Malaysia to offer visa-free entry to China and India nationals to boost economy

Arrangement starts in December, also applies to Gulf state travelers

Tourists pose for photos in Kuala Lumpur in October. Like its Southeast Asian neighbors, Malaysia is desperate to bring back Chinese travelers now that COVID-related restrictions have been abandoned. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

November 27, 2023 19:26 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia will allow visa-free entry to citizens from China, India and several Middle Eastern countries starting next month in a bid to increase arrivals and boost the economy.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed the plan on Sunday at the closing of his People's Justice Party (PKR) convention, saying the country will allow citizens from those nations to enter and stay in Malaysia without a visa for "up to 30 days."