China’s visa-free trial for Russians spurs growth in medical tourism. Border clinics expand services for Russian patients. Entries jumped ~60 % and Russians form majority of visa-free arrivals.
Russia’s visa-free access to China is fueling a surge in medical-tourism trips. Since China introduced its trial visa-waiver for Russian citizens (15 Sept 2025 – 14 Sept 2026), clinics in border regions like Hunchun and Inner Mongolia have reported growing numbers of Russian patients seeking treatments such as cervical spondylosis, adhesive capsulitis, acupuncture and traditional-Chinese-medicine rehabilitation.
Hospitals in these regions are adapting: opening international departments, hiring Russian-speaking interpreters, expanding services like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and therapeutic massage to cater to this demand.
Traffic data show a 60 % year-on-year increase in Russian entries by car through Inner Mongolia in the first two months post-policy, and Russian visitors comprised over 85 % of visa-free arrivals in that window.