China Medical Visa (S-Visa) Guide for International Patients — 2026 Update
China Medical Visa (S-Visa) Guide for International Patients
If you are planning to travel to China for medical treatment, you will need a private matters visa (S-visa) — commonly referred to as the medical visa. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the application process, required documents, processing times, and practical travel tips.
What is the S-Visa?
The S-visa (S-category visa) is issued to foreigners who intend to go to China for private affairs, including medical treatment. This visa category is specifically designed for:
- International patients seeking medical treatment in China
- Accompanying family members
- Short-term medical checkups and consultations
Application Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Obtain a Hospital Invitation Letter
Before applying for the visa, you need a Medical Treatment Invitation Letter (issued by COVA or directly by your chosen hospital). Most international hospitals in China — including United Family Hospital, Jiahui Health, and PUMC International Medical Services — regularly issue these letters for overseas patients.
What the letter should include:
- Patient's full name and passport information
- Diagnosis and recommended treatment
- Treatment duration and dates
- Hospital's official stamp and authorized signature
- Contact information for the hospital's international department
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following documents:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages) | Original + photocopy of information page |
| Visa application form (Form COVA) | Complete online at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn |
| Recent passport photo | 48mm × 33mm, white background |
| Medical Treatment Invitation Letter | From your chosen hospital in China |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Bank statements, sponsorship letter, or proof of medical insurance |
| Flight itinerary & hotel booking | Round-trip ticket reservation recommended |
| Medical records & diagnosis | Translated into Chinese or English |
| Proof of legal residence (if applying outside home country) | Visa/residence permit in current country |
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your application at the nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or Chinese embassy/consulate. Most applicants must apply in person for biometric data collection.
Tip: As of September 2024 through December 2025 (extended in some regions), fingerprint collection is waived for short-term single/double-entry visa applicants staying up to 180 days.
Step 4: Pay Fees & Wait for Processing
Processing times and fees vary by location:
| Processing Type | Processing Time | Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4-5 working days | $140 – $200 |
| Express | 2-3 working days | Add $20 – $40 |
| Rush | 1 working day | Add $30 – $60 |
Note: Processing times can vary significantly by consulate. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any administrative processing delays.
Family Companion Visa (S-Visa for Family Members)
Family members accompanying a patient to China can also apply for an S-visa. Required additional documents:
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate — notarized and apostilled/legalized)
- Copy of the patient's Medical Treatment Invitation Letter
- Copy of the patient's passport
- Proof of adequate funds for the stay
Spouses, children under 18, and parents are typically eligible for companion S-visas.
Visa Duration & Extension
| Visa Type | Typical Duration | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry S-visa | 30 – 90 days | 180 days per entry |
| Double-entry S-visa | 30 – 90 days per entry | 180 days per entry |
| Multi-entry S-visa (rare for medical) | 6 – 12 months | 180 days per entry |
Need to extend? You can apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit & Entry Administration in your city of treatment. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time with valid medical documentation.
Important Notes for 2025-2026
- Online application: All applicants must fill out the visa application form online through the COVA system (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn)
- Visa fee reductions: Some countries have bilateral agreements with China — check with your local CVASC
- Health declarations: As of 2026, health declaration forms are no longer required for entry to China
- Visa-free policies: Citizens of certain countries (including Singapore, Brunei, Japan — bilateral agreements) may have visa-free access for short stays, but always confirm for medical travel
Travel Tips: Airports to Hospitals
Beijing
| Airport | Hospital | Transport | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | Beijing United Family Hospital | Taxi/rideshare (40 km) | 40-60 min |
| Beijing Capital (PEK) | PUMC Hospital (Dongdan) | Taxi/rideshare (28 km) | 50-70 min |
| Beijing Daxing (PKX) | PUMC Hospital (Dongdan) | Taxi/rideshare (50 km) | 60-90 min |
Shanghai
| Airport | Hospital | Transport | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Jiahui International Hospital | Taxi (45 km) | 50-70 min |
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | Ruijin Hospital | Taxi (40 km) | 50-70 min |
| Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) | Jiahui International Hospital | Metro Line 9 + taxi | 30-40 min |
Other Cities
| City | Airport | Hospital | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) | West China Hospital | Taxi 50-70 min (65 km) |
| Chengdu | Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | West China Hospital | Taxi 20-30 min (15 km) |
| Sanya | Sanya Phoenix (SYX) | Sanya TCM Hospital | Taxi 15-20 min |
| Sanya | Sanya Phoenix (SYX) | Sanya International TCM Sanatorium | Taxi 15-20 min |
Airport Medical Assistance
Most major international airports in China have medical assistance desks. Some hospitals also offer airport pickup and transfer services for international patients — inquire when booking your treatment.
Recommended apps for travelers:
- DiDi (China's Uber) — English version available
- Metro Man — Shanghai/Beijing metro maps in English
- Pleco — Chinese dictionary/translation
Need help with your medical visa? Medtourlink provides end-to-end visa support. Our team will guide you through the application, coordinate with your chosen hospital for the invitation letter, and help ensure a smooth entry into China. [Contact us] for personalized assistance.
Note on figures and medical information. Cost figures in this article are compiled from public reporting, hospital websites and published price lists. They are indicative, not quotations: hospital prices change over time and differ by individual case. Nothing on this site is medical advice — diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by the treating hospital's physicians. Hospital information is compiled from public materials and does not imply partnership or endorsement. To request a correction or removal, email market@medtourlink.com.