In a strategic move to deepen regional ties and spur economic integration, China has officially launched a new “ASEAN visa” scheme, allowing business travellers from all 10 ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to enter the country multiple times for up to 180 days per visit.
The visa—announced on June 3 by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—is a five-year, multiple-entry business visa aimed at facilitating smoother cross-border movement across Asia’s most dynamic economic corridor.
Who’s Eligible?
Citizens from the 10 ASEAN countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar—along with Timor-Leste, are eligible for the new visa. The scheme also covers spouses and children of the main visa holders, a rare inclusion that makes it family-friendly for long-term business activities.
“This initiative will further promote regional mobility and deepen cooperation between China and Southeast Asia,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian in a press briefing. He emphasized that the move reflects China’s commitment to high-level openness and deeper people-to-people ties across Asia.
Not Just Symbolic: It’s Strategic
The ASEAN visa builds upon China’s existing wave of visa-free and relaxed-entry agreements, particularly with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, whose citizens currently enjoy 30-day visa-free stays for tourism and business purposes.
The launch also complements China’s “Lancang-Mekong visa”, initiated in late 2024, which offers five-year business visas to nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—nations tied closely by the Mekong River and regional trade initiatives.
China’s Expanding Visa-Free Diplomacy
The new visa announcement comes amid a broader visa liberalization push by Beijing. Just this month, China began unilateral visa-free access for citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—a clear signal of its intent to position itself as a more globally connected destination.
Similarly, citizens from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries now enjoy visa-free access to China as part of broader diplomatic and trade overtures in the Middle East.
Rising Regional Traffic
China welcomed over 9 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025 alone—a 40% increase from the same period last year. Much of that growth is coming from Southeast Asia, where China's economic influence and travel demand continue to climb.
According to Lin, “This growing list of nations granted easier access to China reflects our commitment to building an open world economy. China will continue to optimise its entry policies and expand the list of visa-free countries.”
Why It Matters for Southeast Asia
For ASEAN businesses, the “ASEAN visa” could dramatically cut red tape and travel costs, particularly for companies involved in supply chain management, cross-border manufacturing, tech partnerships, and the digital economy.
It’s also a soft power move. While Washington’s global appeal has plateaued in some parts of Asia, China’s accessible travel policies could serve as a diplomatic win—especially as more Southeast Asian students, tourists, and entrepreneurs shift their attention toward the East.
