China Entry Requirements for Malaysian Citizens

We are an independent information and assistance service, not the Chinese government or the National Immigration Administration.

Information about this new digital system is still being updated, and more details are expected around and after November 20, 2025.

If you hold a Malaysian passport and you’re planning a trip to mainland China, you’ll usually need to complete a China Arrival Card as part of the entry process. Since 20 November 2025, many foreign travelers are asked to submit this digital form before or on arrival, often replacing the old paper card.

This page explains:

  • The China entry requirements for Malaysian travelers
  • What is the China Arrival Card for Malaysian citizens
  • How ArrivalCardChina.com helps you prepare your details online from Malaysia

Do Malaysian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter China?

Malaysian passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist trips to China thanks to the China-Malaysia visa exemption agreement (July 17, 2025).

At this time, China grants visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit, and up to 90 days within any 180-day period, to citizens of Malaysia.

The visa exemption works well for short vacations, family visits, and business meetings. If Malaysians plan to stay longer or travel for other purposes, they may need to apply for the relevant Chinese visa before their trip.

What documents do citizens of Malaysia need to enter China?

China's entry requirements for Malaysian citizens include:

  • Valid Malaysian passport: Recommended to have at least 6 months’ validity left, your passport must be in good condition and match your ticket details
  • Correct permission to enter China: A visa, visa-free entry, or transit permission (depending on your situation), Malaysian travelers must always check the latest rules by Chinese authorities or their airline details before traveling.
  • China Arrival Card for Malaysian Citizens: Completed with accurate identity, travel, and stay details (digital format is always preferred)
  • Travel and accommodation details: Return or onward ticket (where required) and hotel booking or the full address of your host/company in China
  • Any extra documents required at the time of travel for example, proof of funds, travel insurance, or updated health declarations if requested by authorities

Have these documents ready to enjoy a smooth entry into Malaysia.

Do Malaysians Require a China Arrival Card?

Malaysian passport holders entering mainland China must now complete the China Arrival Card.

The card is:

  • An entry form, not a visa
  • Used by immigration officers to confirm who you are, how you’re travelling, and where you’ll stay
  • An extra step in addition to your passport and any required visa

Even if you already have a Chinese visa or qualify for short-term transit, you may still be asked to complete the arrival card upon entering the country.

How Long Can Malaysian Visitors Stay in China?

The China Arrival Card does not decide how long you can stay in China. The maximum stay for a Malaysian visitor is determined by:

  • The type of visa you hold, if any (business, family visit, study, transit, etc.)
  • The number of entries and the duration printed on your visa (if any)
  • Any visa-free or transit policies that apply to Malaysian citizens

The arrival card to enter China simply needs to match your planned stay and travel purpose. If you extend or change your plans in China, you must follow local rules, which may include updating your address or registering with the local authorities.

Malaysia–China Transit and Connecting Flights

Many Malaysian travelers reach China by:

  • Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur or other Malaysian airports
  • Connecting flights via hubs such as Hong Kong, Macao, or regional airports

Some short transit cases may follow a simplified procedure or specific transit rules, but these depend on:

  • Your exact route and airline
  • Whether you leave the international transit area
  • Current Chinese immigration policies

If you’re unsure whether a transit exception applies to you, the safest option is to prepare your China Arrival Card for Malaysians as if you’ll need it. That way, your details are ready if immigration officers ask for them.

What Information Do Malaysians Need for the China Arrival Card?

The China Arrival Card for Malaysian travelers is a short form, but all details must match your passport and tickets.

  1. Passport details

    Malaysian citizens will be asked for:

    • Full name as shown on your Malaysian passport
    • Passport number
    • Nationality (Malaysia)
    • Date of birth
    • Passport expiry date

    Any typing errors or mismatched details can slow down border checks, so it’s essential to copy everything exactly as printed in your passport.

  2. Trip and stay information

    Typical questions include:

    • Date and port of arrival in China
    • Flight number or other transport details (for example, your Kuala Lumpur–China flight)
    • Main destination city
    • Planned length of stay in days
    • Accommodation address in China (hotel, short-term rental, or private host)

    Have your booking confirmations open when you fill in the form. It makes it easier to avoid mistakes in names, addresses, or dates.

