China Unveils 5-Years ‘ASEAN Visa’ With 180-Day Stay for 11 Southeast Asian Nations

In a landmark diplomatic and economic move, China has officially launched its new “ASEAN Visa” program—a powerful gesture of friendship and future-oriented integration for the 10 ASEAN countries and observer state Timor-Leste. The announcement was made during a press briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on June 3, 2025.

What is the New “ASEAN Visa”?

The newly rolled-out “ASEAN Visa” is a multi-entry visa valid for five (05) years, specifically designed for business personnel, their spouses and children from:

• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Timor-Leste (ASEAN observer)

The Highlights:

More Than a Visa — A Vision of Regional Unity

The launch of the ASEAN Visa builds upon China’s existing mutual visa exemption agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and complements the Lancang-Mekong Visa initiative for Mekong-region cooperation.

“The ASEAN visa reflects China’s commitment to creating a shared future with ASEAN countries, emphasizing regional peace, prosperity, and environmental beauty,” — Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Beyond ASEAN: China’s Expanding Visa-Free Diplomacy

Just days prior, on June 1, 2025, China granted unilateral visa-free access to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. It has also welcomed all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries into its visa-free policy framework.

With these new additions, 43 countries now enjoy unilateral visa-free access to China, signaling the country’s unprecedented openness and strategic diplomatic outreach.

Economic Pulse: China’s Opening Pays Off

The results of China’s open-door policy are already evident:

• • 9 million+ foreigners entered China in Q1 2025 — up 40% year-on-year
  • Over 18,000 new foreign-invested companies established between January and April 2025 — a 12.1% increase

These numbers underscore China’s clear intent: to foster global partnerships through mobility, investment, and cross-cultural exchange.

What’s Next?

Spokesperson Lin confirmed that China plans to further expand the list of visa-free countries and continue refining entry facilitation systems to make China a global hub for business, travel, and collaboration.

“More foreign friends will be able to experience China’s modern infrastructure, reliable services, and limitless cooperation potential,” Lin emphasized.

References

1. https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202506/03/content_WS683efb48c6d0868f4e8f30c1.html