China Visa Guide for Medical Tourists
China has significantly simplified entry requirements. Depending on your nationality and stay duration, you can choose from visa-free entry, transit exemption, or apply for a visa.
Which Option is Right for You?
| Treatment Type | Duration | Visa Options | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient & Elective Procedures | < 30 days | L Visa, Visa-Free Entry, or 240-Hour Transit | None - suitable for most patients |
| Surgical & Specialty Treatments | 30-180 days | S2 Visa | Medical appointment confirmation |
| Complex & Critical Care | > 180 days | S1 Visa | Hospital treatment plan, proof of accommodation |
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Valid until December 31, 2026
Citizens from 79 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical treatment. No visa application required.
Eligible Countries
Europe (34 countries)
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia-Pacific (4)
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea
Middle East (4)
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia
South America (5)
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
North America (1)
Canada
Permanent Visa-Free
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Serbia, Belarus
Entry Requirements
- • Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- • Sufficient funds for your stay
Allowed Activities
- • Tourism and sightseeing
- • Business meetings
- • Medical treatment and health checkups
- • Visiting friends and family
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
For travelers from 55 countries including USA
Travelers from 55 countries (including the United States) can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in designated regions when transiting through China to a third country.
Eligible Countries Include
United States, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, Philippines, India, and other countries not on the 30-day visa-free list.
✅ Allowed
Country A → China → Country B
USA → Shanghai → Hong Kong ✓
USA → Shanghai → Japan ✓
❌ Not Allowed
Country A → China → Country A
USA → Shanghai → USA ✗
(No round trips to same country)
⏱️ Time Calculation
240 hours starts at midnight the day after entry. Arriving Monday 2pm = time starts Tuesday 00:00.
📍 Travel Flexibility
Can travel between most provinces and cities. Restricted areas: Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia.
🛫 Exit Flexibility
Can exit from a different port within the same region. Enter Beijing Capital, exit Beijing Daxing ✓
Entry Ports (60 ports nationwide)
Shanghai
- • Pudong International Airport
- • Hongqiao International Airport
- • Shanghai Port
Beijing
- • Capital International Airport
- • Daxing International Airport
Guangzhou
- • Baiyun International Airport
Other Cities
- • Chengdu
- • Xi'an
- • Shenzhen
- • Hangzhou
- • Xiamen
- • Qingdao
Visa Types for Medical Treatment
Choose based on your treatment duration and complexity
Short-Term Treatment
< 30 days
Best for:
- • Outpatient consultations
- • Health checkups
- • Minor elective procedures
- • Follow-up appointments
Tip: If your country is on the 30-day visa-free list, you may not need this visa at all.
Medium-Term Treatment
30-180 days
Best for:
- • Surgical procedures
- • Specialty treatments
- • Recovery periods
- • Multiple treatment sessions
Requires: Medical appointment confirmation from hospital
Long-Term Treatment
> 180 days
Best for:
- • Complex medical conditions
- • Critical care treatments
- • Extended rehabilitation
- • Ongoing therapy programs
Requires: Hospital treatment plan + proof of accommodation
Required Documents for Visa Application
Basic Documents
- 1. Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- 2. Completed visa application form
- 3. Passport photo (white background, 48x33mm)
- 4. Flight itinerary
- 5. Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
Medical Documents
- 6. Hospital Invitation Letter including: patient name and passport info, scheduled medical services, expected treatment duration, hospital contact and official stamp
- 7. Medical records summary (if applicable)
- 8. Treatment plan description
OriEast can help: We assist with obtaining hospital invitation letters from our partner hospitals for your visa application.
Visa-Free Policy Priority Rules
Understanding which policy applies to you
If you qualify for multiple visa-free policies, here's how they work together:
Bilateral Visa-Free Agreements Take Priority
If your country has a permanent visa-free agreement with China (e.g., Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia), that agreement applies first.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry (79 Countries)
If your country is on the 30-day visa-free list, you can enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free (55 Countries)
If your country is not on the 30-day list but is on the 240-hour transit list (e.g., USA), you can use transit visa-free when traveling to a third country.
Important Note for US Citizens
The United States is currently on the 240-hour transit visa-free list but not on the 30-day visa-free list. US citizens can stay up to 10 days when transiting to a third country, or apply for a visa for longer stays.
Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Policy
Special entry policy for Hainan Province
Policy Overview
Hainan Province offers a separate 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of 59 countries, applicable for tourism and medical purposes.
- • Stay up to 30 days in Hainan Province
- • Must enter and exit through Hainan ports
- • Cannot travel to other provinces under this policy
- • Includes medical tourism activities
Why Consider Hainan?
- ✓Growing medical tourism destination
- ✓Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone
- ✓Access to international medical devices and drugs
- ✓Tropical climate ideal for recovery
Pro Tips for Medical Tourists
Expert advice for a smooth medical journey
Plan Ahead
Contact us at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date. This gives enough time for visa processing, hospital appointments, and travel arrangements.
Get Hospital Documentation Early
If you need a visa, request your hospital invitation letter as soon as your treatment plan is confirmed. This is often the most time-consuming document to obtain.
Consider Treatment Duration
Be realistic about your treatment timeline. Include recovery time, follow-up appointments, and potential complications when choosing your visa type.
Keep Documents Handy
Carry copies of your medical records, treatment plan, and hospital contact information. These may be requested at immigration or during your stay.
Know Extension Options
If your treatment takes longer than expected, visa extensions are possible. Apply at the local Public Security Bureau before your current visa expires.
Travel Insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad. Some policies may be required for visa applications.
Our Visa Assistance Services
Eligibility Assessment
We determine the best visa option based on your nationality and treatment plan.
Hospital Invitation Letters
Official documentation from partner hospitals for visa applications.
Application Guidance
Step-by-step support through the visa application process.
Extension Assistance
Help with visa extensions if your treatment requires a longer stay.
Need Help with Your Visa?
Contact us for a free consultation. We'll assess your visa needs and help you plan your medical journey to Shanghai.
Note: Visa policies are subject to change. We recommend consulting with us at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date.