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It depends on your nationality and treatment duration. As of 2024, citizens from 54 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This covers most medical treatments including health checkups, dental work, minor surgeries, and initial oncology consultations.

For treatments exceeding 30 days (like CAR-T therapy or proton radiation), you'll need to apply for an S2 (medical) or M (business) visa. Our platform helps you determine the best option and coordinates hospital invitation letters for your application.

China's unilateral visa-free policy covers 54 countries across multiple regions:

• Europe (35): UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Russia
• Asia-Pacific (9): Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia
• Americas (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
• Middle East (4): UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

Policy valid until December 31, 2026. Check our eligibility tool above for your specific situation.

The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption allows citizens of 55 countries to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, provided you're transiting through China to a third country.

Requirements:

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your origin country)
• Entry/exit through designated ports in 24 provinces

This option works well for short procedures like health checkups (2-5 days), dental implant consultations, or initial oncology evaluations when combined with travel to a neighboring country like Thailand, Japan, or Singapore.

For medical purposes, the main visa categories are:

• S2 Visa (Private Visit): For stays up to 180 days. Requires invitation from a Chinese hospital. Best for treatments like CAR-T therapy, chemotherapy cycles, or orthopedic recovery.
• M Visa (Business): For commercial medical services. Can be used for medical tourism with hospital documentation.
• S1 Visa (Long-term): For stays exceeding 180 days. Requires additional documentation and residence registration.
• L Visa (Tourist): General tourism visa that can also cover medical activities, though dedicated medical documentation strengthens applications.

Our team recommends the optimal visa type based on your treatment plan and helps coordinate all required documentation.

Stay duration depends on your visa type:

• Visa-free: Up to 30 days per entry
• 240H Transit: Up to 10 days
• S2/M Visa: Typically 30, 60, 90, or 180 days per entry
• S1 Visa: 180+ days (requires residence permit application within 30 days of arrival)

If your treatment takes longer than expected, you can apply for an extension at the local Entry-Exit Administration bureau before your current stay expires. Extensions typically require: (1) hospital letter confirming ongoing treatment, (2) your passport, (3) completed application form, and (4) proof of accommodation.

A complete medical visa application typically requires:

1. Valid Passport: At least 6 months validity remaining, with 2 blank visa pages
2. Visa Application Form: Completed online at visaforchina.cn, printed and signed
3. Passport Photo: Recent color photo (48mm × 33mm) with white background, meeting China's biometric specifications
4. Hospital Invitation Letter: Official letter from your receiving hospital stating treatment type, duration, and cost estimate. Must include hospital seal.
5. Financial Proof: Bank statements showing funds to cover treatment and living expenses (recommended: 120% of estimated costs)
6. Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings (can be tentative) and accommodation plans

Our platform coordinates hospital invitation letters from all partner hospitals within 2-3 business days, ensuring they meet embassy requirements.

Processing times vary by location and service level:

• Standard Processing: 4-5 working days at most visa centers
• Express Processing: 2-3 working days (additional fee applies)
• Rush Processing: 1 working day (limited availability, higher fee)

Total timeline from decision to arrival:

• Hospital invitation letter: 2-3 business days (through our platform)
• Document preparation: 1-2 days
• Visa processing: 4-5 working days
• Total: Approximately 7-10 business days

We recommend starting the process at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to account for any unexpected delays.

A hospital invitation letter is the most critical document for medical visa applications. Here's how to obtain one:

1. Through Our Platform (Recommended): Submit your medical records and treatment inquiry. We coordinate directly with partner hospitals to issue official invitation letters within 2-3 business days. Letters are pre-verified to meet embassy requirements.
2. Direct Hospital Contact: Some hospitals' International Patient Centers can issue letters directly, but this typically takes 5-7 days and may require prepayment.

