Malaysia has extended its Malaysia visa exemption China India program through the end of 2026, giving travelers from both countries another full year of 30-day visa-exempt entry for tourism and business. The exemption has been in place since late 2023 and has been renewed each year since; this latest extension keeps it running until December 31, 2026, matching the government’s continued push under our Malaysia visa guide to make entry easier for its largest source markets.
Who Qualifies for the Malaysia Visa Exemption (China, India)
The exemption covers Chinese and Indian passport holders entering Malaysia for tourism, social visits, or business meetings — up to 30 days per visit, with no entry visa required in advance. It does not cover work or study: anyone entering Malaysia to take up employment or enroll in a course still needs to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling, regardless of nationality.
The MDAC Still Applies
Visa-free entry doesn’t mean paperwork-free entry. Travelers from China and India still need to complete and submit Malaysia’s Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, just like every other visitor — it’s free, done online, and only submittable in the 72 hours before you land.
Why It Matters
The Malaysia visa exemption China India covers two of Malaysia’s fastest-growing tourism markets — Chinese arrivals were up 25.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 alone. Keeping the visa exemption in place removes one of the biggest friction points for travelers from both countries, and comes as Malaysia prepares for a bigger-than-usual Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationalities | China, India |
| Duration | Up to 30 days per visit |
| Valid until | December 31, 2026 |
| Purpose covered | Tourism, social visits, business (not work/study) |
| Pre-arrival requirement | Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), still mandatory |
What This Means for Travelers
If you’re arriving from China or India, you can plan a Malaysia trip through 2026 without applying for a visa in advance — just don’t forget the MDAC. For everything else you’ll need to sort before flying, see our breakdown of money in Malaysia — currency, ATMs, and daily costs, and our practical guide to whether Malaysia is safe for tourists.
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