🇬🇧 M-Visa · United Kingdom
China medical visa for
United Kingdom citizens.
Documents, fees, processing times, embassy locations and the step-by-step process. Updated 2026 with current Chinese consular requirements for United Kingdom applicants.
5–7 business days standard
Processing time
5–7 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited
£151 standard · +£37 expedited
Visa fee
Plus visa center service fee
Typically 1–2 years multi-entry
Validity
Multiple entry · 60–90 days per stay
Required
Fingerprinting
In-person biometric collection at CVASC
10–12 hours direct
Flight time
10–12 hours direct (LHR–PEK / LHR–PVG)
7–8 hours ahead
Timezone offset
7–8 hours ahead
The basics
What United Kingdom patients
need to know.
Visa type: M-Visa (Medical 医疗签证)
Where to apply: UK citizens apply at the Chinese Embassy in London or one of 4 Consulates
Notable: Fingerprinting required since 2019. NHS waits drive significant UK demand for orthopedic and cancer treatment in China.
Recommended Chinese cities: Shanghai (cardiology, oncology, proton) and Beijing (PUMC, 301) for complex cases. Shenzhen for English-first stem cell and dental.
Common treatments: UK patients typically come for: orthopedic surgery (NHS waits 18+ weeks), cancer treatment (proton therapy, CAR-T not widely available on NHS), stem cell therapy, executive health checkups, and dental tourism.
Required documents
What to bring.
Passport — original, 6+ months validity, 2 blank visa pages
Completed visa application form V.2013 (typed, signed)
One 33×48mm colour photo (white background, recent)
Hospital invitation letter — Panda Touring Care arranges
Appointment confirmation from receiving hospital
Medical records / diagnosis (English or translated)
UK residence proof (utility bill / rental agreement) if non-citizen
Application process
5 steps from invitation
to passport pickup.
Receive invitation letter
Panda Touring Care issues the hospital invitation letter within 3–5 business days of case confirmation.
Complete COVA online
Fill the online application at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Print the form and confirmation page. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Book CVASC appointment
Schedule biometric appointment at the London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Submit in person
Bring all documents + passport + photo. Fingerprinting takes 5–10 minutes. Pay fees by card.
Collect visa
Pick up passport 5–7 business days later (or 2–3 days expedited). Proxy pickup available with authorisation.
Where to apply
Chinese diplomatic missions in United Kingdom.
London (Embassy)
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) accepts M-visa applications. Confirm exact submission window and current processing time on the local CVASC website.
Manchester
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) accepts M-visa applications. Confirm exact submission window and current processing time on the local CVASC website.
Edinburgh
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) accepts M-visa applications. Confirm exact submission window and current processing time on the local CVASC website.
Belfast
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 Kingdom M-visa, answered.
- Do UK citizens need a visa to visit China for medical treatment?
- Yes. UK citizens require an M-visa (Medical Visa) for treatment trips. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in London or one of the Consulates in Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast. Standard processing 5–7 business days; expedited 2–3 days.
- How much does the China M-visa cost for UK citizens?
- £151 standard application fee + £37 for expedited processing. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) charge an additional service fee of £55. Total typical cost: £210–£250.
- Can I get the visa quickly if NHS wait pushes me to seek urgent treatment?
- Yes — expedited processing (2–3 business days) is available for an additional £37. For genuine urgent medical situations, an urgent processing request with hospital documentation can sometimes be accommodated in 1–2 days. Panda Touring Care provides supporting documentation for urgent cases.
- Do I need to apply in person?
- Yes — fingerprinting required since 2019. Submit in person at one of the 4 UK Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: London (Royal Exchange Buildings), Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast.
- What documents do I need?
- (1) Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages); (2) Completed online application form V.2013; (3) One 33×48mm colour photo; (4) Hospital invitation letter; (5) Appointment confirmation; (6) Medical records. UK residents who are not citizens also need proof of UK residence (utility bill or rental agreement).
- Can I extend my stay in China?
- Yes. M-visa holders can extend their stay at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration with a hospital letter confirming continued treatment. Process takes 3–7 business days. Standard extensions are 30–60 days; complex cases up to 6 months.
Explore other countries
🇺🇸 United States
M-visa from United States: 5–10 business days standard processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the United States 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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
M-visa from United Arab Emirates: 5–10 business days processing, fingerprinting required.
Read the United Arab Emirates 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.