China Medical Visa Guide
Entry routes, invitation letters, document checklists and arrival rules for treatment in China
Last reviewed: July 2026
Please verify with official sources
Visa and immigration rules change frequently and differ by nationality. Before booking travel, always confirm the current requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your country, or with the official Chinese immigration authorities.
Uwell Cloud assists with invitation letters and document preparation, but we do not issue visas and cannot guarantee that a visa or entry will be approved. All decisions rest solely with the Chinese authorities.
Entry Routes for Medical Travel
There is more than one way to enter China for treatment. Which route applies to you depends on your nationality, your destination and how long you plan to stay.
Hainan 30-day visa-free entry
Citizens of eligible countries may enter Hainan province without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Because the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is located in Hainan, many patients can begin treatment there without a visa application. Eligibility lists and conditions change — confirm yours before flying.
Standard visa supported by a hospital invitation
Patients travelling to mainland hospitals, or staying longer than a visa-free window allows, usually apply for a regular Chinese visa. A formal invitation letter from the treating hospital supports the application. The correct visa category depends on your nationality and length of stay — confirm it with the embassy or consulate handling your application.
Other visa-free and transit arrangements
China maintains mutual visa-free agreements with a number of countries and offers regional transit policies. These can suit short consultations or check-ups, but their time limits are often too tight for a full course of treatment. Check the permitted length of stay against your treatment plan.
The Medical Invitation Letter
For visa applications, the treating hospital issues a formal invitation letter addressed to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. The letter names the patient and passport number, states the planned treatment item, the receiving hospital and the expected dates of stay, and carries the hospital's official seal and contact details.
What Uwell coordinates
- ✓ Liaising with the partner hospital so the letter is issued with the correct hospital name, address, telephone number and official seal
- ✓ Confirming that the treatment item, receiving hospital and planned dates on the letter match your treatment plan
- ✓ Checking that your name and passport number appear exactly as printed in your passport
- ✓ Guidance on assembling the supporting documents and submitting your application
What you provide
- ✓ A copy of your passport bio page, valid for at least six months
- ✓ Your full name and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport
- ✓ Medical records or examination reports so the hospital can confirm the planned treatment
- ✓ Your intended travel dates for the treatment period
The invitation letter is issued and sealed by the hospital, not by Uwell. Processing begins once the hospital has confirmed your case.
Required Documents Checklist
A typical medical-visa application includes the documents below. The exact set varies by nationality and consulate — always follow the official checklist for your application.
- Original passport, valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-format photo on a white background
- Official invitation letter from the receiving hospital
- Medical records and examination reports, with translations
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel or accommodation reservation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Overseas insurance — cover for medical care and emergency evacuation is recommended
- Certificate of no criminal record, required for some nationalities
Bring originals where the consulate asks for them, and keep a full copy of every document in your carry-on for the journey.
Arriving in China: Entry Notes
A few simple habits keep immigration and customs smooth on arrival.
Bringing personal medication
Carry personal medication in its original packaging, in quantities for personal use, together with your prescription or a doctor's letter. Some substances that are freely available elsewhere are controlled in China — verify the rules with Chinese customs before you pack any medication.
Step-by-Step Timeline
Pre-screening and hospital confirmation
Submit your medical records through our pre-screening. The partner hospital reviews your case and confirms it can receive you.
Invitation letter issued
The hospital prepares the sealed invitation letter naming you, the treatment item and your expected dates of stay.
Visa application — or visa-free check
Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate with the full document set, or confirm your eligibility for visa-free entry to Hainan.
Travel preparation
Book flights and accommodation, arrange insurance, and assemble one folder with every document — plus copies.
Arrival and entry
Pass immigration and customs, declare your health status truthfully, and meet your Uwell coordinator at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for treatment in Hainan?
Not always. Citizens of eligible countries can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days, which covers many treatment plans at the Boao Lecheng pilot zone. Nationals of other countries, and anyone staying longer, need a visa. Verify your eligibility with official Chinese sources before booking.
Who issues the medical invitation letter?
The receiving hospital issues and seals the letter. Uwell coordinates the process with its partner hospitals and checks that your details are correct, but the letter itself always comes from the hospital.
How long does the process take?
It varies. The invitation letter is usually prepared quickly once the hospital confirms your case; visa processing times depend on the consulate handling your application. Start the paperwork as early as your treatment plan allows.
Can a family member travel with me?
Usually yes. Companions need their own valid entry route — the same visa-free eligibility or their own visa application. Ask the embassy how a companion should apply alongside a patient.
Can I bring my regular medication into China?
Personal-use quantities in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter, are generally acceptable. Some substances are controlled in China even when they are common elsewhere, so check with Chinese customs before packing.
Does Uwell guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. Visa and entry decisions rest solely with the Chinese authorities. Uwell prepares documents and coordinates with hospitals to give your application its best footing, but no agency can guarantee approval.
Planning treatment in China?
Start with a free pre-screening — we confirm the medical pathway first, then handle the invitation letter with the hospital.