thing to do is to go with a confirmed departure ticket.
Please note that if you’re travelling on a study, work or residence visa, this doesn’t apply.
4. Health declaration form for travel to China
If this isn’t the first article you’ve read about the requirements to travel to China from Spain, you’ve probably come across information about a health declaration form. True, it used to be indispensable, but not any more. From 1 November 2023 it isn’t mandatory. The only reason we mention it’s because there’s outdated information online that could cause confusion. You can relax, they won’t ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions about requirements to travel to China from Spain
If your trip is for tourism, business, family visit or exchange and doesn’t exceed 30 days, you don’t need a visa. For longer stays or travel for study, work or residence, it’s mandatory to apply for a visa before travelling.
If you’re travelling under the 30-day visa waiver, the authorities may ask you for a ticket to leave the country. If you’re travelling on a work or study visa, this requirement is not mandatory.
Yes, all travellers must complete the health declaration form within 48 hours prior to arrival. It’s done online and generates a QR code that you must present at the entrance control.
It isn’t compulsory for tourists, but it’s compulsory for those travelling on study or work visas. In any case, medical coverage is recommended. Private health care in China is expensive and foreigners don’t have access to the public system.
Yes, if you stay in a private residence, Airbnb or a friend’s house. In this case, you must register at the nearest police station within 24 hours of your arrival. The hotels do this automatically.
