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出入境Visas & entry

Visas and entry for medical travel to China

Last reviewed 2 min readBy China Healthcare Info Editorial Team

Short answer

Short medical visits such as a health check can often fit within China's visa-free entry. Citizens of 50 countries can stay up to 30 days visa-free (in force until 31 December 2026), and citizens of 57 countries can use 240-hour visa-free transit when continuing to a third country or region. For planned, longer treatment, apply for a visa — usually supported by a letter from the treating hospital — and confirm the category with the Chinese visa centre.

Key facts

  • 30-day visa-free entry: ordinary passport holders from 50 countries, valid until 31 December 2026. The United Kingdom and Canada were added on 17 February 2026. The United States is not on the list as of October 2026.
  • 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit: 57 eligible countries (Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam added 20 August 2026), 65 designated ports, and you must be travelling on to a third country or region.
  • US citizens can use 240-hour transit — for example US → Shanghai → Hong Kong — but not a round trip US → China → US.
  • China has no visa labelled "medical visa". Medical travellers commonly apply for an S2 (short-term private affairs) or L (tourist) visa with a hospital letter.
  • If treatment keeps you in China beyond your permitted stay, apply to the local Exit-Entry Administration before it runs out.

Option 1: 30-day visa-free entry

Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, exchanges or transit. The policy currently runs until 31 December 2026.

  • Recent additions include the United Kingdom and Canada (from 17 February 2026).
  • Most of Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Brazil, are included.
  • The United States is not included as of October 2026.

This route suits short medical trips such as a health check, a second opinion or a dental visit. For surgery or a longer course of treatment, a visa is the safer choice.

Option 2: 240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa if they:

  • enter and leave through one of 65 designated ports,
  • hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (Hong Kong and Macau count), and
  • stay within the permitted provinces and regions.

Employment, study and journalism aren't allowed on this route. A short medical visit can fit, but the clock and the geographic limits are strict.

Option 3: a visa for planned treatment

China has no visa called a "medical visa". Patients coming for planned treatment usually apply for:

  • an S2 visa (short-term private affairs), or
  • an L visa (tourism),

supported by an invitation or appointment letter from the treating hospital. Facilitators report that consulates may also ask for medical records and proof of funds. Many large hospitals' international departments can issue the letter once they've reviewed your records.

If treatment runs longer than planned

If you are hospitalised or need more treatment than your permitted stay allows, contact the Exit-Entry Administration (出入境管理) of the local public security bureau before your stay expires. Bring your passport, the hospital's proof of treatment and your accommodation registration. Overstaying, even for medical reasons, can lead to fines and future entry problems.

Hainan's medical tourism zone

The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone allows designated hospitals to use certain drugs and medical devices that are approved abroad but not yet in mainland China. Hainan also has its own 30-day visa-free entry scheme, which covers more countries than the national list.

Questions people ask

Can I get medical treatment in China without a visa?

Many short visits, such as a health check or a consultation, fit within visa-free entry if your nationality is eligible. The official permitted purposes are business, tourism, visiting family and friends, exchanges and transit, so for planned treatment — especially surgery or a long course of care — apply for a visa and confirm the right category with the Chinese embassy or visa centre.

Is there a special medical visa for China?

There is no visa category named "medical visa". Medical travel facilitators report that patients usually apply for an S2 visa (short-term private affairs) or an L visa (tourism), supported by an invitation or appointment letter from the hospital. Requirements are set by each consulate, so check with yours.

Can family members come with me?

Companions travelling for a patient generally use the same route: visa-free entry if eligible, or a visa supported by the hospital letter that names them as accompanying the patient. Ask the hospital to include companions in the letter.

What is the Boao Lecheng medical zone in Hainan?

The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is a special zone where hospitals may use some drugs and devices that are approved abroad but not yet approved in mainland China. Hainan also runs its own visa-free entry policy for a longer list of countries.

Sources

  1. China adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour visa-free transit program (20 August 2026), The State Council of the People's Republic of China
  2. China visa-free travel: a complete guide, China Briefing (Dezan Shira & Associates)
  3. China widens visa-free access in latest opening-up move, The State Council of the People's Republic of China
  4. China S2 medical visa requirements: visa-free vs S2 pathways, MedBridge

Not medical advice. This guide explains how the system works; it can't assess your situation. In an emergency in mainland China, call 120.

First published . Updated . Spotted something out of date? Email hello@chinahealthcareinfo.com.