Travel Preparation

Visa Requirements for China

Everything you need to know before traveling for medical care.

Travel Planning

Visa rules change frequently, and some visa-free arrangements are time-limited. Our team handles visa guidance, invitation letters, and travel logistics for you — and monitors policy changes — so you are not planning a medical trip around a policy that may not be in place when you travel.

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Note: Visa-free arrangements include long-term mutual agreements and a time-limited unilateral policy currently effective through December 31, 2026 (Russia through December 31, 2027; Brunei has no expiry date), and both are subject to change. Do not book travel on the basis of visa-free entry without confirming your current eligibility with your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Ordinary passport holders from 79 countries can currently enter China without a visa: 29 countries through mutual visa-exemption agreements and 50 countries under China's unilateral visa-free policy. Eligibility, permitted duration, and conditions vary by nationality, agreement, and purpose of visit.

Important notes:
- Mutual visa-exemption agreements are long-term arrangements; stay limits are set by each agreement and are typically up to 30 days, with some allowing longer stays or cumulative limits.
- The unilateral visa-free policy is generally valid for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit. Medical travelers should confirm whether their intended activities are permitted under visa-free rules.
- The unilateral policy is currently effective through December 31, 2026; Russia is covered until December 31, 2027, and Brunei has no expiry date.
- Always verify eligibility, duration, and conditions with your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center before booking travel.
- Some exemptions require proof of return travel, hotel bookings, or other supporting documents.

Visa Types

Depending on your situation, one of the following visa types may be appropriate for your trip to China.

L Visa — Tourist Visa

Who it's for: Travelers visiting China for tourism, family visits, or non-business purposes.

Eligibility: Applicants with a valid passport, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and sufficient funds.

Validity and duration: Typically allows stays of 30 to 90 days. Single, double, or multiple entry options may be available depending on your nationality.

How to apply: Submit your application to the nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center.

Required documents: Valid passport, completed visa application form, recent passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, and proof of funds.

Notes for medical travelers: Many medical travelers enter on an L visa when receiving outpatient or short-term care. Confirm with your care coordinator whether this suits your treatment plan.

M Visa — Business Visa

Who it's for: Individuals traveling to China for commercial, business, or trade activities.

Eligibility: Applicants with an invitation letter from a Chinese business or organization.

Validity and duration: Varies by application; may be single, double, or multiple entry.

How to apply: Apply through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center with a business invitation letter.

Required documents: Passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, and supporting business documents.

Notes for medical travelers: Generally not used for medical treatment. Consult with our team if you are combining business and medical travel.

Q Visa — Family Visit Visa

Who it's for: Family members of Chinese citizens or foreign nationals with permanent residence in China.

Eligibility: Immediate family members applying to visit relatives in China.

Validity and duration: Longer-term options may be available for family reunion purposes.

How to apply: Submit proof of family relationship and an invitation from the family member in China.

Required documents: Passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, and proof of relationship.

Notes for medical travelers: If you are accompanying a family member for care or staying with relatives during treatment, a Q visa may be appropriate.

S Visa — Private Affairs Visa

Who it's for: Family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, or other private affairs.

Eligibility: Spouses, parents, children, parents-in-law, or other dependents.

Validity and duration: Typically issued for short-term stays; extensions may be possible.

How to apply: Apply with an invitation from the foreign resident in China and proof of relationship.

Required documents: Passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, and proof of relationship.

Notes for medical travelers: Useful if your family member legally resides in China and you need to stay for personal or medical reasons.

Application Tips

Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Prepare all required documents carefully and check for embassy-specific requirements.
Keep copies of your application, invitation letters, and travel bookings.
Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad.

Disclaimer

Visa rules and policies change frequently. The information on this page is for general guidance only. Please verify all requirements with your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center before making travel arrangements.

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