Medical Visa to China: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the Chinese Medical Visa Process
Traveling to China for medical treatment requires careful planning, especially when it comes to visas. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from determining your visa eligibility to arriving at the hospital. Whether you are coming for FSPR surgery, DBS, epilepsy surgery, or another neurological procedure, this guide covers everything you need to know to obtain your medical visa smoothly.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
China offers several visa categories for medical travel. The most common is the M Visa (Business/Commercial Visa), issued for business and commercial activities including medical treatment arranged through a hospital. It is typically valid for 30-90 days per entry with options for single, double, or multiple entries. S1/S2 visas are for long-term medical treatment or patients visiting family. Important: Do NOT enter China on a tourist (L) visa for medical treatment — using the wrong visa type can result in entry denial or complications with hospital admission.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Visa | Business / medical treatment | 30-90 days/entry | Most medical tourists |
| S1 Visa | Long-term, private affairs | >180 days | Extended treatment stays |
| S2 Visa | Short-term, private affairs | <180 days | Family accompanying patient |
| Visa-Free | Unlimited visa-free | 15-30 days | Short treatments, eligible nationalities |
| Transit Visa-Free | 24/72/144-hour transit | Up to 144 hours | Brief stopovers only |
Step 2: Get Your Hospital Invitation Letter
The most critical document is the official hospital invitation letter (PU letter). Here is how it works: First, submit your case to the hospital's international patient department with your medical records. Second, receive a treatment plan and confirmation from the hospital. Third, the hospital issues the invitation letter within 3-5 business days, including patient's full name (matching passport exactly), passport number, diagnosis, treatment type, estimated duration, hospital name and address, and official hospital stamp. At Eber Neurosurgery, we provide invitation letters as part of our international patient services at no additional cost.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure, with 2+ blank visa pages
Passport photo — 48mm × 33mm, white background, no glasses, ears visible
Visa application form (COVA) — completed online at cova.mfa.gov.cn
Hospital invitation letter — original or scanned copy (check with your local consulate)
Medical records — diagnosis letters, treatment history, doctor's referral (translated to English or Chinese)
Proof of financial means — bank statements showing sufficient funds for treatment and stay
Travel insurance — covering medical treatment abroad (strongly recommended)
Flight itinerary — round-trip booking or detailed travel plan
Accommodation details — hotel reservation or hospital accommodation confirmation
For family members — same documents plus proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Step 4: Submit Your Visa Application
- 1
Complete Online Form
Fill out the COVA form at cova.mfa.gov.cn and print the confirmation page with barcode
- 2
Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center (CVASC)
- 3
Submit In Person
Bring all required documents (see previous step). Bring all original documents plus photocopies. Biometric data (fingerprints) required for most applicants.
- 4
Pay Visa Fee
Varies by country, visa type, and processing speed. Express service available.
- 5
Processing Time
Standard: 4-5 business days. Express: 2-3 business days. Rush: 1-2 business days (where available).
- 6
Collect Passport
Pick up in person or via courier service. Check all details carefully before leaving the consulate.
Step 5: Prepare for Travel
- Confirm your hospital appointment and arrival date with your international patient coordinator
- Arrange airport pickup — Eber provides free pickup from Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports
- Pack essential documents: passport, visa, invitation letter, medical records, medications in original packaging
- Download translation apps: Google Translate (offline Chinese pack), Baidu Translate
- Notify your bank of international travel to avoid card blocks
- Get travel insurance that covers medical complications and emergency evacuation
- Bring comfortable clothing suitable for Shanghai's climate (check seasonal temperatures)
Step 6: Arrival in Shanghai
At immigration, present your passport, visa, and arrival card (filled on the plane). Declare medications and medical equipment at customs if required. Your Eber coordinator will meet you at the arrivals hall with a name sign. The transfer from Pudong Airport to Lingang New Area takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Upon arrival at the hospital, you will be greeted by your dedicated coordinator and admitted to your patient room.
Frequently Asked Questions
A:Yes. The hospital provides documentation for visa extension at the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.
A:Yes. They can apply for S2 visas or join on a tourist visa. We assist with accompanying family members.
A:For short treatments (15-30 days), visa-free entry may suffice. For FSPR/surgery, we recommend the M Visa for flexibility.
A:We recommend applying 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and any additional documentation requests.
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Medical Review by Sun Chengyan, MD, PhD — Chief Neurosurgeon, Shanghai Eber Hospital
Last Updated: September 2026 | Content reviewed for medical accuracy