Focus on Your Healing.
We'll Handle the Borders.

No single product is called "medical visa." Patients typically apply for an S2 visa (short-term private affairs) with a hospital invitation letter. The consulate assigns the category based on your documents and stated purpose.

Strongly not recommended. Tourist visas are difficult to extend if complications arise. Using the wrong visa category can also create legal issues. For any significant treatment, apply for S2 with proper medical documentation.

Varies by embassy—typically 4–10 business days after submission. Do not book non-refundable flights until you understand your local processing times. We recommend a 2-week buffer.

Yes. S2 visas allow accompanying family members (spouse, parents, adult children) with proof of relationship. Each person needs their own application. For S1 (180+ days), companion rules are stricter.

Visa-free entry cannot be extended. If there's any chance your treatment extends beyond the allowed period, apply for an S2 visa before departure—it's much simpler than dealing with overstay issues.

Your full name (as in passport), passport number, treatment purpose, expected dates, hospital contact, and official seal. Format follows CVASC templates. We help ensure every element is correct.

Rejections are rare with proper documentation. If it happens, we review the refusal reason, help you address the issue, and support reapplication. Some embassies allow appeals.

No one can guarantee a visa—that decision rests with the consulate. However, with a Grade 3A hospital invitation letter and complete documentation, S2 approval rates are extremely high.

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.