Entering China for medical treatment is more straightforward in 2026 than it has ever been — but choosing the right entry route matters, because it determines how long you can stay and whether you can be admitted for surgery. There are two practical pathways: the S2 medical visa and, for many nationalities, 30-day visa-free entry.
At a Glance: Which Route Fits Your Treatment?
| Route | Max Stay | Best For | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Visa-Free Entry | 30 days | Consultations, second opinions, health screenings, minor outpatient procedures | Passport from an eligible country (scheme currently runs through Dec 31, 2026) |
| S2 Visa (Medical) | Up to 180 days | Surgery, inpatient admission, CAR-T and other multi-week treatments | Invitation letter from a Chinese medical institution |
| S1 Visa | Over 180 days | Long-term treatment courses with extended residence | Invitation letter + residence permit application after arrival |
Option 1: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
China's unilateral visa-free scheme — currently extended through December 31, 2026 — allows ordinary passport holders from roughly 50 countries (including the UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and most of Western Europe) to enter mainland China and stay up to 30 days with no visa at all.
For medical travelers, this is the fastest route for:
- In-person specialist consultations and second opinions
- Full-body health checkups and imaging in Beijing (most are completed in a single day)
- Dental work and minor outpatient procedures
- Pre-treatment evaluations before committing to a surgery date
The important limitation: 30 days is a hard ceiling, and visa-free entry is not designed for hospital admission or staged treatments. If your treatment plan involves surgery, plan for the S2 visa from the start.
Option 2: The S2 Medical Visa
The S2 is China's short-term private-affairs visa, and medical treatment is one of its officially recognized purposes. It allows stays of up to 180 days — enough for major surgery plus recovery, or a complete CAR-T therapy cycle (typically 3–4 weeks in-country).
What You Need
- Invitation letter from a Chinese medical institution — the core document. It states your diagnosis, planned treatment, and expected duration. This is exactly what SinoSurg obtains for you from the treating hospital, usually within days of your records being accepted.
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank visa pages.
- Completed visa application (online form + appointment at your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center).
- Supporting medical documents — your existing diagnosis or referral, sometimes proof of funds for treatment.
Bringing Family
The S2 category also covers accompanying family members — spouse, children, parents, and other close relatives can apply for their own S2 visas linked to your treatment, so you don't have to travel alone.
Typical Timeline
- Days 1–3: Send us your medical records for hospital review (free).
- Days 3–7: Hospital accepts the case and issues the invitation letter.
- Days 7–14: Visa appointment and processing (standard processing is about 4 business days at most posts; express options exist).
- Week 3+: Travel. We coordinate airport pickup, interpretation, and admission.
Which Should You Choose?
Our rule of thumb: if a hospital bed is involved, get the S2. If you're coming to be evaluated, screened, or to meet your surgeon before committing — and your passport qualifies — visa-free entry gets you here this week with zero paperwork. Many of our patients actually combine both: a visa-free trip for the consultation, then an S2 visa for the treatment itself. Not sure which hospital would treat your case? See our guide to Beijing's international patient hospitals.