  3. Contact details and simple declarations

    Depending on current rules, the form may also ask for:

    • Mobile phone number and email address
    • Emergency contact person
    • Basic health or recent-travel declarations

    ArrivalCardChina.com presents these questions in clear, step-by-step screens so Malaysian travelers can answer confidently without worrying about legal or overly complicated language.

Important: The China Arrival Card itself does not set the maximum stay for U.S. citizens. The visa does.

How to Complete the China Arrival Card from Malaysia

You don’t need to wait until you reach the border. You can prepare your information before leaving Malaysia so that the official process is much faster.

  1. Step 1: Get your details ready

    Keep these close to you:

    • Malaysian passport
    • Flight or transport booking
    • Hotel confirmation or host’s full address
    • Main travel dates and plans in China

  2. Step 2: Use our guided online form

    On ArrivalCardChina.com you can:

    • Answer short questions in clear English
    • Enter your passport, trip, and accommodation details in guided fields
    • Upload or confirm information so everything is in one place

    Our platform is designed for quick, mobile-friendly reading so you can complete it easily from your phone or laptop.

  3. Step 3: Let our team check your information

    Before we send you the final instructions, our specialists review your details for:

    • Missing mandatory fields
    • Obvious typing errors (for example, an extra digit in your passport number)
    • Inconsistencies between your answers

    If something looks unclear, our Customer Support team gets in touch so you can correct it in time for your trip.

  4. Step 4: Receive clear arrival guidance

    Once your data is organized, we send Malaysian applicants simple instructions on how to use it and the next steps.

How ArrivalCardChina.com Supports Malaysian Travelers

ArrivalCardChina.com is an independent assistance service, not the Chinese government or the National Immigration Administration.

For Malaysian citizens and residents, we:

  • Provide up-to-date, specialized information about the China Arrival Card
  • Offer a simple online form focused only on this document
  • Review your answers to help catch common errors before you travel
  • Offer multilingual customer support in 15+ languages (including English, Chinese, and others) so you can contact us in a language that’s comfortable for you
  • Protect your data with SSL encryption and never sell your personal details to third parties
  • Allow you to request a refund of our service fee (not any government fee) if your arrival-card–related request is rejected, according to the conditions on our site

Our goal is to make the “paperwork” side of your Malaysia–China trip feel predictable and manageable.

FAQs: China Entry Requirements for Malaysian Travelers

Can Malaysians enter China without a visa? Toggle faqs

Yes, Malaysians can enter China without a visa, provided the trip does not exceed 30 days per visit (and 90 days within any 180-day period). You only need:

  • A valid Malaysian passport
  • A confirmed outbound ticket
  • Accommodation details for your stay
  • China Arrival Card

If your travel plans involve a more extended stay or a different purpose, you’ll need to check the Chinese visa options available for Malaysian nationals.

Is the China Arrival Card mandatory for Malaysians? Toggle faqs

Yes, the China Arrival Card is mandatory for Malaysian citizens. Malaysian passport holders entering mainland China are expected to complete an arrival card, even if they already have a valid visa or qualify for a short transit stay.

I am traveling from Malaysia to China with my family. Can I complete one arrival card for all my relatives? Toggle faqs

No. Each Malaysian traveler, including children, typically needs their own China Arrival Card. Parents or guardians can fill it in on behalf of minors, but the details must correspond to each child’s Malaysian passport.

I’m flying from Malaysia via Hong Kong or Macao. Do I still need the China arrival card? Toggle faqs

If you’re a foreign traveler (Malaysian passport holder) crossing from Hong Kong, Macao, or another region into mainland China, you should assume you’ll need to complete the China Arrival Card, unless you clearly belong to an official exemption group.

What if a U.S. citizen makes a mistake on the arrival card? Toggle faqs

If a mistake is noticed before travel, travelers from the U.S. using ArrivalCardChina.com can reply to the Customer Support team so corrections can be handled promptly.