China Visa Medical Check-Up: What Two Embassy Pages and Shanghai's Guide Say

This page sets side by side what several official pages say about a medical check-up for China, each with its source and date. It gives general administrative information and no medical advice.

The US embassy FAQ page

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States carries a visa FAQ page dated 2019/10/10.

One question on that page reads "Do I have to provide Physical Examination Form to apply for a visa?" The answer printed under it is "No."

The Iraq embassy notice

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Iraq published a notice on visa policy and procedures dated 2024-10-22.

The notice says the X1 visa is for those who intend to study in China for more than 180 days. It says the X2 visa is for those who intend to study in China for no more than 180 days.

Among the items listed for X1 and X2 is the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner. A bracketed note beside it says to see Annex I where the intended duration exceeds 180 days. The annex itself was not read.

The Shanghai guide

The Shanghai Municipal Government English portal carries a guide to the health check. The page is dated August 30, 2024, and its footer says it was updated July 14, 2026.

The guide says anyone planning to live, work or study in Shanghai for a year or more needs to complete a health check at the International Travel Healthcare Center. It says this step is crucial for applying for residence and employment permits.

The guide also says to complete the health check as soon as possible after arrival to avoid delays in subsequent visa-related procedures.

The regulation text

The State Council's Regulation on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners says foreigners who apply for a residence permit valid for 1 year or more must submit a health certificate as the rules provide. It says a health certificate is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued.

State Council Order 814 amended the Regulation, and the Order took effect on 1 October 2025.

The regulation text read here does not name the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner.

Not covered here

Fees: this page gives no fee figures.

Questions people ask

What does the US embassy FAQ page answer about a physical examination form for a visa?

The page answers "No" to the question quoted above, and it carries the date 2019/10/10.

What does the Iraq embassy notice list for X1 and X2?

The notice lists the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner among the items for X1 and X2, and refers to Annex I where the intended duration exceeds 180 days.

What does the regulation text say about a health certificate?

The regulation text says a health certificate is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued.

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general administrative information. It is not published by the bodies named above, and it is not medical advice. If it differs from the official pages, the official pages prevail, and rules may change after the check date.