A proper invitation letter must include:

• Your full name (matching passport exactly)
• Passport number
• Treatment type and medical department
• Estimated treatment duration
• Cost estimate
• Hospital official seal and authorized signature

Yes. If you entered visa-free or on a short-term visa, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (Entry-Exit Administration) before your current stay expires. You'll need: (1) your hospital's letter confirming ongoing treatment and expected completion date, (2) your passport, (3) completed extension form, and (4) proof of accommodation. Extensions are typically processed within 7-10 working days. Our team can help prepare documentation and accompany you to the bureau if needed. For treatments expected to exceed 180 days, we recommend applying for a long-term S1 visa from the start.

While not legally required for entry, comprehensive travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover: (1) Emergency medical evacuation (minimum $100,000), (2) Hospitalization and treatment costs, (3) Trip cancellation/interruption, and (4) Repatriation of remains. Many premium international insurers (Bupa, Cigna, AXA, Allianz) have direct billing arrangements with major Chinese hospitals, meaning you won't need to pay upfront for covered services. We can help verify if your existing policy covers treatment in China or recommend suitable providers.

Yes, registration is mandatory within 24 hours of arrival. This applies to all foreigners staying in China.

How it works:

• Hotels: Registration is automatic when you check in. The hotel handles all paperwork.
• Private Accommodation: You must register at the local police station (派出所) within 24 hours. Bring your passport and the property owner.
• Hospital Stay: Hospitals typically handle registration for inpatients. Confirm with the International Patient Center upon admission.

Keep the registration slip safe—you may need it for visa extensions or when checking into new accommodation.

Yes, accompanying family members are welcome. They can enter using:

• Visa-free entry: If their nationality qualifies (54 countries, up to 30 days)
• Tourist visa (L): For standard tourism purposes
• S2 Visa: As your accompanying family member with your invitation letter

When applying together, your hospital invitation letter can include accompanying persons. Our team helps coordinate joint applications to ensure synchronized travel.

Practical considerations: Major hospitals have English-speaking staff in International Patient Centers, but having a Mandarin-speaking companion can help with daily activities like shopping, transportation, and dining outside the hospital.

Payment methods accepted at major hospitals:

• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Bank wire transfer (for large amounts)
• Alipay/WeChat Pay (linked to international cards)
• Cash (CNY)

Insurance options:

• Direct Billing: Major insurers (Bupa, Cigna, AXA, Allianz, MSH) have agreements with top Chinese hospitals. Present your insurance card for direct settlement.
• Reimbursement: Pay upfront and submit claims with itemized receipts after treatment. Most hospitals provide bilingual documentation.
• Letter of Guarantee (LOG): Request from your insurer before travel for pre-approved coverage.

We recommend confirming your policy's China coverage before travel and obtaining pre-authorization for planned procedures.

China has specific digital requirements for travelers. Complete these before departure:

1. Digital Arrival Card: Submit online at s.nia.gov.cn within 72 hours before arrival. Save the QR code for immigration.
2. Customs Health Declaration: Complete at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn within 24 hours before arrival.
3. Mobile Payment Setup: Download Alipay or WeChat and link your international credit card. These are essential for daily transactions.
4. VPN (Optional): If you need access to Google, WhatsApp, or Western social media, set up a VPN before entering China.
5. Translation App: Download Google Translate or Baidu Translate with offline Chinese language pack.

Our pre-arrival guide provides step-by-step instructions with screenshots for each registration.

If your treatment extends beyond your authorized stay, you must apply for a visa extension before your current status expires. Overstaying carries serious penalties including fines, detention, and future entry bans.

Extension process:

1. Visit the local Public Security Bureau (Entry-Exit Administration) at least 7 days before your stay expires
2. Bring: (a) Passport, (b) Hospital letter confirming ongoing treatment with new expected completion date, (c) Completed extension form, (d) Accommodation registration, (e) Passport photos
3. Processing typically takes 7-10 working days
4. Extensions are usually granted for medically necessary situations with proper documentation

Our team can help prepare extension documentation and, if needed, accompany you to the bureau. For treatments expected to exceed 180 days total, we recommend applying for an S1 long-term visa from the start.