Quick Assessment
Help you quickly determine which entry path best suits your treatment schedule
| Treatment Type | Duration | Visa Option | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient & Elective | < 30 Less than days | L visa / Visa-free / 240h transit | No special requirements |
| Surgery & Specialist | 30-180 days | S2 Visa | Hospital appointment confirmation |
| Complex & Critical | > 180 days | S1 Visa | Hospital treatment plan + accommodation proof |
Based on 2026 policy, for initial guidance only. Final requirements are set by your local embassy/consulate.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Valid until December 31, 2027Citizens of eligible countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or medical treatment.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Travelers from 55 countries (including the US) can stay in designated areas for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through China to a third country.
Country A → China → Country B
USA → Shanghai → Japan ✓
Round trips to the same country not permitted
USA → Shanghai → USA ✗
Visa Application Documents
For outpatient consultations, health checkups, minor elective procedures, follow-up appointments
For surgery, specialist treatment, rehabilitation, multiple treatment courses
For complex medical conditions, critical disease treatment, long-term rehabilitation, ongoing treatment programs
💡 MedBridge Shanghai assists in obtaining hospital invitation letters for visa applications
Visa Application Timeline
Discuss treatment plan and determine the best visa path
Collect required documents, coordinate hospital invitation letter
Submit visa application to Chinese embassy or consulate. Processing usually takes 4-7 business days
Confirm hospital appointment, arrange accommodation, prepare travel documents
Practical Tips for Medical Travel
Plan Ahead
Contact us at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date to allow sufficient time for visa processing, hospital appointments, and travel arrangements.
Get Hospital Documents Early
If you need a visa, request the hospital invitation letter as soon as your treatment plan is confirmed.
Consider Treatment Duration
Have realistic expectations about treatment time. Consider recovery time, follow-up appointments, and possible complications when choosing visa type.
Carry Documents With You
Carry copies of medical records, treatment plans, and hospital contact information.
Know Extension Options
If treatment takes longer than expected, you can apply for a visa extension.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering overseas medical care.
Accommodation registration
Register within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle it automatically; if in private housing, you must go to the local police station.
Family companion
Family are welcome. Eligible relatives can enter visa-free or as S2 accompanying dependants; the invitation letter can include them.
Stay extension
If treatment runs long, apply for extension before expiry with a hospital in-treatment certificate. Over 180 days, start with S1.
Related pages
Insurance & Claims
With international insurance you can request a Letter of Guarantee (LOG), often waiving the bank-statement requirement. See direct-billing and claims process.
Partner Hospitals
36 top Shanghai hospitals (JCI / public tertiary). We coordinate the bilingual hospital invitation letter required for your S2/S1 visa.
FAQ
High-frequency answers on visa, costs, insurance and the treatment journey — filter by topic.
Cost Estimate
Get a treatment cost estimate to use as proof of funds for your visa (recommended: ~120% of expected costs).
Common reasons for visa rejection
Incomplete application form
Every field matters. Blank or vague answers can trigger manual review or rejection.
Non-compliant photo
China has strict biometric photo rules — background, shadows, glasses and size all count.
Inconsistent travel info
Flight dates, hotel bookings and your answers must all match. Any conflict raises red flags.
Passport validity too short
Most embassies require validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
Missing / invalid invitation letter
The hospital letter must show correct name, dates, purpose and an official stamp. A wrong template causes delay.
Insufficient proof of funds
Bank statements should show a stable balance of ~120% of expected costs, not a sudden large deposit.
Digital prep before arrival
Submit via the NIA 12367 mini-program within 72 hours before arrival; save the QR code for inspection.
NIA 12367Complete via htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn within 24 hours before arrival.
Health declarationLink your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay — most hospitals accept online payment, cash is rare.
Eligibility Assessment
Determine the best visa option based on nationality and treatment plan
Hospital Invitation Letter
Official documents from partner medical institutions for visa applications
Application Guidance
Step-by-step guidance throughout the visa application process
Extension Support
Assist with visa extension if treatment requires a longer stay
Need Visa Assistance?
Contact us for a free consultation. We will assess your visa needs and help plan your medical trip to Shanghai.
Note: Visa policies may change. We recommend contacting us at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date.
Official Sources
Before making travel decisions, please verify the latest policies through the following primary sources.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
mfa.gov.cn
National Immigration Administration
en.nia.gov.cn
Visa Application Service Center
visaforchina.cn
Consular Services
cs.mfa.gov.cn