Quick Answer

Here's the deal: For most trips in 2025, Malaysian citizens do not need a visa to enter China. A new policy allows Malaysians to stay in China for up to 90 days visa-free for tourism, business, visiting friends and family, or transit. This updated visa-free access started on July 17, 2025, and is scheduled to last until December 31, 2025.

However, this isn't a free pass for every situation. If your trip is longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, or if you're going for reasons like work or long-term study, you'll still need to get the right visa before you fly.

Key Facts

• Visa-Free Period: Valid from July 17, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

• Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

• Eligible Purposes: Tourism, business, visiting relatives/friends, and transit.

• Passport Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into China.

• When You Still Need a Visa: For stays longer than 90 days, or for purposes like employment, study, or journalism.

• Application Options: If you need a visa, you can apply online (since August 2024) or in person.

• Application Centers: Located in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Penang.

How to Apply for a China Visa (If You Need One)

If your trip doesn't fall under the visa-free rules, getting a visa is pretty straightforward.

• Confirm Your Visa Type: For tourism, you'll likely need an L-type visa. For business, it's an M-type. Check the official requirements for your specific travel purpose.

• Gather Your Documents: You'll need your original passport (with 6+ months validity), photocopies, passport photos, and the completed application form.

• Prepare Supporting Docs: This includes flight bookings, your travel itinerary, and hotel confirmations. If you've had a China visa before, include copies.

• Choose Your Application Method: You can apply online or in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

• Submit Your Application: You can submit it yourself or have a third-party agent do it for you.

• Pay the Fee & Wait: Once submitted, you'll pay the application fee and wait for processing.

Common Variations / Edge Cases

• Staying Longer than 90 Days: You must apply for a visa before you travel. You cannot extend the 90-day visa-free stay from within China.

• Traveling for Work or Study: The visa-free policy does not cover employment or long-term education. You'll need to apply for a Z-visa (work) or X-visa (study).

• Non-Malaysian Citizens in Malaysia: If you are a legal resident of Malaysia but not a citizen, you must provide proof of your legal status (e.g., residence permit) when applying for a China visa.

• After December 31, 2025: The policy is set to expire. Future requirements are not yet specified. Always check the latest rules before booking a trip for 2026 or beyond.

FAQs

How long can a Malaysian stay in China without a visa in 2025?

Malaysians can stay in China for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as the travel occurs between July 17, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

What documents do I need for the visa-free entry?

You'll need your original passport with at least six months of validity from your entry date. It’s also smart to have proof of your return or onward flight and hotel bookings.

Can I apply for a China visa online from Malaysia?

Yes, online visa applications have been available since August 2024. This is an alternative to applying in person at a visa center.

What happens if I overstay the 90-day visa-free period?

Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and a ban on re-entering China in the future. It's crucial to exit the country before your 90 days are up.

Where are the China visa application centers in Malaysia?

You can find them in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Penang.

What is the tourist visa for China called?

The standard tourist visa for China is the L-type visa.

References

• Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia (Official source for visa policies)

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