China has officially introduced a new “ASEAN Visa” for citizens of the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.
According to spokesperson Lin Jian, the new visa will be available to eligible business professionals from these 11 countries, along with their spouses and children. The “ASEAN Visa” permits multiple entries over a five-year period and allows a maximum stay of up to 180 days per visit.
Lin explained that the initiative builds on China’s existing comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the “Lancang-Mekong Visa” program for nations along the Mekong River.
“The launch of the ASEAN Visa is a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating the movement of people,” Lin said. “It reflects our shared commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious China-ASEAN community with a shared future.”
China and Southeast Asian nations have seen increasingly close exchanges in recent years. Lin emphasized that streamlining visa access is a mutual goal, as both sides continue to deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.
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