China has opened up a lot in the past two years. Many travellers can now enter without a visa — but the rules were written for tourism and business, so patients need to read them carefully.
The short answer
- If your country is on China's visa-free list, you can usually stay up to 30 days without a visa.
- If you are transiting to a third country, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy may let you stay up to 10 days.
- If your treatment will take longer than 30 days, or your country is not covered, you will need a visa.
- In every case, confirm with the Chinese embassy or consulate before you book — and tell them the real purpose of your trip.
1. Visa-free entry for up to 30 days
China has extended its unilateral visa-free policy until 31 December 2026. Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries — including Saudi Arabia, most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Argentina — can stay for up to 30 days.
The official notice lists the permitted purposes as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits and transit. Medical treatment is not named in that list. A short health check-up during a holiday may feel similar to tourism, but if medical care is the main reason for your trip, ask the embassy which entry route they recommend.
Some countries also have mutual visa-exemption agreements with China (for example the United Arab Emirates and Qatar). The Chinese embassy in your country can tell you whether one applies to you.
2. Russian citizens
China began a 30-day visa-free trial for Russian ordinary passport holders in September 2025. In May 2026 China announced that this policy is extended to 31 December 2027. The same caution applies: confirm the permitted purposes for a medical trip.
3. 240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 57 countries can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) if they are travelling on to a third country or region and hold a confirmed onward ticket. Entry is possible at 65 ports and you can move between 24 provincial-level regions.
Important: you cannot fly in from your home country and return directly home under this policy — the onward ticket must be to a *different* country or region. The official policy page lists tourism, business, visits and family reunions as permitted activities; it does not mention medical treatment.
4. When you need a visa
You should apply for a visa if:
- Your country is not on any visa-free list.
- Your treatment, recovery and follow-up will take more than 30 days.
- You are bringing a family member or carer who needs to stay with you.
- The embassy advises that your trip should not use a visa-free route.
When you apply, a confirmation of your hospital appointment or admission and proof that you can pay for treatment usually make the process smoother. We can help you prepare the hospital documents once your treatment plan is confirmed.
If treatment takes longer than planned after you arrive, foreigners can apply to the local Exit-Entry Administration of the public security bureau to extend their stay. Start early — do not wait until your last few days.