Malaysia Updates Visa-Free Stay Rules for Travellers: 30 Days Per Visit

Planning a trip to Malaysia with a Chinese or Indian passport? There are a few important rules you should understand before booking your flight. Malaysia’s visa-free entry scheme remains in place for both countries. But the stay limits work slightly differently for Chinese and Indian travellers.

Let’s break down what it means for visa-free travellers to Malaysia.

New Stay Rules for Chinese Nationals

Chinese passport holders can enter Malaysia without applying for a visa in advance. Travellers will receive a Social Visit Pass on arrival.

Here’s the key update:

• Maximum 30 days per visit
• Total stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period

This replaces the earlier understanding of 90 days per entry.

In simple terms, you can visit multiple times, but your total time in Malaysia over six months must not go beyond 90 days.

Frequent travellers should count their days carefully.

Malaysia has also extended this visa exemption programme for Chinese nationals for another five years, showing a long-term commitment to easier travel between the two countries.

Visa-Free Entry for Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders also enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia under the same scheme introduced on 1 December 2023.

The programme for Indian nationals is currently valid until 31 December 2026.

Indian travellers receive a 30-day Social Visit Pass on arrival.

Unlike the updated clarification for Chinese nationals, the government has not formally introduced a 90-day-in-180-day cap specifically for Indian travellers. However, each entry is limited to 30 days.

That means Indian visitors must leave before their 30-day period ends. Overstaying can lead to fines or future entry issues.

What Is the Malaysia Social Visit Pass?

Under the visa waiver programme, travellers from China and India do not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Instead, immigration officers issue a Social Visit Pass at the airport or land border.

This pass allows short stays for:

• Tourism
• Business meetings and conferences
• Signing agreements
• Sports events
• Visiting friends and family

It does not allow:

• Employment
• Long-term study
• Permanent relocation

If your purpose is work or education, you must apply for the correct visa or eVisa before travelling.

Important: You Cannot Extend the 30-Day Stay

This is where most of the travellers make mistakes. The 30-day Social Visit Pass cannot be extended inside Malaysia. If you want to stay longer, you must exit the country and return. Even then, entry approval is always at the discretion of immigration officers.

For Chinese nationals, remember that re-entering does not reset the 180-day calculation. The 90-day total cap still applies.

Why Malaysia Is Offering Visa-Free Entry

Malaysia introduced this visa waiver to boost tourism and business travel, especially from China and India, two of its largest visitor markets.

Tourism plays a major role in the country’s economy. Easier entry encourages short holidays, shopping trips, corporate travel and repeat visits.

At the same time, the 30-day per visit limit helps authorities manage overstays more effectively.

It is a balance between openness and control.

What Travellers Should Check Before Flying

Before you board your flight to Malaysia, keep these practical points in mind:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months
• Do not exceed the 30-day stay limit
• Chinese travellers should track their total days within 180 days
• Keep proof of onward or return tickets
• Have hotel bookings or accommodation details ready

Malaysia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible destinations for short trips.

The entry process is simple. The beaches, food and cities are as welcoming as ever.

Just make sure you understand the stay limits so your holiday stays stress-free.