Do Australians need a visa for medical treatment in China?

Yes — M-visa required. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra or Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. Standard processing 5–10 business days. Fingerprinting required since 2019.

How much does the M-visa cost?

AUD $109.50 standard fee + AUD $80 for expedited 2–3 day processing. Visa center service fee approximately AUD $50 additional. Total typical cost AUD $160–$240.

Will I save vs treatment in Australia?

Yes — particularly for orthopedic and cancer treatment. Australian private hip replacement runs AUD $25,000–$40,000; in China $5,500–$9,000. CAR-T therapy not widely Medicare/private-covered in Australia; in China $60,000–$140,000 vs AUD $500,000+ in the US (closest available alternative). Medicare elective wait times for knee/hip replacement drive substantial Australian outbound medical tourism.

Direct flights from Australia?

Yes — daily direct flights from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER) to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), Guangzhou (CAN) operated by Qantas, China Eastern, China Southern, Cathay Pacific. Flight time 10–12 hours.

What if I need follow-up after returning to Australia?

Top Chinese international departments provide 12-month telehealth follow-up with the operating physician. Discharge summary, imaging, and prescription documentation are issued in English with international-standard reference ranges — directly usable by your Australian GP. Panda Touring Care can also arrange direct data transfer to your Australian specialist where applicable.

🇦🇺 M-Visa · Australia

China medical visa for
Australia citizens.

Documents, fees, processing times, embassy locations and the step-by-step process. Updated 2026 with current Chinese consular requirements for Australia applicants.

Get an invitation letter All visa countries

5–10 business days

Processing time

5–10 business days

AUD $109.50 standard · +AUD $80 expedited

Visa fee

Plus visa center service fee

Up to 3 years multi-entry possible

Validity

Multi-entry · 60–90 days per stay

Required

Fingerprinting

In-person biometric collection at CVASC

10–12 hours

Flight time

10–12 hours (SYD/MEL to PEK/PVG)

2–3 hours behind

Timezone offset

2–3 hours behind (Sydney) — same day arrival possible

The basics

What Australia patients
need to know.

Visa type: M-Visa (Medical Visa)

Where to apply: Australian citizens apply at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra or one of 3 Consulates

Notable: Long Medicare wait times for elective surgery (knee/hip replacement, cataract) drive substantial Australian medical tourism to China. AUD purchasing power is favourable.

Recommended Chinese cities: Shanghai (cardiology, orthopedic, oncology) and Beijing (PUMC) for major cases. Hong Kong / Shenzhen route popular for stem cell, dental and shorter trips.

Common treatments: Australian patients commonly come for: orthopedic surgery (Medicare elective wait), stem cell therapy (TGA-restricted at home), cancer treatment (CAR-T, proton), dental tourism, and high-end executive physicals. Direct flights from major cities to Beijing/Shanghai.

Required documents

What to bring.

Doc 1

Australian passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)

Doc 2

Completed visa application form V.2013

Doc 3

33×48mm colour photo

Doc 4

Hospital invitation letter (Panda Touring Care)

Doc 5

Appointment confirmation

Doc 6

Medical records / diagnosis from Australian physician

Application process

4 steps from invitation
to passport pickup.

Step 1

Receive invitation letter

Panda Touring Care issues hospital invitation letter within 3–5 business days.

Step 2

Complete COVA online

Fill at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Print and sign.

Step 3

Submit at CVASC

Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth visa centre with biometrics.

Step 4

Collect visa

5–10 business days standard. Express 2–3 days.

Where to apply