Malaysia and China have agreed to extend their mutual visa-free travel arrangement for another five years, a move hailed by policymakers and industry leaders as a boost to bilateral relations and economic recovery through tourism. The announcement followed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 16, during which 31 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed.
Under the extended agreement, Chinese nationals may now stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa, with reciprocal privileges granted to Malaysian travellers entering China. This marks a significant enhancement from earlier arrangements, when Malaysians were only eligible for 15-day visa-free stays in China.
“We agreed to extend it for another five years, with an option to renew for a further five years once it ends,” said Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, during a press briefing on April 22.
The move is part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalisation strategy that came into effect in December 2023, aimed at bolstering tourism and international business engagement. Chinese tourists remain Malaysia’s largest source of international visitors, followed by India, Singapore, and Thailand.
As of April this year, nearly 900,000 Chinese tourists have visited Malaysia, compared to 4 million recorded throughout 2024.
“Tourism continues to be a key contributor to the national economy, given its immediate impact compared to other forms of investment,” Saifuddin noted.
Industry Reaction: Clarity and Confidence
The tourism industry has welcomed the news as a stabilising measure that allows for long-term planning.
“There is now stability for the industry to plan ahead and boost efforts to attract more Chinese tourists,” said Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.
Wong pointed out that the travel demands of Chinese tourists are evolving, with growing interest in experiential tourism, such as culinary adventures, cultural heritage, and ecotourism.
The extension is also expected to support the country’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which targets 35.6 million international arrivals and RM147.1 billion (US$33 billion) in tourism receipts.
“The visa-free arrangement will tie in well with Visit Malaysia 2026 and beyond,” said Mint Leong, President of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association.
“It also enhances Malaysia’s appeal for business events and travellers, offering a competitive advantage in the region,” she added.
Broader Economic Impact
Industry leaders believe the visa exemption will have positive knock-on effects across hospitality, retail, and services.
“With fewer travel hurdles, Chinese tourists will likely spend more on accommodation, dining, and local goods,” said Koong Lin Loong, Treasurer-General of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
In contrast, regional competitors such as Thailand have seen declining Chinese arrivals amid safety and economic concerns. The Bangkok Post recently reported a significant drop in Chinese tourist entries, with numbers falling to 5,833 on April 16, well below the average of 15,000 to 20,000 daily.
The Malaysian government’s continued visa liberalisation efforts position the country as a safe, accessible, and attractive destination amid regional competition. The move also comes as Singapore and China initiated a similar 30-day mutual visa-free entry agreement in January, reflecting a wider trend of travel facilitation in the region.–CNA
