Q1: What is the significance of the China-Malaysia Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement?
A: In April 2025, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia, which has vigorously advanced the building of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future in a high-level and strategic direction. It will undoubtedly usher in another “Golden 50 Years” for China-Malaysia relations. The Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement was exchanged at the witness of both leaders during the visit. The Agreement has come into force on July 17, 2025.
We are confident that this agreement will further promote people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and deepen multi-sector cooperation between both countries and peoples upon taking effect. It will mark a new step forward in advancing the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
Q2: What are the eligible groups and circumstances to which the Agreement applies?
A: According to the Agreement, holders of Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports, and Malaysian ordinary passports with a validity of no less than six months, may enter into, exit from, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party without a visa and stay for a period of stay not exceeding 30 days in the territory of the other Contracting Party, for the purposes of vacation/tour, family and friends visit, business, exchange, private affairs, medical treatment and international traffic (crew members). The cumulative duration of stay must not exceed 90 days within each period of 180 days.
Residence, employment, study, media activities, or other activities are not covered by the Agreement.
Q3: Compared with the previous mutual visa exemption arrangements, what are the improvements introduced by the Agreement?
A: A mutual visa exemption agreement is a formal arrangement between two countries in which both sides agree to allow each other’s citizens to enter without a visa for a specified period. It is a reciprocal arrangement, typically signed after diplomatic negotiations, and carries legal force. The agreement is usually valid for a relatively long period, and any changes must be made through diplomatic consultation between both parties.
Compared with previous mutual visa exemption arrangements, the Agreement further facilitates and standardizes the movement of people between the two countries.
First, it clearly defines the eligible groups: holders of Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports, and Malaysian ordinary passports with a validity of no less than six months are all included in the scope of visa-free entry.
Second, it expands the range of eligible purposes for visa-free travel. In addition to the previously permitted purposes -- business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit -- the Agreement now also includes private affairs, medical treatment, and other activities.
Q4: What is the duration of each visa-free stay as specified in the Agreement?
A: According to the Agreement, treatments provided to nationals of one country making visa-free visits to the other remain unchanged, which means, nationals of one country can enter into and stay on the territory of the other for up to 30 days per entry.
In addition, in line with relevant international norms, the Agreement explicitly stipulates the maximum cumulative visa-free stay for nationals of one contracting party in the territory of the other: no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
Q5: According to the Agreement, an eligible citizen may "stay for no more than 30 days, with the cumulative stay period not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period." How should these periods be calculated?
A: “Stay for no more than 30 days per entry” is calculated from 0:00 on the day after the day of entry, to 24:00 on the 30th day.
The "180-day period" is calculated separately for each traveler's visa-free stay period in China, counting backward 180 days from the day of entry (including the day of entry). For example, if you plan to enter China on February 1, 2026, the 180-day period is calculated retroactively, from August 5, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Within this period, the total duration of visa-free stays in China must not exceed 90 days.
The "90 days" do not include the time spent in China with a visa, residence permit or any other exit-entry document, or an APEC Business Travel Card.
There is no limit to the number of visa-free entries, provided that the total stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
If the cumulative visa-free stay within the 180-day period prior to entry has already reached 90 days, visa-free entry will not be granted. If the cumulative stay is less than 90 days but the remaining visa-free stay period is less than 30 days, the foreigner cannot overstay the remaining period. If the visa-free entry requirements are not met, an appropriate visa for travel to China should be obtained in advance.
Q6: Before the Agreement came into effect, I had traveled to China multiple times under the visa exemption policy. If I travel again, do my previous stays need to be counted?
A: Because the Agreement officially came into effect on July 17, 2025, any visa-free stays before this date are not counted into the cumulative stay period.
Q7: Why does the Agreement stipulate that the cumulative stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period?
A: The rule that the cumulative stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period is a common practice in visa exemption agreements between countries. It serves as a legally binding provision that applies equally to both parties and is an internationally accepted standard.
Visa exemption policies aim to facilitate and promote short-term mutual visits such as tourism, business, and family visits. Specifying the length of stay and the method of calculating the “rolling period” helps prevent abuse of the policy. It stops individuals from circumventing visa requirements by repeatedly entering the country for short stays, thereby protecting the interests of both countries involved.
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.
Q8: What is the duration of the Agreement?
A: The Agreement shall be in force for a period of 5 years. Thereafter, it shall be automatically extended for a further period of 5 years.
Q9: Will the purpose of intended stay in China be examined by Chinese border inspection authorities when entering China? How will it be done? Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?
A: According to the Agreement, citizens holding Malaysian ordinary passports with a validity of no less than six months traveling for purposes such as vacation or tourism, visiting family and friends, business, exchanges, private affairs, medical treatment, and international traffic (crew members) may be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval by border inspection authorities in accordance with the law. It is recommended to carry documents such as invitation letters, air tickets, and accommodation reservations as proof corresponding to the purpose of entry into China.
Entry into China shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with the law to Malaysian nationals who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements or who are otherwise not permitted to enter China under relevant laws and regulations.
Q10: After a Malaysian national has entered China under the mutual visa exemption agreement, what should they do if they need to extend their stay in China beyond the visa-free period?
A: All Malaysian nationals who have entered China under mutual visa exemption agreements must depart before the end of their visa-free stay periods. If an extension of stay is required due to emergencies or force majeure, they must apply for a stay permit at the exit-entry administration department of the local public security authority before the visa-free period expires.
Q11: If a Malaysian national has entered China under the mutual visa exemption agreement but subsequently loses their passport, which was verified and stamped by a border inspection authority, can they leave China using an emergency travel document issued by the Malaysian embassy or consulates in China?
A: For a Malaysian national who has entered China without a visa and needs to exit using a new passport, emergency passport, or travel document due to loss or damage of their original identity document, the immigration inspection authority in charge will verify their identity, entry record or loss report, and supporting documents from the Malaysian embassy or consulates in China. If these documents are confirmed to be valid and the individual has not overstayed, or committed any other illegal acts, they may be allowed to exit according to the law.
If the individual has overstayed, or committed other illegal acts under the jurisdiction of the immigration inspection authority in charge, the authority will handle the case according to laws and regulations.
For other violations beyond the jurisdiction of the immigration inspection authorities, the individual must first resolve the matters with the exit-entry administration department of a public security organ or other relevant competent authorities before exiting with the necessary documentation through the immigration inspection authority.
Q12: Do Malaysian nationals need to complete accommodation registration after entering China visa-free?
A: Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that:
“For foreigners staying in hotels in China, the hotels shall register their accommodation in accordance with the regulations on the public security administration of the hotel industry and submit the foreigners' accommodation registration information to the public security authorities where the hotels are located. For foreigners residing or staying in places other than hotels, they or their hosts must complete the registration formalities at the local public security authorities within 24 hours of arrival.”
Therefore, Malaysian citizens who have entered China under the mutual visa exemption agreement must complete accommodation registration as required by law.
It should be noted that the “Arrival Card,” which must be filled out upon entry, clearly states these requirements in both Chinese and English under the “Important Note” section. Please ensure you complete the accommodation registration according to these instructions.