Great news for Malaysians planning a trip to China: starting next week, Malaysian travelers can enjoy an extended visa-free travel period of up to 30 days, doubling the current 15-day allowance.

The Chinese Embassy in Malaysia announced the update on its official Facebook page yesterday (Nov 22). The new policy will be effective from November 30, 2024, and remain valid until midnight on December 31, 2025.

The visa-free entry is available to Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passports traveling for purposes such as business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, attending exchange programs, or making transits. These travelers can enter China without the need for a visa and stay for up to 30 days.

However, the embassy clarified that those traveling for purposes outside these specified categories will still require a visa.

The extension of the visa-free policy comes as part of efforts to strengthen the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year. On May 31, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi announced the agreement during his visit to Beijing to mark the milestone.

This policy change is expected to encourage more Malaysians to visit China, whether for business, tourism, or cultural exchanges, further enhancing ties between the two nations.

For those planning to visit, this is an excellent opportunity to explore China's rich culture, history, and modern marvels, hassle-free.