China–Malaysia Visa Exemption Now Effective: Boosting Travel and Trade Ties

The China–Malaysia visa exemption agreement officially came into effect on July 17, 2025, allowing ordinary passport holders of both countries visa-free entry for short-term stays. This milestone not only simplifies cross-border travel but also comes at a time of deepening bilateral trade and diplomatic engagement, as the two countries strengthen their partnership amid global economic headwinds.

As of July 17, 2025, China and Malaysia have officially implemented a mutual visa exemption agreement, further strengthening people-to-people exchanges and business connectivity between the two countries.

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The agreement—formally titled Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Malaysia on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports and Public Affairs Passports—was signed on April 16, 2025, by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin.

It allows holders of valid Chinese ordinary or public affairs passports and Malaysian ordinary passports to enter, exit, or transit the other country without a visa for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180 days.

Permitted purposes include tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, private affairs, medical treatment, and international transportation (such as airline crew duties). Activities requiring long-term residence, employment, education, or media work still require a visa obtained in advance.

Read also: China’s Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates

Growing trade ties amid global uncertainties

The visa waiver comes at a time of deepening economic engagement between China and Malaysia, driven by resilient trade and shared interest in regional stability amid global trade turbulence.

From January to May 2025, bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached US$84.62 billion, a 2.8 percent year-on-year increase. During this period, China exported US$41.96 billion worth of goods to Malaysia (up 5.4 percent) and imported US$42.67 billion from Malaysia (up 0.5 percent).

In 2024, total bilateral trade hit US$212.03 billion, reflecting an 11.4 percent year-on-year increase, with Malaysia importing US$101.46 billion worth of Chinese goods and exporting US$110.57 billion to China. Notably, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

Malaysia’s main exports to China include integrated circuits, computers and components, palm oil, and plastic products. In return, China exports computers and parts, integrated circuits, garments, and textiles to Malaysia. The growing volume and diversification of traded goods underscore the strong complementarities in both economies.

Read also: China-Malaysia Closer Economic Ties and Opportunities

A partnership built for resilience

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The mutual visa exemption, coupled with robust trade growth, signals a deepening strategic relationship between China and Malaysia. Both countries continue to pursue high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with infrastructure, digital economy, and green energy among key areas of collaboration.

As the global economic landscape grows increasingly complex, China and Malaysia are setting a pragmatic example of regional cooperation, balancing openness, competitiveness, and mutual benefit.

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