China to extend visa-free travel period for M'sians to 30 days

China is extending its visa-free entry period for 38 eligible countries from 15 days to 30 days, including travellers with Malaysian passports.

The new measure will be in effect from Nov 30 this year until the end of 2025, according to a report by Sin Chew Daily today.

The report also quoted China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian saying that for tourism, business, social, and transit purposes allowed by the current visa-free regime, the facility will also be extended to exchange visitors.

China initially allowed 15-day visa-free travel on a trial basis for Malaysians from Dec 1 last year until Nov 30 this year, which Malaysia reciprocated by allowing travellers from China to visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days.

In May, China extended the scheme until the end of 2025 but retained the 15-day entry period.

Later that month, however, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said China had agreed to extend it to 30 days and this would be implemented once an agreement had been signed.

Malaysia has also been in talks with China to extend the visa-free exemption end date to Dec 31, 2026, rather than the end of 2025.

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