2026-10-05
China visa for medical treatment in 2026: the Hainan visa-free regime
A complete guide for Russian citizens: how to reach a Chinese TCM clinic without a visa, and with the minimum possible paperwork.
The Russia–China (Hainan) visa-free regime in 2026
Russian citizens may enter and stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, counted from the date of entry. Hainan is included, so a treatment course in Sanya falls under exactly the same rule as a holiday trip.
For our programmes this matters: the longest course we offer is 21 days, leaving nine days of margin for the flight, arrival and the initial adjustment to the climate before the first session.
- Permitted stay: up to 30 days from entry
- Purpose: tourism, business, medical treatment, and visiting relatives
- Group: organised tours and individual travel
- Validity: the 30-day allowance is granted on each entry and cannot be extended inside the country
Documents required to enter Hainan
The list is short, and this is the single most common source of anxiety for first-time travellers.
Documents that are NOT required: a visa, a medical certificate, vaccination certificates, an invitation letter, or proof of employment.
- A valid international passport, with at least 6 months of validity remaining and two blank pages
- A completed arrival card, provided on the aircraft or at the border
- Return or onward ticket details — not always checked, but worth having
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation) — also not always checked, but recommended
- Medical insurance covering the period of stay, which we recommend regardless
If the treatment course is longer than 30 days
If a course needs to exceed 30 days, or if you want to combine treatment with a longer stay, options include extending the stay through a medical extension procedure at the local public security bureau; travelling on a private or group visa arranged through a tour operator; or splitting the stay — leave and re-enter to reset the 30-day allowance.
The extension route requires a medical certificate from a Chinese hospital and is far simpler to arrange when the clinic coordinates it. If your course may exceed 30 days, tell the coordinator before you book the flight.
Getting from Russia to Sanya
Direct flights operate from Moscow to Sanya with both Aeroflot and China Southern, roughly 10 hours in the air. Connections via Istanbul, Guangzhou or Harbin usually cost less and can be shorter in total if the layover is well timed.
On arrival, Sanya Phoenix Airport is 20 minutes by taxi from Dadonghai Bay, where our medical centre is located. Free transfer from the airport is included in the programme.
Frequently asked questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa to Hainan for treatment?
No. Russian citizens may enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days, and medical treatment is one of the permitted purposes. Hainan is included in the same regime.
How long can I stay in Hainan without a visa?
Up to 30 days counted from the date of entry. The allowance is granted on each entry and cannot be extended inside the country without a formal extension procedure.
What documents do I need to enter Hainan?
A valid international passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed arrival card, and — recommended though not always checked — a return ticket, accommodation confirmation and medical insurance for the period of stay.
Can I get medical treatment in China without a visa?
Yes. Treatment at a TCM clinic falls under the permitted purposes of the visa-free regime. Our clinic provides invitation documentation and, where a course exceeds 30 days, coordinates the medical extension with the relevant authorities.
Do I need any medical certificates or vaccinations?
No vaccination or medical certificate is required for entry under the visa-free regime. Travel medical insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, and a copy of your medical records is genuinely useful for the doctor.
What if my treatment course is longer than 30 days?
A medical extension can be arranged through the local public security bureau with a certificate from a Chinese hospital, or the stay can be split across two entries. Tell the coordinator before booking so the paperwork is arranged in advance.
Read the Russian version of this article: https://www.fenix-sanyamed.com/blog/visa-khainan-2026/