Malaysia will no longer require a visa from Chinese tourists wishing to travel the country, an offer with validity from January to December 2020. The 15-day visa-free travel period is in support of the country's bid to push its Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign where the government aims to invite 30 million visitors to pump $24 billion into its tourism industry by the end of 2020.
The law was signed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Dec ember 26. Now, officials from both countries are reminding Chinese tourists to abide by the conditions set within the visa-free entry.
Among conditions are that Chinese tourists should register through Malaysia's electronic travel registration and information system. Registration can be done via Malaysia's Electronic Travel Registration and Information or eNTRI. They can also register through China'based travel agents who are officially registered with the Malaysian Consulate.
Once registered, tourists must travel to Malaysia within three months. They may only enter and exit through Malaysia's authorized airports or seven border crossings that include Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Johor Bahru Train Station, Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Sungai Tujoh, and Teudngan immigration control post.
Upon arrival in Malaysia, the tourists must show proof that they have enough cash to fund their stay in the country. They must also provide the exact itineraries they plan on taking while in the country. After leaving the country, they may only re-apply for the same visa program after 45 days of their exit from Malaysia.
Malaysian Immigration Department Director-General Khairul Dzaimee calls on interested Chinese tourists to abide by these conditions so their travel plans can go on smoothly.
Malaysia wanted to connect and reach out to millions of tourists not just from China but also in India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
In 2018, Malaysia's tourism industry earned 84.1 billion ringgit from 2.9 million tourists. That year, travelers came from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei. This year, Malaysia hopes to increase travelers to 3.5 million.
In conjunction with this, Tourism Malaysia partnered with Mafengwo, Chinese travel services, and social media platforms to achieve the number of tourists coming to the country.
Meanwhile, tourism officials from both countries are planning a short course on travel etiquettes to guide tourists about the proper behavior when in sacred places in Malaysia. This was after a number of tourists made it to headlines last year due to inappropriate behavior in holy temples in the country.
