China: Authorities continuing coronavirus disease-related measures as of Dec. 8 /update 25

Event

As of Dec. 8, health officials in Macau continue to impose restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). While most business and gathering restrictions have been lifted, authorities still require COVID-19 testing for people attending social gatherings of more than 400 people. Protective face coverings continue to be mandatory in casinos, government offices, and on public transport. Thermal scanners are in place at all entry points into Macau as well as at 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.

Travel Restrictions
Macau continues to ban most foreign nationals from entering the territory. Exceptions are in place for family members of Macau residents, students, and essential workers.

Authorities are only allowing residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory. Individuals who have visited mainland China, outside of designated medium- and high-risk areas, within 14 days prior to arriving in Macau must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test issued within seven days upon arriving in the country. Arrivals who visited any designated medium- and high-risk areas in mainland China must quarantine for 14 days under centralized medical observation upon arrival in Macau. These higher-risk locations include some areas of Tianjin, areas of the Hulunbuir region in Inner Mongolia, multiple townships in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, and Pitong Town in Chengdu. Individuals entering who have visited Hong Kong within the last 14 days must submit a negative COVID-19 test issued with 24 hours and undergo 14 days of quarantine under medical observation. Individuals who have visited Taiwan within the last 14 days need to submit a negative COVID-19 test issued in the last seven days and quarantine for 14 days. Any Macau residents returning to the territory from a foreign country must also submit a negative COVID-19 test issued in the last seven days and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Officials require arrivals to 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.

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