China

Visa

Holders of ordinary Spanish passports are exempt from the visa requirement for entry into and exit from China for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit, for a period not exceeding 30 days. This exemption has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2026.

Foreign nationals must be permanently documented with a valid passport, Chinese visa, or corresponding residence permit.

There is no minimum passport validity requirement for entry into mainland China, although the passport must have the corresponding visa.

In Hong Kong, the minimum passport validity required is six months. It is common practice for airlines not to allow passengers to board flights to Hong Kong if their passport is not valid for more than six months. Passengers traveling to Southeast Asian countries with a layover in Hong Kong are strongly advised to ensure their passport has a minimum validity period of six months and to carry the required visa for their destination country. For the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, Spanish passport holders do not need a visa for tourist travel for stays of up to 90 days in each region. For stays longer than 30 days and for all other cases (family reunification, studies, work, residence, etc.), a visa is required to travel to China. For more information and to learn about the corresponding requirements, please consult the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Madrid. It is also recommended to consult the list of frequently asked questions and answers from the Chinese Embassy in Madrid: https://es.china-embassy.gov.cn/esp/lqyw/asuntosconsulares1/202401/t20240113_11223071.htm

Since February 9, 2024, the National Immigration Agency of the People's Republic of China has resumed visa exemption policies for entry to Hainan Province for Spanish citizens, but only for the following reasons: business activities, visits and exchanges, family reunification, medical treatment, participation in exhibitions, participation in sporting events, and other needs, excluding long-term stays for work and study. This visa exemption applies to short stays of up to a maximum of 30 days.

The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Some English may be available in tourist areas, but it's a good idea to bring basic translations or use translation apps.

China is a secular country. Various religions are practiced, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity, although they generally do not have a high level of public visibility.

The official currency is the renminbi (RMB), also called yuan (CNY).

While cash is still common, especially in rural areas, card payments are available in larger cities in hotels and stores. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most commonly used methods, but can be tricky for foreigners.

Voltage is 220V. Plugs are types A, C, and I. It is recommended to bring a universal adapter.

It varies greatly by region and season. In general, spring and fall are the best seasons to travel. Winter can be very cold in the north and summer very humid and hot in the south.

No mandatory vaccinations are required, but basic vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A and B) are recommended. Tap water is unsafe; bottled water is preferable. Travelers are recommended to have international health insurance.

China has a single time zone: GMT+8. It is 6 hours later than in Spain in winter and 7 hours later in summer.

Very diverse depending on the region: from the spicy Sichuan cuisine to Cantonese dim sum or northern noodles. It may include ingredients unfamiliar to Western tastes, but there are adapted options and international cuisine in larger cities.

• Always have the hotel address written in Chinese.
• Download useful apps (such as offline maps or translators).
• Be patient with cultural differences and possible language barriers.
• Access to Google, WhatsApp, or Western social media is restricted; consider using a VPN.