Great news for travelers heading to China! The Bamboo Curtain country has taken another major step in regional relations by launching a new visa policy specifically for ASEAN countries.
Starting in 2025, citizens from 10 Southeast Asian countries—including Indonesia—can enjoy easier access to China through the newly introduced ASEAN Visa program. Check out all the details below!
About the ASEAN Visa Launched by China
The Chinese government officially launched the ASEAN Visa policy aimed at citizens of the 10 ASEAN member countries, including Indonesia. The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference in early June 2025.
Through this program, ASEAN citizens can apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years, with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit. Initially, the visa is focused on business purposes but also extends to family members of the visa holder, including spouses and children.
This policy aligns with China’s effort to strengthen cross-border relations through mutual visa waiver agreements, previously implemented with countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The ASEAN Visa also continues previous initiatives such as the Lancang-Mekong Visa, launched in November 2024, which provided similar convenience for business travelers from countries along the Mekong River.
The ASEAN Visa officially came into effect on June 9, 2025, and is expected to enhance economic cooperation, facilitate people-to-people mobility, and deepen bilateral ties between China and Southeast Asian countries.
Countries Included in the ASEAN Visa Scheme
The ASEAN Visa scheme launched by China includes all ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely:
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Vietnam
- Laos
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
- Brunei Darussalam
In addition, Timor-Leste, although not yet a full ASEAN member, has also been included in the program as part of China’s effort to strengthen regional relations.
With this broad inclusion, the new visa policy is expected to boost cross-border connectivity and cooperation in areas such as business, tourism, and cultural exchange between Southeast Asia and China.
Terms and Conditions for Obtaining the ASEAN Visa
To obtain China’s ASEAN Visa, applicants must meet several conditions. Initially focused on business travel, applicants are required to provide supporting documents such as:
- An invitation letter from a business partner in China
- Proof of cooperation or transaction
- A valid passport
Additionally, visa holders can apply for similar visas for immediate family members such as spouses and children, by providing proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
Although the process is more streamlined than regular visa applications, applicants must still undergo identity and security verification by Chinese immigration authorities. Visa applications can be submitted online via the official Chinese Visa Application Center, or in person at Chinese embassies or consulates in their respective countries.
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