Visas
Visas for Americans seeking care in China
U.S. passport holders generally need an appropriate Chinese visa before traveling to mainland China. When medical treatment is the main purpose of the trip, confirm the correct category with the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for where you live.
Which visa should you ask about?
Short-term private affairs
S2 visa
S2 covers short-term private affairs for an intended stay of no more than 180 days. Chinese missions' published instructions include medical treatment and accompanying a patient within this category. The 180-day figure describes the S2 category, not a guaranteed length of stay. The visa issued and the entry decision determine how long a traveler may remain.
Long-term private affairs
S1 visa
S1 covers other private affairs when the intended stay in China exceeds 180 days. For a long medical treatment plan, contact the Chinese embassy or consulate before applying to confirm whether S1 is appropriate and which supporting documents are required.
Tourism
L visa
An L visa is issued for tourism. If treatment is the primary reason for the trip, do not assume that a tourist visa is the right category. Describe the trip accurately and ask the consular office whether an S2 application is required.
Transit
Visa-free transit is limited
Eligible Americans may use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy only when traveling through China to a third country or region with a confirmed onward ticket and while remaining within the permitted areas. It is not a dependable substitute for the correct visa when treatment is the purpose of the trip or the recovery timeline is uncertain.