Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a China Medical Visa (S2/S1) for International Patients

Understanding Visa Types for Medical Travel to China

When planning medical tourism in China, it's recommended to select a visa type that aligns with your specific medical condition and the expected duration of your treatment.

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Generally, international patients may obtain one of the following visa types:

• L visa (regular tourist visa), or benefit from visa-free/visa-exemption policies, for relatively simple treatments or healthcare durations less than 30 days.

• S2 / S1 visa, depending on the complexity of their medical conditions, for complex treatments or healthcare durations exceeding 30 days.

This article will primarily focus on the S1 / S2 visa application process for international patients requiring more complex or longer-term treatments.

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The China Medical Visa: S1 vs. S2

The China Medical Visa, often referred to as the S2/S1 Visa, is specifically tailored for individuals seeking medical treatment in China. Understanding the distinctions between the S1 and S2 visas is critical to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

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S1 Visa (Long-term Private Affairs)

The S1 Visa is designed for foreign patients requiring long-term treatment in China, exceeding 180 days. This category also covers accompanying family members, limited to the patient's spouse, parents, children under 18 years old, and parents of the spouse.

Key Features of the S1 Visa:

• Allows for a stay exceeding 180 days.

• Requires conversion to a residence permit within 30 days of entry, which can be valid for up to 5 years. Failure to apply for a residence permit within this timeframe may result in fines.

Core Documents Required for S1 Visa:

• Critical illness notification or long-term treatment certificate from a Grade A, Level 3 hospital in China (e.g., for cancer treatment, organ transplantation).

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover medical expenses during the stay in China, with a recommendation to cover 120% of estimated costs.

• Proof of kinship between the patient and accompanying family members (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).

• An invitation letter from a foreigner residing in China, if the patient is not applying independently.

• For long-term treatment scenarios (e.g., over 6 months, chronic diseases, or complex surgeries/illnesses), an S1 visa is primarily recommended for patients and their immediate family members. You will need to provide a long-term treatment plan and a hospital guarantee letter.

S2 Visa (Short-term Private Affairs)

The S2 Visa is for foreign patients requiring short-term treatment in China, not exceeding 180 days. This visa category permits a broader range of accompanying family members, including spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Key Features of the S2 Visa:

• Limits a single stay to 180 days.

• Cannot be directly converted to a residence permit.

• The visa is typically annotated with “treatment” to clarify the purpose of medical care.

Core Documents Required for S2 Visa:

• Medical diagnosis certificate or critical illness notification from a Grade A, Level 3 hospital in China.

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover medical expenses during the stay in China, with a recommendation to cover 120% of estimated costs. A bank statement showing over US$10,000 is often needed to prove financial capability.

• Proof of kinship or a medical institution’s certificate of accompaniment for accompanying family members.

• Explanation of urgent humanitarian reasons, if applicable (e.g., attending a funeral, visiting a critically ill patient).

• For short-term treatment (e.g., 1-3 months, non-complex surgeries/illnesses), an S2 visa (annotated with “treatment”) is primarily recommended. An example would be a foreign patient undergoing heart surgery in Shanghai, who would need an S2 visa with a surgery appointment, medical certificate, and bank statement.

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Important Note for S2 Visa Holders: S2 visa holders cannot directly convert to long-term residence in China. If an extension of treatment is needed beyond the initial duration, you must leave the country and reapply for an S1 or Q1 visa.