Malaysia and China have officially agreed to extend their visa-free travel arrangement for an additional five years, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and boosting tourism between the two countries. The announcement followed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia and forms part of a broader agreement signed by both nations on 16 April 2025.
Under the extended arrangement, Chinese citizens can continue visiting Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa, while Malaysian citizens can travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days. This extension builds on a 2023 visa liberalisation initiative that increased Chinese visitors’ stays in Malaysia from 15 to 90 days.
China and Malaysia-extend visa free travel
The impact on tourism has been substantial. In April 2025 alone, nearly 900,000 Chinese tourists visited Malaysia, a clear indicator of growing travel demand. The extended visa-free arrangement is expected to further accelerate arrivals, benefiting a wide range of sectors, from leisure and experiential travel to business tourism. Hotels, resorts, and activity providers are anticipating increased bookings, including through online platforms such as Agoda, which continues to see strong interest from Chinese travellers seeking seamless hotel reservations in Malaysia.
Tourism experts highlight that the visa extension will play a key role in Malaysia’s ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to welcome 35.6 million international visitors. The initiative is expected to attract both first-time travellers and repeat visitors, offering more opportunities for cultural experiences, culinary tourism, adventure activities, and eco-tourism.
For businesses in the travel and hospitality industry, the extension presents a strong opportunity to cater to Chinese tourists’ preferences, from premium hotels and resorts to boutique stays and curated local experiences. Platforms like Agoda are expected to see a surge in bookings as travellers plan trips with confidence, taking advantage of the longer visa-free period.
“The extension of visa-free travel between China and Malaysia signals not just convenience for tourists, but also a strong economic and cultural partnership,” said industry analysts. “It provides a boost to the tourism ecosystem, supporting hotels, tour operators, and local communities while encouraging experiential and sustainable travel.”
With easier travel arrangements, increased connectivity, and the growing popularity of Malaysia as a top Asian destination, Chinese tourists are likely to continue contributing significantly to Malaysia’s tourism growth. Whether visiting for leisure, business, or immersive cultural experiences, the extended visa-free period ensures that both countries remain top choices for regional travellers.
