China–Malaysia mutual visa exemption

MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND CHINA COMES INTO FORCE ON 17 JULY 2025 The Government of Malaysia wishes to announce that the Agreement between The Government of Malaysia and The Government of The People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of Ordinary Passports (for Malaysia) and holders of Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports (for PRC) has officially comes into force on 17 July 2025. Under this Agreement, Malaysian citizens holding valid Ordinary Passports and PRC citizens holding valid Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports are allowed to enter, exit, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party without the need for a visa, subject to the following conditions: the maximum duration of each visit shall not exceed 30 days; the cumulative period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within any 180 days period; and the visa exemption facility applies to visits for the purposes of tourism/vacation, visiting family and friends, business, cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation, private matters, medical treatment, and international transit (including air crew members). Those who intend to stay in the territory of the other Contracting Party for a period of more than 30 days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities of the Contracting Party, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering the territory of the Contracting Party. Chinese passport holders must meet the following requirements and present the necessary documentation during security and immigration screenings at the port of entry: Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months; Return Tickets: Confirmed return flight tickets are required; Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking or other accommodation arrangements during the stay; Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the visit; and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Completion and submission of the MDAC online at least three (3) days before the arrival date via the official website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

Starting September 1st, 2026,Chinese citizens traveling on Ordinary or Public Affairs passports valid for a minimum of 6 months can enter Malaysia visa-free for social visits including tourism, business, or family visit up to 30 days per entry. Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facilities are no longer required or available.

Q7: How long will this Agreement remain in effect? A: The Agreement is valid for an initial period of 5 years from 17 July 2025. It will be automatically extended for another 5 years unless either country decides otherwise through diplomatic channels.

MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND CHINA COMES INTO FORCE ON 17 JULY 2025 The Government of Malaysia wishes to announce that the Agreement between The Government of Malaysia and The Government of The People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of Ordinary Passports (for Malaysia) and holders of Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports (for PRC) has officially comes into force on 17 July 2025. Under this Agreement, Malaysian citizens holding valid Ordinary Passports and PRC citizens holding valid Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports are allowed to enter, exit, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party without the need for a visa, subject to the following conditions: the maximum duration of each visit shall not exceed 30 days; the cumulative period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within any 180 days period; and the visa exemption facility applies to visits for the purposes of tourism/vacation, visiting family and friends, business, cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation, private matters, medical treatment, and international transit (including air crew members). Those who intend to stay in the territory of the other Contracting Party for a period of more than 30 days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities of the Contracting Party, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering the territory of the Contracting Party. Chinese passport holders must meet the following requirements and present the necessary documentation during security and immigration screenings at the port of entry: Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months; Return Tickets: Confirmed return flight tickets are required; Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking or other accommodation arrangements during the stay; Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the visit; and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Completion and submission of the MDAC online at least three (3) days before the arrival date via the official website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

Visa-free entry is allowed for up to 30 days per entry for the following purposes:

30 days: Counted from the date of entry, ending at 00:00 hrs on the 30th day.

180 days: Calculated from the date of entry.

However, the visa-free entry cumulative period of stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180-days period.

If you enter on 1st August 2025, the 180-day period is from 1st August 2025 to 28th January 2026. During this period , your total visa-free stay must not exceed 90 days.

The number of entries is subject to Authorized Officer at the entry point as long as the cumulative period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within 180 days period.

No. Stays prior to the agreement’s effective date 17 July 2025 are not counted in the 90-day cumulative stay calculation.

Duration of stay under other immigration facilities (e.g. APEC Business Travel Card or visa) does not applicable under Malaysia - China Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement.

Holders of ordinary and public affairs passports of China, valid for at least 6 months.

Yes. Although no visa is required, Malaysia border officers may verify your purpose of entry. Travellers are advised to carry supporting documents such as return or onward flight tickets, proof of paid accommodation, or invitation letters if travelling for business or personal reasons.

In addition, all Chinese citizens must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least 3 days before arrival.

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all Chinese citizens entering Malaysia under the visa exemption program.

Failure to complete the registration may result in denied entry upon arrival in Malaysia.

** Please note that your trip must be within 3 days (including the date of submission)

MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND CHINA COMES INTO FORCE ON 17 JULY 2025 The Government of Malaysia wishes to announce that the Agreement between The Government of Malaysia and The Government of The People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of Ordinary Passports (for Malaysia) and holders of Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports (for PRC) has officially comes into force on 17 July 2025. Under this Agreement, Malaysian citizens holding valid Ordinary Passports and PRC citizens holding valid Public Affairs and Ordinary Passports are allowed to enter, exit, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party without the need for a visa, subject to the following conditions: the maximum duration of each visit shall not exceed 30 days; the cumulative period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within any 180 days period; and the visa exemption facility applies to visits for the purposes of tourism/vacation, visiting family and friends, business, cultural exchange and bilateral cooperation, private matters, medical treatment, and international transit (including air crew members). Those who intend to stay in the territory of the other Contracting Party for a period of more than 30 days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities of the Contracting Party, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering the territory of the Contracting Party. Chinese passport holders must meet the following requirements and present the necessary documentation during security and immigration screenings at the port of entry: Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months; Return Tickets: Confirmed return flight tickets are required; Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking or other accommodation arrangements during the stay; Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the visit; and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Completion and submission of the MDAC online at least three (3) days before the arrival date via the official website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main.

Q3: What is the allowed duration of visa-free stay in Malaysia? A:  Maximum 30 days per entry. The duration of stay starts from the day of arrival and is not extendable.  The cumulative period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within any 180 days period. Those who intend to stay for a longer period of more than 30 days or purposes such as residence, employment or study, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities, travellers must apply for a visa in advance.

Q10: Can I extend my visa-free stay beyond 30 days? A: No. However, in cases of emergency or force majeure, you are advised to visit the nearest Malaysian Immigration Department for further assistance and evaluation.

Q11: What should I do if I lose my passport while in Malaysia? Can I leave with an emergency travel document under the mutual exemption agreement? A: For a Chinese national who has lost passport or travel document in Malaysia, you should first contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Malaysia to request an emergency travel document or a replacement passport. Once this is obtained, the Malaysian Immigration Department will verify your identity and entry records before any further arrangements can be made. For detailed steps and required documents, you may refer to the official Immigration Department’s portal at https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/enforcement/loss-of- passport-travel-document-in-malaysia/

Q12: What happens if I violate the visa exemption terms? A: If someone breaks immigration rules in Malaysia such as overstaying, working without a valid pass, or doing activities not allowed under their visa, they may face serious consequences and subjected to enforcement actions by the relevant authorities. These can include being denied entry in the future, receiving fines, being detained by immigration authorities, or being deported to their home country. To avoid these issues, FAQS: MALAYSIA - CHINA MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT 5 all visitors are advised to comply strictly with the terms and condition of their visa or pass throughout their stay to avoid enforcement action. FAQS: MALAYSIA - CHINA MUTUAL VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT 6