Tourist visa to China from Spain: a complete guide to the application process

Applying for a tourist visa to China from Spain is available not only to citizens of this country. Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians, as well as persons of other nationalities who are legally staying on the territory of Iberia, may also submit documents.
In this material, we will подробно examine how such a permit is оформляется, what requirements the Chinese consulate sets, and how to increase the chances of approval. Ready? Then let’s begin.

What purposes is a tourist visa to China intended for?

A tourist visa of category L is intended exclusively for non-commercial purposes. In particular, it allows:

• traveling within the territory of China;

• visiting tourist attractions;

• participating in excursion programs;

• visiting friends or relatives;

• meeting with potential partners;

• attending cultural events, festivals, exhibitions.

At the same time, it is important to remember that a tourist visa does not grant the right to employment, study, or conducting business in China. Violation of the visa regime in the PRC entails fines from 5,000 CNY and a possible entry ban for up to 5 years.

Who can apply for a tourist visa to China in Spain?

As we said at the very beginning, applying for a tourist visa to China from Spain is also available to foreigners who are in the country on legal grounds. In particular, applicants staying on the territory of Iberia on the following grounds may submit documents:

1. Spain residence permit (TIE) — temporary or permanent;

2. long-term national visa (type D);

3. study residence permit (estancia por estudios);

4. work residence permit;

5. EU Blue Card.

The Chinese consulate in Spain strictly checks the legality of the applicant’s stay, therefore the validity period of the authorizing document must cover at least the period of visa processing and the intended trip.

Stages of applying for a tourist visa to China through Spain

The procedure for obtaining a tourist visa to China through Spain includes several key stages, namely:

1. completing the online application form on the official platform of the Chinese consulate;

2. preparing a complete package of documents;

3. making an appointment for submission at the visa center or consulate;

4. submitting documents and providing biometrics (for citizens of Ukraine, the service of submission without presence is provided);

5. waiting for the decision and receiving the passport with the visa.

On average, processing takes from 4 to 10 business days, but the timeframes may increase depending on the season.

What documents are required to apply for a tourist visa to China in Spain?

To apply for a tourist visa to China in Spain, you will need the following categories of documents:

Mandatory:

• international passport with a validity of at least 6 months after the end of the intended trip;

• completed application form;

• color photo 3.3×4.8 cm;

• proof of legal stay in Spain;

• booking of round-trip air tickets;

• proof of accommodation (hotel or invitation);

• bank statement;

• cover letter with the travel itinerary.

Depending on residence status:

• employment contract or certificate from the employer;

• certificate from an educational institution;

• certificado de empadronamiento (upon request);

• NIE.

Additional (strengthen the case):

• income certificate;

• previous visas (if available);

• medical insurance (recommended, although formally not mandatory).

Cost, validity periods, and processing of a tourist visa to China

1. Consular fee: from €60 to €120 (depends on citizenship and urgency).

2. Processing time: from 5 to 10 business days from the moment of personal submission of documents to the consulate or visa center.

3. Visa validity:

• single-entry — up to 3 months;

• double-entry — up to 6 months;

• multiple-entry — up to 6–12 months.

4. Permitted duration of stay: up to 30 days per trip.

Addresses of embassies and visa centers in Spain

Most applicants apply for a tourist visa to China through Madrid, as the main diplomatic representation is located there.

Embassy of the PRC in Madrid:
Calle de Arturo Soria, 113, 28043 Madrid

Documents may also be accepted through accredited visa centers, the list of which is constantly changing and requires clarification before submission.

Main reasons for refusal

The main reasons for refusal to issue a tourist visa to China in Spain include:

1. illegal or short-term status of stay on the territory of Iberia;

2. insufficient financial guarantees;

3. errors or inconsistencies in the application form;

4. lack of logic in the travel itinerary;

5. previous violations of China’s visa regime.

Remember that even one formal error may lead to a refusal without explanation.

Why should you contact us?

We have many years of practical experience in processing tourist visas to China for citizens of various countries, therefore we:

• analyze the case before submission;

• correctly select the visa type;

• prepare documents according to the requirements of the Chinese consulate;

• minimize the risk of refusal;

• accompany the client until the passport is received.

For our clients, obtaining a tourist visa to China through Madrid is not a risk or a lottery, but a clearly structured process with a predictable result.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to apply for a tourist visa to China in Spain if the trip is not yet fully planned?

Yes, but it is important to have a clear preliminary itinerary and at least preliminary hotel and ticket bookings. The consulate requires confirmation of the planned trip, even if it has not yet been finally approved.

Is a medical examination required to obtain a tourist visa?

 For a standard tourist visa, medical certificates are not required.

How do previous visa refusals affect obtaining a tourist visa to China?

Previous visa refusals are taken into account by the consulate, but they are not always a reason for a repeated refusal. It is important to analyze the reasons for previous failures and eliminate them in the new application.

Does seasonality affect the speed and cost of visa processing?

Yes, during high tourist seasons (spring–summer, holidays), processing times may increase.