🇦🇪 M-Visa · United Arab Emirates
China medical visa for
United Arab Emirates citizens.
Documents, fees, processing times, embassy locations and the step-by-step process. Updated 2026 with current Chinese consular requirements for United Arab Emirates applicants.
5–10 business days
Processing time
5–10 business days
AED 400–900
Visa fee
Plus visa center service fee
Up to 2 years multi-entry possible
Validity
Multi-entry · 60–90 days per stay
Required
Fingerprinting
In-person biometric collection at CVASC
8–9 hours
Flight time
8–9 hours (DXB/AUH to PEK/PVG)
4 hours ahead
Timezone offset
4 hours ahead
The basics
What United Arab Emirates patients
need to know.
Visa type: M-Visa (تأشيرة طبية)
Where to apply: UAE citizens / residents apply at Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai
Notable: Both Emirati nationals and UAE-resident expats apply via UAE channels. Direct daily flights from DXB and AUH to Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou.
Recommended Chinese cities: Shanghai (cardiac, oncology, proton at Fudan) and Beijing (PUMC, 301) for premium cases. Guangzhou for cancer (SYSU) — also strongest direct flight connectivity from UAE.
Common treatments: UAE-based patients (both Emirati and resident expat) typically come for: stem cell therapy, cardiac surgery, oncology (proton, CAR-T), orthopedic, dental and high-end executive physicals. Premium service expectations met at PUMC International, Ruijin VIP and Shanghai United Family.
Required documents
What to bring.
Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
Completed visa application form V.2013
33×48mm colour photo
Hospital invitation letter (Panda Touring Care)
Appointment confirmation
Medical records (English or Arabic + English translation)
Application process
4 steps from invitation
to passport pickup.
Receive invitation letter
Panda Touring Care issues hospital invitation letter (English + Arabic) within 3–5 business days.
Complete COVA online
Fill the online application at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn.
Submit at CVASC Abu Dhabi or Dubai
Bring documents + biometrics + Emirates ID for residents.
Collect visa
5–10 business days. Premium pickup options available.
Where to apply
Chinese diplomatic missions in United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi (Embassy)
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) accepts M-visa applications. Confirm exact submission window and current processing time on the local CVASC website.
Dubai (Consulate)
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) accepts M-visa applications. Confirm exact submission window and current processing time on the local CVASC website.
FAQ
United Arab Emirates M-visa, answered.
- Do UAE residents need a Chinese visa for medical treatment?
- Yes — both Emirati nationals and UAE-resident expats require an M-visa for medical treatment in China. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai. Standard processing 5–10 business days. Fingerprinting required.
- How much does the visa cost?
- AED 400–900 depending on single vs multi-entry and visa validity. Visa Application Center service fee approximately AED 150 additional. Expedited processing available for most validity tiers.
- Direct flights from Dubai to Chinese medical hubs?
- Yes — daily direct flights from Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG) and Guangzhou (CAN) operated by Emirates, Etihad, China Eastern, China Southern. Flight time 8–9 hours. Premium business and first-class options widely available.
- Are halal food and prayer facilities arranged?
- Yes — top international medical departments (PUMC International, Ruijin VIP, Shanghai United Family, Beijing United Family, HKU-Shenzhen) arrange halal meals on request. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Yiwu have major mosques. Panda Touring Care arranges halal-certified hotel options near treatment centres.
- Can I bring my family?
- Yes — accompanying family members apply for S2 (medical visit family) or L (tourist) visas. Panda Touring Care invitation letters cover patient + up to 4 family companions. S2 visa allows 30–180 days stay matching the patient's treatment timeline.
Explore other countries
🇺🇸 United States
M-visa from United States: 5–10 business days standard processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the United States guide🇬🇧 United Kingdom
M-visa from United Kingdom: 5–7 business days standard processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the United Kingdom guide🇷🇺 Russia
M-visa from Russia: 4–7 business days standard processing, no fingerprinting.
Read the Russia guide🇯🇵 Japan
M-visa from Japan: 4 business days standard processing, no fingerprinting.
Read the Japan guide🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
M-visa from Saudi Arabia: 7–14 business days processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the Saudi Arabia guide🇮🇩 Indonesia
M-visa from Indonesia: 5–7 business days processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the Indonesia guideGet your invitation
letter in 3–5 days.
Submit your case to Panda Touring Care. Once you confirm a receiving hospital, we issue the bilingual invitation letter required for your M-visa application — typically within 3–5 business days.