China Launches 5-Year 'ASEAN Visa' for Business Travelers

By Billy Jiang, June 5, 2025

China has unveiled a groundbreaking visa policy aimed at boosting business and mobility within Southeast Asia.

During the recent ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, Chinese authorities announced the rollout of the 'ASEAN Visa,' a new visa category granting eligible business personnel—and their spouses and children—from all 10 ASEAN countries and observer state Timor-Leste a five-year multiple-entry visa, with each stay allowed for up to 180 days.

This policy builds on recent progress in regional visa facilitation, including full visa waivers between China and countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the existing 'Lancang-Mekong Visa' issued to Mekong region nations.

The move is designed to further enhance cross-border flow and strengthen regional ties, making long-term business engagement in China significantly easier for ASEAN citizens, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

However, the exact implementation date and application procedures for the ASEAN Visa have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities advise eligible travelers to consult their local Chinese consulate or embassy for detailed information and guidance.

The introduction of the ASEAN Visa also comes amid a wave of entry policy reforms targeting business and tourism.

Starting June 1, ordinary passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can now enjoy 30-day visa-free travel to China.

From June 9, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia will be granted the same benefit.

Early indicators suggest that these efforts are paying off.

In the first quarter of 2025, over 9 million foreign nationals entered China through various ports, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, more than 18,000 new foreign-invested companies were established in the first four months, marking a 12.1% year-on-year growth.

The ASEAN Visa is expected to attract even more long-term business travelers and families seeking closer cooperation with China—solidifying the country’s role as a regional hub for trade, innovation, and opportunity.

Interested in the new ASEAN Visa?

Stay tuned for upcoming guides on how to apply and what to prepare for your long-term journey to China, and follow our WeChat official account, ThatsGBA.

[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]