Any foreign citizen, including Russian, will need a visa to visit China. The visa policy in this country is constantly changing (as evidenced by new rules introduced in 2013), so you should take care of the paperwork in advance.
It is worth noting that all foreign citizens with visas must register with the Ministry of Public Security upon arrival, and also within 24 hours when relocating. The exception is hotel registration, which is considered equivalent to registration at the ministry.
Type of visa
Receiving medical care falls under personal (private) purposes for visiting the country, for which there is no separate visa type. Therefore, based on the documents you can provide, there is a choice: processing a visa to China as a standard tourist visa (also called L-visa) if you have no arrangements with a specific medical center, or a so-called F-visa if you have arranged with a medical center and have an invitation or call from it.
Duration of stay
Having obtained a tourist visa, you can enter the country within 90 days from the date of issue and stay up to 30 days. With an F-visa, your stay in China should not exceed 30, 60, or 90 days; multiple entries and exits within six months are allowed, as well as extensions of the period.
Documents for processing
To obtain a visa, you will need to provide:
• A foreign passport that will be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return from China;
• Color photographs on a white background, size 3x4 or 3.5x4.5 cm – 2 pcs.;
• An application form filled out by the applicant or their official representative;
• A copy of medical insurance that contains information about the country of travel and whose validity period is sufficient for visa processing;
• If you have visited China before, a copy of visas with entry and exit stamps;
• For the first visit, a certificate from place of study/work; for unemployed, a bank statement showing account funds; for pensioners, a bank statement and pension certificate.
For minor citizens, copies of the following documents are additionally provided:
• A notarized parental permission indicating the purpose of the trip;
• The child's birth certificate;
• Parents' passports.
Cost
Thus, you need to budget not only for the amount intended for treatment in China; visa prices depend on which type you choose, how long you stay, how many times you plan to enter and exit, and how urgently you need it. The minimum cost will be 1500 rubles.
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