If you hold a Malaysian ordinary passport, you can usually ignore the transit scheme. The mutual visa exemption lets eligible citizens enter, exit or transit China for travel without a visa[1], so a layover is already covered. The scheme still matters in one situation: a friend on a different passport.
This page helps you tell the two cases apart.
Why is the transit rule mostly not for you?
China’s transit policy is for foreigners who need an extra route in. The policy allows eligible foreigners to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in designated areas[2]. Malaysian passport holders already have visa-free entry, so the transit scheme is rarely needed for them[3].
Rules can change, so confirm the exemption itself on the official source. Our visa-free guide lists what to check.
When does the scheme matter for your group?
It matters when a friend or relative travels on another nationality. The 240-hour policy covered citizens of 55 countries as of June 2025[3], so that person must confirm their own passport is on the list now.
The conditions are strict. It requires an onward ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country or region[4]. The June 2025 announcement lists 60 open ports across 24 provinces, regions and municipalities[5].
What can you do during a transit stay?
Tourism, business, exchange visits and family visits are allowed. Work, study and news reporting need prior approval and the right visa[6].
A Malaysian traveller is covered by the exemption described above, which is wider in practice. For a plan with a few stops, see how the stay period counts on a multi-city trip.
How do you plan a layover?
Check these before you book.
- Your own entry basis: the Malaysian exemption.
- Each companion’s passport and the official transit page for it.
- A confirmed onward flight, if anyone relies on the transit scheme.
- Time for the arrival card and immigration (see our arrival card guide).
- The arrival hour, if your flight lands late (see late arrivals and early flights).
If you fly into one city and out of another, our open-jaw flights guide covers the booking side. The from Malaysia topic page gathers the rest.