240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free
Since 17 December 2024, China's transit visa-free policy has been expanded to 240 hours (10 days) — up from the earlier 72/144-hour rules. For many international patients, this is the simplest path for a short medical visit.
- Who qualifies: citizens of 54 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and most of the EU.
- Where you can enter: 60 designated ports — covering Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and other major medical cities.
- Where you can travel: 24 provinces — the policy now allows cross-province movement within the approved region, so you are not confined to the arrival city.
- What you need: a passport valid for at least 3 months, plus a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours.
Fits: MRI / CT / PET-CT, specialist consultation, written second opinion, and short outpatient procedures — all typically completed within 10 days.
30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Entry
China also grants unilateral visa-free entry (up to 30 days) to citizens of several countries. This is different from transit visa-free: you do not need an onward ticket to a third country — you simply arrive and stay up to 30 days.
- Examples: Australia (trial through 31 December 2026), New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, and others.
- Purpose: ordinary visits including medical treatment.
- Fit: initial consultations, imaging, and shorter treatment stays of up to 30 days.
Visa-free lists change — always verify current rules with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before booking.
S2 & L Visas (with Hospital Invitation Letter)
If your treatment needs a stay beyond the visa-free windows — or your nationality is not on the visa-free list — you apply for a visa. The two most common for medical travel are the S2 and L visas.
| Visa | Purpose | Typical stay | Invitation letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | Short-term private visit (incl. medical treatment) | Up to 180 days | Hospital can provide |
| L | Tourism (also used for short medical trips) | Varies; US citizens qualify for 10-year multiple-entry | Usually not required for tourism |
How the invitation letter works
Once your appointment is confirmed, the hospital can issue an invitation letter stating the treatment, dates, and your identity. You submit it with your visa application at a Chinese embassy or visa center. We coordinate this letter as part of hospital matching — you do not chase it alone.
Which option fits your case?
| Your visit | Typical duration | Best option |
|---|---|---|
| MRI / CT / PET-CT or second opinion | 2–7 days | 240h transit visa-free or 30-day visa-free |
| Initial consultation + short workup | 3–10 days | 240h transit visa-free or 30-day visa-free |
| Major surgery + recovery | 2–6 weeks | S2 or L visa (with invitation letter) |
| Ongoing treatment (cancer, rehabilitation) | 1–6 months | S2 visa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter China without a visa for medical treatment?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 54 countries can use the 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy with a confirmed onward ticket. Many nationalities also qualify for 30-day unilateral visa-free entry. Otherwise, an S2 or L visa applies.
What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?
Since 17 December 2024, eligible citizens of 54 countries transiting China can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free, entering through 60 designated ports and traveling within 24 provinces — provided they hold a passport valid 3+ months and a confirmed onward ticket within 240 hours.
Can I get an MRI or second opinion under 240-hour transit visa-free?
Yes. Most imaging, consultations, and second opinions finish well within 10 days, so transit visa-free entry is a practical option for short medical visits. We confirm your schedule and the applicable visa before you book.
Does the hospital provide an invitation letter?
Yes — once your appointment is confirmed, the hospital can provide an invitation letter to support an S2 or L visa application. We coordinate this as part of our hospital matching service.
Not sure which visa applies to you?
Tell us your nationality, your condition, and how long you expect to stay. We'll confirm the right visa path and the practical next step — free, no commitment.
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