1. Visa & Entry Requirements
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
China now offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 35+ countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations. The policy is valid through December 31, 2026, and widely expected to be renewed.
What you need at immigration:
A valid passport (6+ months remaining validity). That's it. No visa application, no invitation letter, no pre-booked hotel required. However, we strongly recommend carrying a printed hospital appointment confirmation letter — while not required, immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free (10 Days)
Citizens of 55 countries (including the US if not yet covered by the 30-day policy) can enter China for up to 240 hours without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. This is tight for surgical patients — only consider this for initial consultations or if your procedure requires less than 2 weeks total.
Important for pancreatic cancer patients:
The Whipple procedure typically requires a 3-week stay (surgery + recovery). The 30-day visa-free window is comfortably sufficient. If your country is only eligible for the 240-hour transit option, discuss timeline feasibility with your surgical team during the remote consultation, or apply for a standard medical visa (M visa).
Need a longer stay? For neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery (2–3 months), you'll need an M (medical) visa. The hospital can provide an official invitation letter to support your application. Contact the hospital's international department for assistance.
2. Prepare Your Medical Records
Having complete, organized records before your remote consultation saves time and ensures the surgical team can give you an accurate assessment. Start collecting these at least 2–3 weeks before your first video call.
- CT/MRI Imaging (DICOM format)
Request the digital files from your radiology department. USB drive or cloud upload (WeTransfer, Google Drive). Physical films are also accepted but digital is faster.
- Pathology / Biopsy Report
If you've had a biopsy, get the full pathology report in English. If only available in your language, the hospital can arrange translation (allow 3–5 extra days).
- Recent Blood Work
Complete blood count (CBC), liver function (LFT), kidney function, tumor markers (CA 19-9, CEA). Ideally within the past 2 weeks.
- Previous Treatment Records
Any chemotherapy, radiation, or prior surgical reports. Include dates and drug names/regimens.
- Allergy & Medication List
Current medications with dosages. Known drug allergies. This is critical for anesthesia planning.
- Cardiac Clearance (if applicable)
Patients over 60 or with cardiac history should include a recent ECG and cardiologist clearance.
Digital submission:
Most Shanghai hospital international departments accept records via email or a secure upload portal. We recommend organizing everything in a single folder (labeled by document type) before sending. The international coordinator will confirm receipt within 2–3 business days.
3. Pre-Travel Remote Consultations
Do not fly blind. We recommend scheduling at least 2 remote consultations via Tencent Meeting (腾讯会议), Zoom, or WhatsApp Video before booking your flight. These sessions are critical for information symmetry between you and your surgical team.
Consultation 1: Case Review (Week –4)
Submit your records. The lead surgeon reviews your imaging and pathology. You receive a preliminary assessment: Is surgery indicated? What type? What's the estimated cost? Available via Tencent Meeting or Zoom. Duration: 30–45 min.
Consultation 2: Surgical Plan & Q&A (Week –3)
Detailed discussion of the surgical approach, expected recovery timeline, potential complications, and adjuvant therapy plan. Bring your family members and your home oncologist if possible. This is the session to ask every question you have. Duration: 45–60 min.
Consultation 3 (Optional): Pre-Departure Confirmation (Week –1)
Final check: confirm surgery date, arrival logistics, what to bring, medication guidance (especially pancreatic enzyme replacement — see below). Your coordinator will also arrange airport pickup at this stage.
Tencent Meeting (腾讯会议) — Why we recommend it:
Tencent Meeting is the standard video platform used by Chinese hospitals. It's free, supports up to 300 participants, works on all devices, and has an English interface. The hospital will send you a meeting link — no account needed. Download the app before your first session: available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
4. Pancreatic Cancer: Special Preparations
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement (PERT)
Many pancreatic cancer patients suffer from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency — your pancreas can't produce enough enzymes to digest food. Bring your own supply of pancreatic enzyme capsules (e.g., Creon, Pancreaze, Zenpep). Chinese pharmacies may not stock your exact brand, and switching formulations mid-treatment can cause GI distress.
