China: Officials continue to adjust quarantine requirements for areas of mainland China as of Jan. 19 /update 31

Event

Macau continues to adjust quarantine requirements for medium- and high-risk areas of mainland China. Authorities will require travelers from affected locations to quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels. As of Jan. 19, the requirement is in place for travelers who have visited the following locations:

• Beijing: Dashanzi and Jiuxianqiao in Chaoyang District; Nanfaxin, Gaoliying, Shengli Street, Nancai, Renhe, Beishicao, and Zhaoquanying in Shunyi District; and Tiangongyuan Street in Daxing District

• Hebei Province: Shijiazhuang; Nangong City and Longyao County, Xingtai; and Gu'an County, Langfang

• Heilongjiang Province: Aihui District, Heihe City; Angangxi District, Qiqihar City; Xiangfang District, Harbin; Longfeng District, Daqing; and Suihua City

• Jilin Province: Tonghua City and Fanjiatun Town, Gongzhuling; Erdao District; and Luyuan District in Changchun

• Liaoning Province: Dalian and Shenyang

The government could adjust the list of affected locations at short notice.

Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau. Exceptions are in place for some foreign nationals related to Macau residents, students, and essential workers. Arrivals from all areas, except Taiwan and mainland China, must quarantine for 21 days.

Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory if they have not been to any other locations in the previous 21 days. Individuals from low-risk areas of mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within seven days upon their arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong must submit a negative COVID-19 test issued within 24 hours of arrival and undergo 21 days of quarantine under medical observation. Visitors from Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers must pay quarantine fees of USD 700; locals are exempt from the quarantine fee for their first entry but must pay for subsequent quarantine periods unless traveling for select purposes.

Officials have introduced a closed management system with Hong Kong for cargo crews. The program exempts shipping crew members from quarantine regulations as long as they undergo COVID-19 testing weekly, maintain adequate health standards, and refrain from disembarking in Hong Kong.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities will require travelers and residents to register their address or most frequented locations to receive a health code; residents must complete the registration by Jan. 20. Macau still requires COVID-19 testing for people attending social gatherings of more than 400 people. Facemasks remain mandatory in casinos, government offices, and on public transport. Thermal scanners are in place at all entry points into Macau, casinos, and many other businesses. Transport between Macau and Hong Kong remains available only via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Several airlines have suspended flights at Macau International Airport (MFM); further flight cancellations are possible amid low demand.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Consider postponing travel to Macau if impacted by travel restrictions. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings. Delay travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny, immigration delays, or mandatory quarantine. Confirm reservations and business appointments.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Macau Health Bureau (Chinese and Portuguese)
Macau Higher Education Bureau