Crimean authorities are floating the idea that visa-free travel be introduced for foreigners seeking to come to Russia for medical care at health resorts and sanatoriums, Kommersant writes. “We suggest that foreign citizens willing to receive treatment in Russia could visit the country without a visa for a 30-day period. Obviously, the goal of such treatment should be confirmed,” Adviser to the Head of Crimea Sergey Strelbitsky told the publication. He also offers special medical visas valid for up to six months received on a simplified basis to be introduced for those who need extended treatment.
“Medical tourism is a global phenomenon, and developed countries are doing their best to simplify the arrival of those people there. It substantially fills the budget,” the official noted. “Unfortunately, (Russia) does not occupy a rightful place on this market. We believe that the time is ripe to focus on it and do our best to attract foreign citizens here for treatment. According to Strelbitsky, the initiative will boost revenues in Russia’s medical sector, particularly the sanatorium-and-health-resort industry, and “raise (heath) facilities to a brand new level,” as heads of such sanatoriums and health facilities will put their energy into getting up to international standards, which will benefit Russians as well. He also hopes that the introduction of visa-free travel will “help break the sanctions regime.” “This is going to be a fitting reply to the sanctions, and the information war against our country,” he stressed.
A source in Russia’s Healthcare Ministry told Kommersant “the possibility of introducing a special visa arrangement for foreign nationals willing to get treatment in Russia is currently being developed together with the Foreign Ministry.” Experts interviewed by the paper consider medical tourism to be a promising idea, adding that there are facilities meeting European standards in Russia. However, market players state that few foreigners come to Russia for medical services so far.