Visa guide
Your treatment,
your visa, mapped.
China offers a range of visa pathways for international patients. The right one depends entirely on the type and duration of your treatment. Use the table below as a starting point — MedBridge handles the paperwork end-to-end.
Visa guide
Four pathways into China
01
Visa-free
240-Hour Transit
Eligible
54 nationalities
Best for
Short screenings, dental, LASIK, brief check-ups
Must transit through China to a third country. Cannot be used for major surgery or extended stays.
02
L
Tourist Visa
Eligible
Most nationalities
Best for
Short medical visits up to 30 days, often as backup for visa-free travellers
Single, double or multi-entry. Issued by your local Chinese embassy.
03
M
Business / Medical Visa
Eligible
Most nationalities
Best for
Most surgical care, oncology, transplant, rehab, IVF — anything over 30 days
Often single 30-day stay; multi-entry versions available for recurring treatment.
04
M (Multi-entry)
Multi-entry Medical
Eligible
Most nationalities, with hospital invitation
Best for
Long courses: chemo cycles, post-transplant follow-up, clinical trials
Up to 60 or 90 days per entry; valid 6 months to 10 years depending on country agreement.
Visa guide
Treatment-to-visa matrix
A practical reference for matching your medical need to the most appropriate visa category.
Screening & Wellness
Physical exam / specific screenings
1–3 days
Recommended visa
Visa-free (L visa as backup)
Invitation letter
—
Dental treatment (extraction, implant)
3–7 days
Recommended visa
Visa-free (L visa as backup)
Invitation letter
—
Ophthalmic surgery (cataract, LASIK)
3–7 days
Recommended visa
Visa-free (M visa more stable)
Invitation letter
—
TCM / chronic mgmt / acupuncture
7–14 days
Recommended visa
Visa-free (L visa as backup)
Invitation letter
—
Acute & Surgical
Emergency surgery (appendicitis, etc.)
7–14 days
Recommended visa
Visa-free (M visa recommended)
Invitation letter
Recommended
Cardiovascular surgery (stent, etc.)
7–14 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) or L (Tourist)
Invitation letter
Recommended
Orthopedic surgery (joint, spine)
14–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Neurosurgery (tumor, vascular)
14–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Gastrointestinal surgery (cancer)
14–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Oncology
Tumor resection (no post-op chemo)
14–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Chemotherapy (multi-cycle, long stay)
7–14 d/cycle, 6–12 mo total
Recommended visa
M (Multi-entry) Visa
Invitation letter
Mandatory
Radiotherapy (continuous)
4–8 weeks
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
CAR-T / Immunotherapy
14–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Transplant & Long-term
Organ transplant (liver, kidney)
30–60 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Mandatory
Post-transplant follow-up
3–7 d/cycle, recurring
Recommended visa
M (Multi-entry) Visa
Invitation letter
Mandatory
Chronic disease follow-up
Every 3–6 months
Recommended visa
M (Multi-entry) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Rehabilitation (post-op, neuro)
30–90 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Specialised
Rare disease diagnosis + plan
7–21 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) or L Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
Clinical trials (inpatient)
3–12 months
Recommended visa
M (Multi-entry) Visa
Invitation letter
Mandatory (Hospital)
Assisted reproduction (IVF)
15–30 days
Recommended visa
M (Business) Visa
Invitation letter
Recommended
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa rules change. MedBridge will confirm the current requirements for your nationality and treatment before any travel is booked.
Have us handle the paperwork