China has specific visa categories for medical treatment. This page explains the difference between S1 and S2, the documents usually requested, and the practical steps after arrival. It also summarises current visa-free and transit policies for eligible nationalities. Policies change — always confirm with the embassy or consulate handling your application.
Current visa-free policiesBoth are medical-related visas. The right category depends on the length of treatment and how long you intend to stay.
For patients receiving treatment in China for an extended period, or accompanying family members of such patients. S1 is generally converted into a residence permit after entry.
For shorter treatment, consultation or check-up visits. S2 is typically used when the planned stay is within the short-stay limit and no residence permit is required.
China currently operates several separate visa-free routes. The right one depends on your nationality, purpose, length of stay and whether you are transiting to a third country or region. The summary below is updated to 10 November 2026.
Ordinary passports; business, tourism, family visits, exchange or transit. The 48-country trial is currently stated to run until 31 December 2026.
Transit to a third country or region; confirmed onward ticket; 65 designated ports in 24 provinces; stay within the permitted area.
Hainan Province only; tourism, business, visits, medical treatment and exhibitions; work and study are excluded.
All open ports; remain in the restricted port area; confirmed onward ticket required.
Country lists are grouped by region. Policies are updated frequently; confirm the current list and conditions with the National Immigration Administration or your Chinese embassy before booking.
Ordinary passport holders from the 50 countries below may enter for up to 30 days. Brunei has no expiry date; Russia is currently stated to run until 31 December 2027; the other 48 countries until 31 December 2026.
Ordinary passport holders from the 57 countries below may transit visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days). You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region and enter through one of the 65 designated ports. Stay within the permitted area.
Ordinary passport holders from the 61 countries below may enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days. You must enter and exit through a Hainan port and remain within Hainan Province. Medical treatment is an eligible purpose, provided the hospital is in Hainan. Work and study are excluded.
Use this as a working list when preparing your application. We can help coordinate hospital-issued documents; we cannot complete or submit your visa application on your behalf.
Checklist items are placeholders and will be replaced with the final, country-specific list.
A few practical steps matter in the first days after landing. Your coordinator will remind you, but the responsibility remains with the traveller.
Carry your passport, visa, hospital appointment confirmation and accommodation address. Border officers may ask for the purpose and duration of your stay.
Foreign visitors staying in private accommodation generally need to register with the local public security office within the required period. Hotels usually complete this on your behalf.
Do not overstay. If treatment needs to be extended, discuss the options with the hospital and local authorities before your permitted stay expires.
Once an appointment is confirmed, we can coordinate the invitation and appointment materials your application may require.