Malaysia Visa Exemption Update: Chinese Nationals Face New 90-Day Cap in 180 Days from February 2026
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Published: 2026-02-18T14:00+05:30 (IST)
By Xavio
Malaysia has tightened its Malaysia visa exemption rules for Chinese nationals effective mid-February 2026, introducing a cumulative stay limit of 90 days within any 180-day period. Announced around February 13–17, 2026, this clarification applies to the mutual visa-exemption agreement with China, while Indian nationals continue to enjoy straightforward 30-day visa-free access until December 31, 2026.
The change prevents abuse of the facility for undeclared work (e.g., in construction or services) and ensures the program supports genuine tourism, business, and social visits.
Key Changes for Chinese Nationals
Under the bilateral agreement (effective since July 2025):
Per-Entry Stay: Up to 30 days visa-free per visit (no change).
Cumulative Limit: Total visa-free stays cannot exceed 90 days in any rolling 180-day window.
Enforcement: Immigration uses passport-scanning analytics at entry points; exceeding the cap may result in refusal of entry or penalties like a 5-year re-entry ban.
Purpose: Limited to tourism, business meetings, family visits, transit, etc. — not work or study (separate visas required).
This replaces an earlier phase where Chinese nationals could stay up to 90 days per entry (announced April 2025 extension). The new cap aligns with international norms and mirrors limits in other bilateral deals.
Status for Indian Nationals
Indian passport holders benefit from a separate extension (confirmed in 2025–2026 updates):
Visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit until December 31, 2026.
No cumulative cap mentioned in current announcements.
Applies to tourism, business, social visits, or transit.
Must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card pre-arrival.
Both nationalities must hold passports valid for at least 6 months and may need to show proof of onward travel or funds.
Background and Purpose
The visa liberalization began in December 2023 (initially to December 2024) to boost tourism and economy. Extensions and adjustments reflect Malaysia's balancing of open borders with migration control, especially amid ASEAN chairmanship and Visit Malaysia Year preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 90/180 cumulative limit apply to Indian nationals?
No — current sources confirm only Chinese nationals face this restriction under their bilateral agreement. Indians retain 30-day per-entry access without cumulative cap until end-2026.
Q: What if I exceed the 90-day limit for Chinese nationals?
Entry may be denied; repeated violations could lead to bans. Plan trips carefully and consider formal visas for longer or frequent stays.
Q: Is work or study allowed under visa-free?
No — both nationalities need appropriate Employment Pass, Student Pass, or other visas for those purposes.
Q: Do I need to apply for anything before arrival?
Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online pre-arrival for smooth entry.
Q: Where can I check official rules?
Refer to the Malaysian Immigration Department or Home Ministry announcements.
For official visa exemption details and updates, visit the Malaysian Immigration Department visa requirements page.
For the latest Malaysia visa news, entry guides, and application tips visit our country based immigration section.
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