Malaysia and China have agreed to extend their mutual visa-free travel arrangement for an additional five years, a move aimed at bolstering tourism and strengthening bilateral ties.​
According to Malay Mail, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced the extension during a press conference following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ monthly assembly.
90-day visa-free entry
He stated that Chinese tourists can now enjoy 90-day visa-free entry into Malaysia, with China offering the same privilege to Malaysian visitors.​
We will continue this for five more years with the option to extend it for another five years after this period ends.
“This means that Chinese nationals entering the country as tourists can do so for 90 days visa-free, with China also reciprocating,” he said.
The extension follows the signing of 31 memorandum of understanding (MOUs) between Malaysia and China during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia.
One of the key agreements focused on visa facilitation, underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhance people-to-people exchanges. ​
Received nearly 1mil visitors
According to ​The Star, Saifuddin highlighted the positive impact of the visa-free policy on Malaysia’s tourism sector.
As of April, nearly one million Chinese tourists have entered Malaysia this year. The influx of tourists has significantly stimulated our economy.”
He further elaborated that, on average, each Chinese tourist spends approximately RM7,000 during their stay in Malaysia.
This expenditure contributes directly to the local economy, benefiting various sectors including hospitality, retail, and transportation.​
50th anniversary of diplomatic relations
The mutual visa-free arrangement is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Both countries view this milestone as an opportunity to deepen cooperation across multiple domains, including tourism, education, and cultural exchanges.​
Currently, Malaysians can travel to China visa-free until December 31, 2025, while Chinese nationals can enter Malaysia without a visa until December 31, 2026.
The recent agreement aims to synchronize these durations, providing equal benefits to citizens of both nations. ​
