Short answer: Canadians travelling to China for medical treatment typically apply for an M visa (business/trade) or, in some cases, a tourist (L) visa. You will need a valid passport, a completed application form, an invitation letter from the Chinese hospital, and proof of your medical appointment. Processing takes 4–10 business days through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Short trips within 30 days can use visa-free entry; if your treatment will run longer than 30 days, apply for a visa before you depart (see below).
One of the first practical questions patients ask me is: “How do I actually get into China for surgery?” The medical side gets the attention, but the logistics — visa, flights, accommodation — are what make the trip real.
This guide covers everything a Canadian needs to know about the visa process for medical travel to China.
Which Visa Type Do You Need?
China does not have a specific “medical visa” category. Medical travellers typically use one of two options:
M Visa (Business/Trade): The most common for medical tourism. It covers “commercial and trade activities,” which Chinese consulates interpret broadly enough to include travelling for paid medical treatment. This is what most facilitators recommend.
L Visa (Tourist): Some patients enter on a tourist visa, especially if combining treatment with sightseeing. This works, but the M visa is more appropriate if your primary purpose is medical care — it avoids questions at the border about why a “tourist” is heading straight to a hospital.
Q2/S2 (Family visit): Only if you have family in China. Not applicable for most medical tourists.
Eternity provides the hospital invitation letter that supports your M visa application. This is a standard document — Chinese hospitals issue them routinely for international patients.
If Your Treatment Runs Longer Than 30 Days
Visa-free entry covers short trips, but medical treatment does not always fit into 30 days. The figures below reflect current rules — confirm the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate, or with Eternity, before you travel. Approval of any visa, permit or extension is always at the discretion of the Chinese authorities.
Up to 180 days — S2 private-affairs visa for medical treatment: If your treatment will run longer than 30 days, apply for a visa before you depart. Ask the hospital for supporting documents with a medical-treatment annotation; a single stay of up to 180 days is possible.
Over 180 days — S1 visa: Apply for an S1 visa before travelling, then apply for a private-affairs residence permit within 30 days of entry.
Treatment or hospitalization over 6 months: A residence permit of up to 1 year is possible with a hospital certificate from a county-level or Grade 2A+ hospital. Apply for a residence-permit extension 30 days before expiry.
Already in China on visa-free entry: If your treatment runs longer than expected, apply for a stay permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration at least 7 days before your permitted stay ends — start preparing about 15 days ahead. Medical need is a recognized humanitarian ground, but approval is discretionary. Note that visa-free entry cannot be converted into an S visa after entry.
Companions: Each family member holds separate status — a patient’s extension does not cover companions. Companions must apply separately for their own stay or residence documents.
Never overstay: Overstaying carries fines of CNY 500 per day up to CNY 10,000, plus possible detention, deportation and future entry bans.
Required Documents
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, or Montreal will ask for:
1. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from China, with at least 2 blank pages.
2. Completed application form: The online COVA form (China Online Visa Application). Print and sign it.
3. Passport photo: 48mm × 33mm, white background, taken within 6 months. Strict specifications — get it done professionally.
4. Hospital invitation letter: On official hospital letterhead, stating your name, passport number, purpose (medical treatment), treatment dates, and hospital contact information. Eternity arranges this.
5. Proof of medical appointment: Confirmation of your consultation or surgery booking. This corroborates the invitation letter.
6. Flight itinerary: Round-trip booking or reservation. You do not need to have paid in full, but you need to show planned dates.
7. Hotel confirmation: For at least the initial nights. Many patients book a hotel near the hospital for the first week.
8. Financial proof: Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds. There is no fixed amount, but you should demonstrate you can cover treatment plus travel.
9. Previous Chinese visas: If applicable, bring copies of old visas.
Requirements can change. Always verify the current list on the CVASC website before applying.
Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Gather documents (1–2 weeks before applying)
Collect everything above. The hospital invitation letter typically takes 3–5 business days to issue — Eternity coordinates this once your treatment plan is confirmed.
Step 2: Complete the online form
Go to the COVA website, fill in the application, upload your photo, and print the confirmation page. Double-check every field — errors cause delays.
Step 3: Book an appointment at CVASC
Appointments are required. Book online for the centre nearest you (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary). Morning slots fill quickly.
Step 4: Submit in person
Bring all originals plus one copy of each. The centre will collect your biometric data (fingerprints) if you have not provided them before.
Step 5: Wait for processing
Standard processing: 4 business days. Express: 2–3 business days (additional fee). Rush: 1 business day (higher fee, not always available).
Step 6: Collect your passport
Return to the centre or use their courier return service.
Timeline Planning
Work backwards from your surgery date:
- Surgery date: Day 0
- Arrive in China: Day -3 to -5 (rest, pre-operative consultation, final tests)
- Visa in hand: Day -14 (buffer for delays)
- Apply for visa: Day -21 to -28
- Start gathering documents: Day -35 to -42
In practice: begin the visa process 6–8 weeks before your planned surgery date. This gives comfortable margin for document gathering, the hospital invitation letter, and any consular delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying too late: The most frequent error. Consular processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Build in buffer.
Photo non-compliance: Chinese visa photos have very specific requirements. A drugstore photo that “looks fine” may be rejected. Use a service familiar with Chinese visa specs.
Inconsistent dates: Your invitation letter, flight itinerary, and hotel booking should tell a coherent story. If the hospital letter says treatment starts March 15 but your flight arrives March 20, expect questions.
Not disclosing previous visa refusals: If you have ever been refused a Chinese visa (or any country’s visa), disclose it. Non-disclosure is worse than the refusal itself.
Travelling with a Companion
Most patients bring a spouse, family member, or friend. Your companion applies for the same visa type (M or L) but does not need a hospital invitation letter — they can apply as an accompanying traveller. Mention the medical purpose in their application to keep the stories consistent.
Chinese hospitals are accustomed to international patients with companions. Most offer a companion bed or can arrange nearby accommodation.
After You Arrive
Registration: Hotels register you with local police automatically. If staying in a private apartment, you must register within 24 hours at the local police station. Your facilitator or hospital coordinator will handle this.
Hospital check-in: Bring your passport, invitation letter, and all medical records (translated). The hospital’s international patient department will guide you through admission.
Payment: Most Chinese hospitals accept international credit cards, wire transfers, and in some cases, Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to foreign cards. Confirm payment methods in advance — do not assume.
The Bottom Line
The visa process is administrative, not adversarial. Thousands of Canadians travel to China for medical care each year. With proper documentation — especially the hospital invitation letter — the process is straightforward.
Start early, be thorough with paperwork, and work with a facilitator who has done this many times before. The logistics should be the least stressful part of your medical journey.
*Eternity China Medical Tour assists Canadian patients with every step of medical travel to China, including hospital coordination, invitation letters, and visa application guidance.*