Visa and entry
Since 9 June 2025, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, and the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia has announced the extension of the policy until 31 December 2026 (official notice). The notice lists business, tourism, family visits, exchange and transit; travellers who do not meet these conditions still need a visa, and medical treatment is not listed. The UAE and Qatar have had mutual visa exemption with China since 2018.
Whatever your nationality, ask the Chinese embassy before booking flights which visa a treatment trip requires, and allow time for the application. We provide the hospital documents, such as an appointment confirmation or admission letter, that embassies 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 link Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha with Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Choosing a hospital
Gulf patients often ask about cancer, cardiac and orthopedic care, eye surgery and traditional Chinese medicine. Start with the national No. 1 hospitals for each specialty in our rankings.
Language, culture and coordination
An Arabic-speaking coordinator translates records, books appointments and arranges interpreters. We can request female doctors where available and help with halal meals and prayer spaces. Guangzhou has a large Arab community and many Arabic-speaking services.
Government-funded treatment
If your treatment is funded by a government medical referral program, we prepare the medical reports, cost estimates and invoices your program requires.
Before you travel
Send your medical summary, scans in DICOM format and laboratory results; a specialist reviews them before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit China for treatment?
Check before you book. Ordinary Saudi passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit until 31 December 2026, but the policy covers business, tourism, family visits, exchange and transit, and medical treatment is not among those purposes. Ask the Chinese embassy which visa a treatment trip requires; our coordinators prepare the hospital invitation and appointment documents usually requested. Citizens of the UAE and Qatar travel under mutual visa exemption agreements and should confirm their trip purpose with the embassy in the same way.
Is halal food available near Chinese hospitals?
Yes. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have many halal restaurants, and our coordinators can recommend options and prayer facilities near your hospital and hotel.