My friend from Australia got a job offer in Shanghai. Exciting. Then HR sent him a list: "Go to the International Travel Healthcare Center for your physical examination."
He thought: "Physical? Like a quick check-up?"
He was wrong.
The process:
He arrived at 8 AM. Took a number. Waited 45 minutes. Then spent the next 3 hours being poked, scanned, and drained of bodily fluids.
What they test (the full list):
Blood tests:
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Blood type
Other:
• Urinalysis
• Stool sample (sometimes - depends on the city)
Total cost: ¥400-800 depending on the city.
The awkward parts:
1. The chest X-ray
They give you a hospital gown. Open in the back. My friend is 6'2". The gown was built for someone 5'6". He looked like he was wearing a crop top.
2. The vision test
The chart is in Chinese. The nurse points at characters. My friend doesn't read Chinese. She got frustrated. He got frustrated. They eventually used numbers.
3. The ultrasound
You lie on a table. A technician rubs gel on your stomach and moves a wand around. In a room with 3 other people getting the same thing simultaneously. No curtains. No privacy. Just... medical communal bonding.
4. The blood draw
They took 6 vials. Six. My friend almost fainted.
What you need to bring:
• Passport
• 4 passport photos
• The official physical examination form (your employer should provide this)
• Fasting for 8-12 hours (for blood work)
• No alcohol for 3 days before (affects liver function test)
• No coffee the morning of (affects blood pressure)
Important rules:
• You MUST use a designated hospital/clinic. Not any hospital. Check the list from your local embassy or employer.
• The report is valid for 6 months.
• If you fail (e.g., positive TB test), you can't get the visa. You'll need treatment and re-testing.
• Some cities require a re-examination after you arrive, even if you did one in your home country.
Where to go in major cities:
Shanghai: Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center (上海国际旅行卫生保健中心) Beijing: Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center Shenzhen: Shenzhen International Travel Healthcare Center Guangzhou: Guangzhou International Travel Healthcare Center
Pro tip: Book online if possible. Arrive at 7:30 AM before the rush. Bring snacks for after the blood draw. And wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of.
My friend's verdict:
"I feel like I know my body better than ever. I also know I never want to see another X-ray gown again."
Anyone else survived the China visa health check? What was your weirdest moment?
Posted on 2026-5-25 10:55:03