No, visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, capped at 90 days in any 180-day period. Chinese ordinary passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days per entry under the China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption agreement that came into force on July 17, 2025. Total visa-free stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before arrival through the official immigration portal.
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Up to 30 days per entry; 90 days total in any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Multiple within the 90-in-180-day cap
from issue date
Visa fee
Free
consular fee only
Processing time
Instant at border
standard track
Validity
Agreement in force from July 17, 2025
from issue date
/02 — The process
How to apply
/01
Confirm visit purpose
The mutual exemption covers tourism, family/friend visits, business, exchange, private affairs, medical treatment, transit, and crew travel within the allowed stay.
· 30 days· ordinary passport
/02
Submit MDAC
Complete Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before arrival using the official Immigration Department portal.
· MDAC· online
/03
Prepare entry proof
Carry passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation, and funds evidence in case immigration asks.
· onward ticket· hotel
/04
Track the 90/180-day cap
Count earlier Malaysia stays before re-entering; the agreement caps cumulative stays at 90 days in any 180-day period.
· 90 days· 180 days
/05
Check entry stamp
Verify the Short Term Social Visit Pass date before leaving the immigration counter.
· 30 days· stamp
/03 — The paperwork
Required materials
10 items
Personalized checklist
China -> Malaysia · Mutual visa exemption
0 / 10 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredChinese ordinary passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
At least 6 months validity is commonly required for Malaysia entry
RequiredMDAC acknowledgement
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Submit through the official immigration portal
RequiredReturn or onward ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Within the permitted stay
RequiredAccommodation details
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Hotel, host, or full address
ConditionalFunds proof
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Cash, card, or statement if asked
Conditional90/180-day stay tracking
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Required if you have recent Malaysia entries
ConditionalPurpose evidence
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Tourism plan, business meeting, medical appointment, or family visit details if relevant
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing — Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement (effective 17 July 2025; page shows Last Update: 6 April 2023)
Submit before arrival through Malaysia Immigration's official portal.
Border clearance
On arrival
Immigration grants the Short Term Social Visit Pass.
Longer stay
Apply before travel
Use the correct visa or pass if staying beyond 30 days per entry, exceeding the 90/180-day cap, or working.
/06 — The risks
Common refusal reasons
by frequency
/01
Missing MDAC
Malaysia requires most foreign visitors to submit the digital arrival card before arrival.
High
/02
Passport validity under 6 months
This is a common airline and immigration check.
High
/03
No onward proof
Immigration can ask how and when you will leave Malaysia.
Medium
/04
Purpose not covered
Employment, residence, or long-term study requires a different pass or visa.
Medium
/05
Frequent long stays
Repeated entries near the maximum stay can exceed the 90-days-in-180 cap or trigger questions about residence.
Low
/07 — On arrival
After you land
/01
Immigration
Present passport, MDAC acknowledgement, return or onward ticket, and accommodation details if asked.
/02
Entry stamp
Check the Short Term Social Visit Pass stamp immediately. Overstays can affect future Malaysia entries.
/03
Connectivity
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are available at KLIA, major malls, and convenience stores.
/08 — The history
Policy changelog
since 2024
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2025-07-17 · major
China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption entered into force
The agreement allows ordinary passport holders to stay visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, with a cumulative limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.
2026-06-19
Route rechecked against official sources
Confirmed visa-free status and added the official 90-days-in-180 cumulative stay limit.
/09 — The questions
Frequently asked
Is MDAC the same as a visa?—
No. MDAC is an arrival card requirement. The visa exemption controls whether you need a visa.