10.06.2025 (12:01 PM)

China has launched a special visa program called the ASEAN Visa for business travelers from ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste, a country awaiting ASEAN membership, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on June 3.

ASEAN member countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

Qualified travelers from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, along with their spouses and children, will be issued ASEAN visas.

The visas will allow multiple entries and exits to China within five years, with a maximum stay of 180 days.

With the increase in mutual travel between China and Southeast Asian countries, the new program aims to further facilitate cross-border travel in the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference.

The ASEAN visa program comes after China previously signed visa-free agreements with regional countries including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.