Malaysia’s Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, has declared that the visa – free period for Malaysia – China travel will be extended for five years.
He stated, “We will maintain this arrangement for an additional five years, with the possibility of a further five – year extension upon the conclusion of this initial five – year term. This implies that Chinese citizens visiting Malaysia as tourists can enter the country visa – free for 90 days, and China will offer reciprocal treatment.”
On Wednesday (April 16), Malaysia and China inked 31 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), notes, and cooperation agreements. Among these, the mutual visa exemption for travelers between the two nations was a significant highlight.
Saifuddin further mentioned that, as of now, nearly one million Chinese tourists have visited Malaysia this year.
He said during the ministry’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (April 22), “If you recall, in 2023, the Prime Minister announced a relaxation of visa policies, and we considered it as a one – year trial period. We extended the visa – free stay in Malaysia from 30 days to 90 days and requested China to reciprocate. However, at that time, we were only granted a 15 – day visa – free period for Malaysians in China. During the trial period, we witnessed the positive impact on tourism, which promptly stimulated our economy. Subsequently, the ministry was assigned to continue negotiations with China. During President Xi Jinping’s recent visit, one of the signed MOUs pertained to visa issuance.”
Currently, Malaysians can travel to China visa – free until December 31 of this year, while Chinese nationals can enjoy visa – free travel to Malaysia until December 31 of next year.
The MOU signing was observed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Xi Jinping. The visa exemption is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
