China and Malaysia Now Have a Permanent Visa-Free Agreement
In one of the most significant developments in China-Malaysia travel relations in recent years, both countries signed a permanent mutual visa exemption agreement during President Xi Jinping's official visit to Malaysia in April 2025. The agreement came into effect on July 17, 2025, replacing the earlier temporary exemption programme that had been in place since December 2023. This means Chinese nationals can now travel to Malaysia without applying for a visa — and the arrangement has no expiry date.
For Chinese travellers, this is a landmark change. Prior to the visa exemption era, Chinese nationals had to apply for a Malaysia eVisa or visit visa, which involved paperwork, fees, and processing time. The permanent exemption removes all of that friction, making Malaysia one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia for Chinese passport holders.
What Was the Old Arrangement?
The journey to a permanent visa-free arrangement happened in stages. A temporary visa exemption for Chinese nationals was first introduced on December 1, 2023 as part of a bilateral tourism and trade initiative. Initially announced as a trial programme, it proved enormously popular — travel between the two countries surged significantly following the announcement. After the initial programme ran through December 2024, it was extended on a short-term basis while both governments worked toward a more permanent solution. The permanent agreement finalised in April 2025 now locks in this benefit indefinitely, giving Chinese travellers the confidence to plan trips to Malaysia without worrying about future exemption expiry.
Key Details of the China-Malaysia Visa Exemption
Under the permanent agreement, Chinese nationals holding a valid Chinese passport can enter Malaysia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per visit. The exemption applies at all official Malaysian points of entry, including international airports such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu Airport, as well as approved land and sea border crossings.
Multiple entries are permitted — there is no restriction on how many times a Chinese passport holder can travel to Malaysia within a calendar year, provided each individual stay does not exceed 30 days. The exemption covers tourism, transit, short-term business visits such as meetings and conferences, and family visits. No prior registration or approval is needed before travel — simply present a valid Chinese passport on arrival.
Even with the visa exemption in place, Chinese nationals must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before travelling. The MDAC is a free, mandatory online pre-arrival registration that all foreign nationals — including visa-exempt travellers — must submit at least three days before arrival. Apply for your MDAC here for free.
What Chinese Nationals Cannot Do Under Visa Exemption
While the visa exemption is generous and covers most typical travel purposes, it does come with important restrictions that travellers must understand before they arrive. The exemption is strictly for short-stay, non-employment purposes. Chinese nationals entering Malaysia under the exemption cannot take up any form of paid employment — this includes working for a Malaysian company, working remotely for a foreign employer while physically in Malaysia, or doing any freelance work while on Malaysian soil.
Enrolling in a full-time educational programme or course is also not permitted under the visa exemption. Students must obtain the appropriate Student Pass through their Malaysian institution before travelling. Additionally, the visa exemption does not permit any form of business activity that goes beyond attendance at meetings or conferences — Chinese nationals cannot set up a business, conduct sales, or carry out commercial operations under the visa exemption terms.
Those who want to work or study in Malaysia must apply for the appropriate Employment Pass or Student Pass before travelling. Our team at MalaysiaVisa.org.in can assist with all Malaysian work and study visa applications.
Do Chinese Nationals Still Need the MDAC?
Yes, absolutely. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, regardless of whether they hold a visa or are travelling under a visa exemption. The MDAC is a free online pre-arrival registration system introduced in January 2024 that replaces the old paper disembarkation card. It must be completed before arrival — ideally at least three days before your travel date.
The MDAC requires basic information including your passport details, flight information, and your accommodation address in Malaysia. It takes around five to ten minutes to complete. Once submitted, you receive a confirmation number that you may be asked to present at the immigration counter on arrival. Beware of unofficial websites that charge a fee to submit the MDAC — the process is entirely free, and any site charging for it is unauthorised. Submit your MDAC for free here.
Why Is This Agreement Significant for Travellers?
The permanent visa-free arrangement between China and Malaysia is significant for several reasons beyond simply saving money on visa fees. It signals a deepening of the bilateral relationship and the importance both governments place on tourism and people-to-people connectivity. For travellers, it means complete freedom to plan and book trips to Malaysia spontaneously, without the lead time required for a visa application.
Malaysia is already one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists in Southeast Asia, thanks to its cultural connections, vibrant Chinatown communities in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, world-class shopping, incredible food, and stunning natural landscapes. The removal of the visa requirement has only accelerated this trend — travel searches between China and Malaysia increased sharply following the permanent agreement announcement.
Top Destinations for Chinese Visitors in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the most popular entry point and destination, home to the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Central Market, and a thriving food and shopping scene. Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient, is beloved for its UNESCO-listed George Town heritage area, street art, and extraordinary food culture that has strong Hokkien Chinese roots. Malacca is another heritage city with deep Chinese historical connections — the Baba Nyonya Peranakan culture, which blends Chinese and Malay traditions, is centred here.
For beach lovers, Langkawi offers duty-free shopping and pristine beaches in the Andaman Sea, while the islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia — Tioman, Redang, and Perhentian — offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in Asia. Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo draw nature-focused travellers seeking rainforest trekking, orangutan sanctuaries, and Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak.
How to Travel to Malaysia as a Chinese National
Travelling to Malaysia as a Chinese national under the permanent visa exemption is straightforward. Ensure your Chinese passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Malaysia. Book your flights and accommodation, and then complete your MDAC online at least three days before departure. Carry a printed or digital copy of your MDAC confirmation alongside your passport when you travel.
On arrival at a Malaysian port of entry, proceed to the immigration counter, present your passport and MDAC confirmation if requested, and you will be admitted for up to 30 days. If you plan to extend beyond 30 days or wish to work or study, contact us before travelling to discuss the right visa option for your circumstances.
For all Malaysia travel assistance including visa applications for longer stays and other visa categories, visit our Malaysia Visa page or contact our team directly.
