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China visa-free entry for Malaysians (2025 Guide)

Guide

October 13, 2025

Kit Neoh

Quick Answer

Malaysians get visa-free entry to China from 17 July 2025 for up to 30 days per entry, with a hard cap of 90 days in any rolling 180-day window. Hotels will sort your temporary residence registration, but if you're staying in a private home or rental, you need to register with the local police within 24 hours in cities or 72 hours in rural areas. COVID-era rules like tests, vaccine certificates, quarantine, and the health declaration form aren’t required right now. At the border, declare foreign currency above USD 5,000. Over CNY 20,000 cash isn’t allowed at all. Always re-check the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia before you lock plans.

Key Facts

Visa-free stays are up to 30 days per entry, with a 90-days-in-180-days cap
Valid for ordinary passports and trips for tourism, business, family visits, and transit
Hotels register you; otherwise register with local police (24h city / 72h rural)
As of 14 Jan 2025, no COVID tests, vaccine proof, quarantine, or health declaration
Declare foreign currency over USD 5,000; carrying more than CNY 20,000 cash is prohibited
Most direct flights depart Kuala Lumpur; typical flight times run 4–7 hours
Rules can change quickly—confirm on the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia site before travel
If visa-free doesn’t fit your purpose or length, apply for a visa

Step-by-Step

Confirm you meet visa-free criteria: Malaysian passport, purpose allowed, ≤30 days stay
Count your days to avoid exceeding 90 total within any 180 days
Secure your stay address; hotels auto-register, private stays require self-registration
Register with local police within 24 hours (urban) or 72 hours (rural) if not in a hotel
Prepare for customs: keep foreign cash ≤USD 5,000 unless declaring; do not exceed CNY 20,000
Re-check official guidance just before departure

Common Variations / Edge Cases

Multiple entries are fine if each stay is ≤30 days and you stay under 90 days in 180 days
Homestays and rentals always require police registration by the guest or host
If your passport details change, update your temporary residence registration
Rural stays get 72 hours to register instead of 24 hours
Non-eligible purposes or longer stays require a visa
Over CNY 20,000 cash is prohibited even if you plan to declare it
Foreign currency above USD 5,000 must be declared via the Red Channel

Compare Your Options

Option	Best For	Key Benefit	Caveat
Visa-free entry (30 days)	Short trips (tourism, business, family, transit)	No visa process	90/180 cap applies
Apply for a visa	Longer stays or other purposes	Longer validity or specific permissions	Application and fees

Pros & Cons

Pros: Easy short trips; no current COVID requirements; hotel auto-registration
Cons: 90/180 cap limits frequent travel; self-registration needed for private stays; strict cash rules

FAQs

Do Malaysians need a visa to enter China in 2025?
From 17 July 2025, Malaysians can enter visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, capped at 90 days in any 180 days.
What entry purposes are covered by visa-free?
Tourism, business, family visits, and transit for ordinary passports.
How does the 90 days in 180 days rule work?
Sum all days in China over the past 180 days; the total must be ≤90.
Do I need to register my stay?
Yes. Hotels register you; private stays must be registered with local police within 24 hours (city) or 72 hours (rural).
Are COVID tests or vaccine certificates required now?
As of 14 January 2025, no tests, vaccine proof, quarantine, or health declaration are required.
What are the cash limits at entry?
Declare foreign currency over USD 5,000; carrying more than CNY 20,000 cash is prohibited.
Where do flights usually depart in Malaysia?
Mainly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), with flight times around 4–7 hours depending on the destination.
What if I’m not eligible for visa-free entry?
Apply for the appropriate visa based on purpose and duration.