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VISA & ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS

Everything US citizens need to know before traveling to China for treatment

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Short-Term Visa-Free Transit

U.S. passport holders may transit through select Chinese cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) or 72 hours (3 days) without a visa, provided you're en route to a third country.

144-Hour Cities

Check IconBeijing
Check IconShanghai
Check IconGuangzhou
Check IconChongqing
Check IconChengdu
Check IconXi'an

72-Hour Cities

Check IconShenzhen
Check IconKunming
Check IconHangzhou
Check IconHarbin
Check IconShenyang
Check IconDalian

Can I Extend My Transit Stay?

Transit exemptions are non-extendable. To stay beyond 72/144 hours, you must obtain a valid Chinese visa before arrival.

Medical Visa Icon

China Medical (M) Visa

Who Needs It: All patients staying more than 6 days, or whose trip isn't on an international transit.

Passport & Photo

We issue directly with your hospital to issue the official invitation letter (JW202 form).

Invitation Letter

Options depend on passport delivery service (courier).

Documents Review & Returning

We check your application form, passport copy, photo and itinerary for completeness.

Expedited Processing

For urgent cases, we arrange rush consular handling.

Courier & Tracking

We post and remind you of your M/M-18 visa's 6 months or overseas exit.

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Visa Application Timeline

1

2–3 Weeks Before Departure

Submit your passport scan & medical appointment confirmation.

2

1.5 Weeks Before

Receive draft invitation letter; review & approve.

3

1 Week Before

Complete application form & deliver documents to consulate.

4

4–5 Business Days

Visa processing (expedited option available).

5

Upon Receipt

Passport returned—confirm travel dates.