China: Officials in Macau adjust quarantine requirements for travelers from areas of mainland China as of Feb. 18 /update 38

Event

Macau continues to implement border restrictions with parts of mainland China to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau, though exceptions are in place for some foreigners related to Macau residents, students, and essential workers.

Residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan and Macau citizens can 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 only need to submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within seven days of their arrival. However, officials require travelers from medium- and high-risk areas of mainland China to quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels. Affected travelers must also participate in "self-health management," which entails restricting travel to work or school, wearing a facemask in public, and twice-daily temperature checks, for an additional 14 days. As of Feb. 18, the requirements are in place for travelers from the following locations in mainland China:

• Hebei Province: Shijiazhuang

• Heilongjiang Province: Limin Development Zone and Hulan District, Harbin City; Suihua City

• Jilin Province: Tonghua City

• Shanghai: Gaodong Town, Pudong New Area

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

Visitors from Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. 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. Arrivals from international locations must quarantine for 21 days. Affected people must receive a negative COVID-19 test result the day before the management period ends. 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. Travelers in quarantine for 14 days must carry out self-health management for an additional 14 days, while individuals in quarantine for 21 days must carry out self-health management for the next seven days.

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 require travelers and residents to register their address or most frequented locations to receive a health code. 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.

Resources

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