China’s Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy is one of the most useful travel privileges for Malaysian passport holders who transit through China on the way to a third country.
If used correctly, TWOV allows Malaysians to enter China without applying for a visa, stay for a limited period, and even explore major cities — all while transiting.
This guide explains how TWOV works, how long you can stay, eligible cities, real travel examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
✈️ What Is Transit Without Visa (TWOV)?
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) allows eligible foreign travellers to enter China without a visa while transiting to a third country or region, provided certain conditions are met.
In simple terms:
You travel
Malaysia → China → Third Country
➡ You may enter China visa-free for a short stay.
❌ Not considered transit:
- Malaysia → China → Malaysia
- Malaysia → China → another Malaysian city
- China as your final destination
🧳 How Many Days Can Malaysians Stay Visa-Free in China?
起降费上调+旅游热中国机场股今年涨上天！_上市公司_民航资源网_CARNOC.com
Malaysian passport holders are eligible for three main TWOV durations, depending on the city of entry.
⏳ 1️⃣ 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Available at almost all international airports
- Some cities restrict movement outside the airport
📌 Example:
Kuala Lumpur → Beijing (10-hour layover) → Seoul
➡ Eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit
⏳ 2️⃣ 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Available in selected cities
- Stay limited to the same city
📌 Example:
Penang → Guangzhou → Tokyo
➡ Up to 72 hours in Guangzhou
⏳ 3️⃣ 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Most Popular)
- Equivalent to 6 days
- Covers multiple major cities and regions
- Best option for sightseeing during transit
Popular 144-hour TWOV regions include:
- Beijing – Tianjin – Hebei
- Shanghai – Jiangsu – Zhejiang
- Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
- Chengdu (Sichuan)
- Chongqing
- Liaoning (Shenyang, Dalian)
📌 Example 1:
Kuala Lumpur → Shanghai → Paris
➡ 144-hour visa-free stay in Shanghai & nearby provinces
📌 Example 2:
Kuala Lumpur → Guangzhou → Osaka
➡ 144-hour visa-free stay within Guangdong Province
🔍 Transit Without Visa vs Visa-Free Tourism
white and blue airplane beside building Via Unsplash (by Nathan John)
This is one of the most misunderstood points.
✈️ Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
- China is not your final destination
- Third-country ticket required
- Limited stay (24 / 72 / 144 hours)
- Restricted movement area
🧳 Visa-Free Tourism
- China is the main destination
- No onward ticket required
⚠️ Important for Malaysians:
China currently does NOT offer nationwide visa-free tourism for Malaysian passport holders.
If China is your destination, a visa is still required.
🧐 Important TWOV Conditions Malaysians Must Know
The Great Wall of China
✅ Basic Requirements
- Malaysian passport (usually 6 months validity)
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Entry via an approved port
- Stay within permitted duration
- Travel only within allowed regions
🧭 Movement Restrictions
TWOV does not allow nationwide travel.
📌 Examples:
- Enter Shanghai → travel only within Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang
- Enter Guangzhou → travel only within Guangdong
❌ Travel outside approved regions is not allowed.
🧾 Do You Need to Apply in Advance?
No visa application is required.
However, you must:
- Inform the airline at check-in
- Show your onward ticket
- Apply for TWOV upon arrival at immigration
💡 Tip: Carry printed flight itineraries, as some airline staff may be unfamiliar with TWOV rules.
🌏 Who Is Eligible for China TWOV?
China’s TWOV policy applies to many nationalities, including:
Asia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Japan
- South Korea
Europe & Americas
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Most EU countries
- Australia
- New Zealand
📌 Allowed stay duration may differ by nationality.
❌ Common Reasons Malaysians Are Denied TWOV
- No confirmed third-country ticket
- Route is Malaysia → China → Malaysia
- Exceeding allowed stay duration
- Planning to visit non-approved cities
- Airline misunderstanding TWOV eligibility
🧭 Real Travel Route Examples
✅ Eligible Routes
- Kuala Lumpur → Beijing → London
- Penang → Shanghai → Rome
- Kuala Lumpur → Chengdu → Tokyo
❌ Not Eligible
- Kuala Lumpur → Shanghai → Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Lumpur → Beijing → Penang
449588 ditempah
✅ Final Thoughts: Is China TWOV Worth Using?
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing features intricate architecture against a bright blue sky. Via Pexels (by YiTian)
Absolutely — especially for Malaysians.
China’s Transit Without Visa policy is ideal if you:
- Are flying to Europe, Japan, Korea, or North America
- Have a long layover in China
- Want to explore a Chinese city without applying for a visa
- Prefer flexibility and cost savings
As long as you plan your route carefully, understand city restrictions, and prepare your documents, TWOV can turn a simple transit into a mini China trip.
✈️ Use TWOV wisely, and make your transit part of the journey — not just the wait.
Essential Chinese Apps
China Hotel Recommendations
🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users
Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.
Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!
🔥New User Coupon: Save More with an Extra 5% Off
Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off (up to S$4) on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours! ⏳Redeem within 3 days of claiming
【5% OFF】China’s Must-Visit Attractions
Check out some of China’s must-see spots! 👀
