Spain’s embassy in Beijing issued a notice on 4 November confirming that China has prolonged its unilateral 30-day visa-waiver scheme for ordinary-passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia until 31 December 2026, and will add Sweden from 10 November 2025. The extension, announced by Beijing a day earlier, is intended to “maintain travel convenience” and boost post-pandemic business links.
For Spanish companies with operations in China — from Inditex sourcing teams in Zhejiang to Telefónica’s joint ventures in Beijing — the move removes the need for short-term work visas (M-type) for most routine trips. However, the consulate reminded travellers that activities exceeding 30 days or involving on-the-ground employment contracts still require the appropriate Z-visa or residence permit.
![Spanish consulate alerts travellers as China extends visa-free entry for EU nationals to end-2026]()
Travel-management firms say demand for Barcelona-Shanghai flights has already ticked up 12 % week-on-week, and Iberia is expected to restore its Madrid-Beijing frequency to daily during the Christmas peak. Mobility advisers urge travellers to keep printed hotel bookings and invitation letters handy, as China’s border police may still ask for proof of purpose and onward travel.
The visa-free policy comes as Spain prepares its own outbound Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for third-country nationals in 2026, making reciprocal facilitation a talking point in EU–China mobility dialogue.
For Spanish companies with operations in China — from Inditex sourcing teams in Zhejiang to Telefónica’s joint ventures in Beijing — the move removes the need for short-term work visas (M-type) for most routine trips. However, the consulate reminded travellers that activities exceeding 30 days or involving on-the-ground employment contracts still require the appropriate Z-visa or residence permit.
Travel-management firms say demand for Barcelona-Shanghai flights has already ticked up 12 % week-on-week, and Iberia is expected to restore its Madrid-Beijing frequency to daily during the Christmas peak. Mobility advisers urge travellers to keep printed hotel bookings and invitation letters handy, as China’s border police may still ask for proof of purpose and onward travel.
The visa-free policy comes as Spain prepares its own outbound Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for third-country nationals in 2026, making reciprocal facilitation a talking point in EU–China mobility dialogue.
