Malaysians looking forward to traveling to China can now breathe easy. Malaysia and China have officially agreed to extend their mutual visa-free travel arrangement for another five years, following a series of high-level meetings during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April 2025.
Originally introduced in December 2023, the visa-free policy allowed Chinese nationals to enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days, and vice versa. The initiative has proven to be a success, with Malaysia recording nearly one million Chinese tourist arrivals in the first few months of 2025 alone. Recognizing the positive impact on tourism and economic ties, both governments decided to solidify and extend the agreement.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that the move reflects a shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections, boosting tourism, and facilitating business exchanges. “The extension is not just about travel convenience. It’s a symbol of the deepening trust and cooperation between our two nations,” he said.
For the tourism industry, the impact is significant. Travel agencies, airlines, and local businesses can now plan long-term strategies to tap into the growing influx of Chinese visitors. Similarly, Malaysians eager to explore China’s vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities will benefit from easier access.
Industry experts predict that this extension will spur greater economic activity, particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and services. It also sends a positive signal to investors about the stability and openness of Malaysia-China relations.
In an increasingly competitive regional tourism market, the decision to extend visa-free travel puts Malaysia in a strong position to attract more tourists and foster closer economic collaboration with one of the world’s largest economies.
For travelers, the message is simple: the door between Malaysia and China remains wide open — and it’s staying that way for years to come.