China

Over the past decades, China has undergone rapid economic, infrastructural, and scientific development, with substantial investments in basic research, clinical innovation, and interdisciplinary discovery. National policy and funding mechanisms increasingly prioritize the translation of scientific advances into clinical and societal benefit, while actively promoting international partnerships through joint research laboratories, talent recruitment initiatives, and strategic support for major international conferences. This commitment has established China as a dynamic partner in global scientific exchange and vestibular science advancement.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a dynamic metropolitan center with a dense ecosystem of leading universities, academic medical centers, and tertiary hospitals that collectively advance biomedical research and clinical training. The city's otorhinolaryngology community is anchored by world-class specialty hospitals and academic medical centers that integrate cutting-edge clinical care, rigorous research, and postgraduate training in ear, nose, and throat sciences. Municipal health and science authorities provide sustained institutional and financial support for discipline development, multicenter clinical trials, and international collaborative initiatives in otolaryngology and vestibular medicine.

Lin-gang Special Area

The Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area (part of the China Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone) is a newly developed district in southeast Shanghai designed to integrate advanced urban infrastructure with world-class research and industrial facilities. As a strategic free-trade zone, Lin-gang prioritizes institutional innovation, regulatory openness, and premium services to attract international research teams and multinational enterprises. The area is positioned as an incubator for international scientific collaboration and innovation, hosting cross-border R&D platforms and serving as a focal point for joint research projects in biomedical science, healthcare technology, and vestibular medicine.

Getting to Shanghai

Shanghai is one of Asia's principal international gateways, served by two major airports—Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport—with direct flights to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. The city functions as a central hub in China's high-speed rail network, and an extensive metro system combined with modern expressways facilitates efficient travel throughout Shanghai and the wider Yangtze River Delta region.

Visa Requirements for International Participants

Visa-Free Entry

As of January 2026, nationals of 48 countries may enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, and conference attendance. This scheme is extended through December 31, 2026. Eligible countries include most European Union nations (France, Germany, Spain, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and select nations in South America and the Gulf region. Notably, nationals of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are not currently eligible for this scheme and must obtain a visa in advance.

Transit Visa-Free Policy

Travelers from 55 countries (including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom) may utilize China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, which permits entry through Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airports when holding confirmed onward travel to a third country or region within 10 days.

Standard Visa Categories for Conference Attendees

Participants not eligible for visa-free entry should apply for one of the following visa categories:

F Visa ("Exchange and Academic Visits"): Suitable for researchers, visiting scholars, and conference participants engaged in academic exchange. Typically valid for 3–6 months with single or double entry.

M Visa ("Business"): For conference attendees involved in trade or commercial activities. Typically valid for 3 months.

L Visa ("Tourist"): For general visitors, valid 30 days to 10 years depending on nationality and embassy discretion.

Important Reminders

Foreign participants should verify their individual eligibility and current requirements well in advance of travel through official sources:

National Immigration Administration of China: https://en.nia.gov.cn/

Shanghai Visa Information Portal: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-visas/

China's Visa-Free Policies in Shanghai: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Visa/20240110/b819846af2264c00862e5a352f62bde5.html

FAQs on Visa-Free Entry: 
https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/notice/202412/t20241224_11516392.htm

Policies are updated regularly, and individual circumstances (nationality, purpose of visit, length of stay) determine specific visa requirements.