Visa and entry
Since 15 September 2025 holders of ordinary Russian passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days per visit, and in May 2026 the Chinese government extended the policy until 31 December 2027 (official announcement). The permitted purposes are business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange and transit (Chinese Consulate General in Khabarovsk). Medical treatment is not listed, and border officers may refuse entry when the purpose of a trip does not match.
If you are travelling for treatment, ask the Chinese embassy or a consulate which visa you need before booking flights, and allow time for the application. We provide the hospital documents, such as an appointment confirmation or admission letter, that consulates usually ask for. If treatment runs longer than your permitted stay, apply to the local exit-entry administration before it ends.
Getting there
Direct flights connect Moscow and other Russian cities with Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and patients from Siberia and the Far East often fly to Beijing or Shanghai via regional hubs. Most leading hospitals in our guide are in these three cities.
Choosing a hospital
Russian patients most often ask us about cancer treatment, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery and traditional Chinese medicine. Useful starting points are the national No. 1 hospitals for each specialty, such as the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences for oncology, Fuwai Hospital for heart disease and Beijing Tiantan Hospital for neurosurgery. See the full rankings.
Language and coordination
Few doctors in top public hospitals speak Russian. A Russian-speaking coordinator translates your records, books appointments, and arranges an interpreter for consultations and admission.
Payment
Hospitals ask for payment before each test or a deposit on admission. Because Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards do not work abroad, plan cash or a working UnionPay card, and keep all invoices for insurance or tax purposes.
Before you travel
Send us your medical summary, recent scans (DICOM files), pathology and laboratory results. We arrange translation into Chinese and a specialist review before you book flights.
Frequently asked questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa for a medical trip to China?
In most cases, yes. Holders of ordinary Russian passports can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit until 31 December 2027, but only for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange and transit. Medical treatment is not on that list, and border officers may refuse entry when the purpose of a trip does not match. Ask the Chinese embassy or a consulate which visa to apply for; our coordinators prepare the hospital invitation and appointment documents usually requested.
Can I pay with a Russian bank card?
Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia do not work abroad. Check with your bank whether its UnionPay card works in China, and bring enough cash for the first deposits. We confirm accepted payment methods with the hospital before you travel.