Travel guide: Applying for a China visa for Malaysians 2025

From 17 July 2025, you can enter China from Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days per 180 day period. Malaysian citizens can now enjoy travel to China without the need for a visa

Planning a trip to China? With so much to see and do, China is a popular destination. But before you travel you’ll need to make sure you have all the correct paperwork in order. This guide walks through how to apply for a China visa for Malaysian citizens and legal residents. We’ll also cover the China visa fee for Malaysians, and the documents you may need to prepare before you can get your application moving.

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Does a Malaysian need a visa to China?

As of 17 July 2025, Malaysians will receive visa-free entry to China for short-term visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is an extension from the previous agreement where ordinary passport holders of Malaysian citizenship who come to China for the purposes of doing business, sightseeing, seeing relatives or friends, making transits, attending exchange programs or making visits, can enter China visa-free and stay in the country for no more than 30 days.

If you're from Malaysia and want to stay for a longer period, or have other purposes of visit, you will still need to obtain a visa before going to China.

This guide will mainly focus on the visa options for tourists headed to China. In this case the visa category you need is likely to be an L type visa - if you’re headed to China for any other reason, check out the different visa categories available on the Visa for China website¹, to see which meets your needs.

How to get a China visa for Malaysians

If you need a visa you can apply for your China visa at the visa application centre closest to your home in Malaysia or online since August '24². Application centres are in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Penang³, and you can either apply in person yourself or have a third party - like an agent - apply on your behalf at the centre. For online application, visit the visa application service centre.

When should I apply for my China visa?

You’re advised to apply for your China visa at least a month before your planned date of travel, but not more than 3 months in advance of your expected travel date.⁸

Can I apply for a China visa online from Malaysia?

Yes now you can apply for a China visa online⁴ Find the instructions for filling out the application form in the visa centre here

China visa - supporting documents required

The exact documents you need will vary based on the visa type you are applying for (which you can find on the visa centre website). The officers at the visa application centre are also entitled to ask for additional paperwork if they believe it is required. Prior to the visa-free pilot until December 31 2025, for a tourist visa for China you had to prepare:

• Your original passport with at least 6 months validity
• Photocopies of your passport
• Completed visa application form
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of legal status in Malaysia if you’re not a Malaysian citizen
• Copies of any previously held China visas or Chinese passports
• Details of your travel plans including tickets and your itinerary

China visa application Malaysia: fees

The fees you pay for your China visa are made up of the following:

• China visa fee charged by the Chinese Embassy
• China visa fee payable to the service centre

There are differing rates based on the specific visa needed, your nationality and how quickly you need your visa to be processed. Let’s look at the total costs for a Malaysian citizen⁵:

Fees can be paid in cash or by card, and need to be settled at the point you collect your visa if you’re completing the application in person at the centre.

Sample China visa application form - Malaysia

You can get a sample China visa application form here, so you can see in advance all of the information that will be required. Then simply head to the China visa website, and start your visa application form online⁶.

Once you’ve entered your information you’ll need to save it, and you can’t proceed from one section to the next until all the detail has been entered. When everything is complete you can print your form and get ready to attend your appointment at the visa application centre.

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