Do US citizens need a visa to visit China for medical treatment?

Yes. The Medical Visa (M-visa) is required for any US citizen entering China for medical treatment. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC or one of the Consulates General (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston). Standard processing 5–10 business days; expedited 2–3 days for $40 extra.

How much does the China M-visa cost for US citizens?

USD $185 visa application fee + $5 visa book. Expedited processing adds ~$40. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) — operated by CIBT — charge an additional service fee of $40–$60. Total typical cost: $230–$290 per visa.

How long does the M-visa application take?

Standard processing is 5–10 business days from application submission. Expedited service (2–3 business days) is available for an additional fee. Mail-in applications via CIBT take 3–5 weeks total. We recommend applying 3–4 weeks before travel to allow for delays.

Do I need to apply in person?

Yes — fingerprinting has been required for all US-to-China visa applicants since 2019. The applicant must appear in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for biometric collection. Most CVASCs are located near the Chinese Consulate in their service region.

Can I get a multi-entry visa?

Yes — and it's recommended. Most US applicants receive a 10-year multiple-entry M-visa allowing 60–90 days per visit, ideal for medical follow-up trips. The exact validity is at the consular officer's discretion based on the supporting documentation; Panda Touring Care invitation letters are designed to support the maximum validity.

Can I extend my stay if treatment runs long?

Yes. Once in China, M-visa stays can be extended at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration. You'll need a hospital letter confirming the extended treatment timeline. Panda Touring Care handles this on your behalf — process takes 3–7 business days at PSB and remains in your passport.

🇺🇸 M-Visa · United States

China medical visa for
United States citizens.

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

Get an invitation letter All visa countries

5–10 business days standard

Processing time

5–10 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited

$185 application + $5 visa book

Visa fee

Plus visa center service fee

Up to 10 years multi-entry (most common)

Validity

Multiple entry · 60–90 days per stay

Required

Fingerprinting

In-person biometric collection at CVASC

13–16 hours direct

Flight time

13–16 hours direct (LAX/SFO/ORD/JFK)

12–16 hours ahead

Timezone offset

12–16 hours ahead

The basics

What United States patients
need to know.

Visa type: M-Visa (Medical / Business 商务签证)

Where to apply: US citizens apply at the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC or one of 5 Consulates General

Notable: Fingerprinting required (in person, since 2019). 10-year multi-entry M-visa is standard for medical patients, valuable for follow-up trips.

Recommended Chinese cities: Beijing (PUMC International) and Shanghai (Ruijin VIP, SUFH) have the strongest English-speaking infrastructure for US patients. Shenzhen (HKU-SZ, Shenzhen United Family) for stem cell, dental and English-first care.

Common treatments: US patients typically come for: stem cell and regenerative medicine (unavailable / restricted at home), CAR-T cellular immunotherapy (one-third the US price), proton therapy, orthopedic surgery, and high-end executive physicals.

Required documents

What to bring.

Doc 1

Passport — original, 6+ months validity, 2 blank visa pages

Doc 2

Completed visa application form (V.2013) — typed, signed

Doc 3

One 33×48mm colour passport photo (white background, taken within 6 months)

Doc 4

Hospital invitation letter — Panda Touring Care arranges

Doc 5

Appointment confirmation from receiving hospital

Doc 6

Medical records / diagnosis (English or with translation)

Doc 7

Proof of US residence (recent utility bill or lease, if not a US citizen)

Application process

5 steps from invitation
to passport pickup.

Step 1

Receive invitation letter

Panda Touring Care sends you the hospital invitation letter and appointment confirmation within 3–5 business days of confirming your case.

Step 2

Complete visa form online

Fill the COVA online application at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Print the completed form and confirmation page. Allow 30–45 minutes.

Step 3

Book CVASC appointment

Schedule biometric appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (NYC, DC, Chicago, SF, LA, Houston). Walk-in availability varies.

Step 4

Submit application in person

Bring all documents + passport + photo. Fingerprinting takes 5–10 minutes. Pay fees in cash or card. Receive collection slip with pickup date.

Step 5

Collect visa

Pick up passport with M-visa 5–10 business days later (or 2–3 days expedited). Most CVASCs allow proxy pickup with authorisation letter.

Where to apply