- Bring 6–8 weeks' supply
Enough for your entire trip plus a buffer. Keep in original packaging with prescription label for customs.
- Discuss dosage adjustments with your surgeon
Post-Whipple, your enzyme needs may change significantly. The surgical team will advise during Consultation 2.
Nutritional Optimization
Pancreatic cancer patients are often malnourished at diagnosis. If your oncologist agrees, begin nutritional optimization 4–6 weeks before surgery: high-protein diet, possibly oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Better pre-op nutrition = faster recovery.
Diabetes Management
If you have pancreatic diabetes (Type 3c), bring extra glucose monitoring supplies and your current insulin/oral medication. Inform the surgical team during Consultation 1 — diabetes management protocols differ between countries.
5. Packing Checklist
Medical Documents
- Passport (+ 2 photocopies)
- Hospital appointment letter (printed)
- Complete medical records folder
- Insurance policy documents
- Emergency contact list
- Power of Attorney (if traveling alone)
Medications
- Pancreatic enzymes (6–8 weeks supply)
- All current prescriptions (+ copies)
- Pain medication (with prescription)
- Anti-nausea medication
- Blood thinners (if prescribed for DVT prevention)
- Glucose monitoring kit (if diabetic)
Comfort & Recovery
- Compression stockings (for the flight)
- Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
- Neck pillow for long flights
- Slip-on shoes (bending is hard post-surgery)
- Lightweight robe for hospital stay
- Entertainment (books, tablet, earbuds)
Tech & Connectivity
- Tencent Meeting app installed
- WeChat installed (essential in China)
- VPN app (for Google, WhatsApp, etc.)
- Universal power adapter
- Portable phone charger
- Translation app (Google Translate or DeepL)
6. Flight & Arrival
Before You Fly
- Wear compression stockings on the flight
Long-haul flights increase DVT risk, especially for cancer patients. Your surgeon may prescribe prophylactic enoxaparin for the journey.
- Request an aisle seat
Easier to get up and walk every 1–2 hours during the flight. Movement reduces clot risk.
- Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol
Dehydration worsens DVT risk. Drink water frequently. Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the flight.
At Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Your hospital coordinator will meet you at arrivals with a sign bearing your name. If you've arranged a companion, they'll be included in the pickup. The ride to the hospital is typically 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Your coordinator handles all check-in paperwork at the international department.
Pre-Operative Workup (Day 2–3)
Within 48 hours of arrival, you'll complete: repeat CT/MRI (if needed), blood panels, cardiac clearance, anesthesia consultation, and a face-to-face meeting with the surgical team. Everything is coordinated by your English-speaking assistant.
7. Typical 30-Day Timeline
Day 1: Arrival
Fly in to PVG. Airport pickup. Check into hotel near hospital or international ward.
Day 2–3: Pre-Op Workup
CT/MRI, blood panels, cardiac clearance, anesthesia consult. Face-to-face with surgical team.
Day 4–5: Surgical Planning
Final review. Consent signing. Pre-op preparation. Diet adjustment.
Day 6–7: Surgery
Whipple procedure: 4–7 hours. Transfer to ICU for 1 night, then private recovery ward.
Day 8–14: Early Recovery
Drains removed gradually. Start liquid diet, progress to soft food. Walking encouraged from Day 8.
Day 15–20: Recovery Milestones
Pathology results back. Dietitian consultation. Increasing mobility. Adjuvant therapy discussed.
Day 21–25: Discharge
Discharge with full English report. Follow-up appointment. Fly home with compression stockings and blood thinners.
Day 25–30: Buffer
Remaining visa days serve as safety margin for any complications or additional testing.
8. Emergency Contacts & Useful Numbers
- China Emergency: 120 (ambulance) / 110 (police)
- Your hospital's international department hotline
Save this in your phone before departure. Available 24/7 at major hospitals.
- Your country's consulate in Shanghai
US: +86 21-6279-7663 | UK: +86 21-3279-2000 | Australia: +86 21-2215-5200
- MedInSh emergency support
We can help coordinate with your hospital team if you encounter issues. Contact us via WhatsApp or WeChat.