On April 16, 2024, China and Malaysia officially signed the Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Malaysia on the Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary and Official Passports. The agreement will take effect after both countries complete their respective domestic legal procedures, marking the beginning of a new era of “permanent visa exemption” for citizens of both nations.
According to the agreement, Chinese and Malaysian citizens holding official or ordinary passports will be able to enter the other country without a visa. The specific details, such as the length of stay, will be announced at a later date. Previously, both countries had implemented a temporary mutual visa exemption policy. This new agreement upgrades that arrangement to a long-term institutional framework, further strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
Malaysia is a popular overseas travel destination for Chinese tourists, having welcomed over 1.5 million Chinese visitors in 2023. Meanwhile, China remains one of Malaysia’s key tourist markets. The permanent visa exemption will significantly reduce travel costs and boost the recovery and growth of the tourism industry. It will also provide more convenience for cooperation in areas such as trade and investment.
Since December 2023, China and Malaysia have implemented a mutual visa exemption policy. This new agreement elevates it to a permanent arrangement, representing a higher level of cooperation and showcasing the strong mutual trust and deep friendship between the two countries. Malaysia has thus become the first ASEAN country to establish a permanent mutual visa exemption with China, setting a positive example that may lead to similar arrangements between China and other ASEAN members, further promoting regional integration.
The Chinese side stated that this move will “further promote bilateral personnel exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and advance the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.” The Malaysian side also welcomed the agreement, noting that it will enhance cultural exchanges, expand economic ties, and support the comprehensive development of bilateral relations.
