China: Officials intensify entry restrictions, expand quarantine requirement as of Dec. 24 /update 27

Event

Macau has further enhanced entry restrictions for people from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as of Dec. 24, due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns. Officials will no longer allow permitted travelers from those locations who have traveled to foreign countries within the preceding 21 days to enter the territory; the previous limit was 14 days. Health authorities expanded the quarantine period to 21 days for all arrivals, except from Taiwan and most of mainland China, Dec. 21.

Officials require travelers from medium- and high-risk areas of mainland China to quarantine for two weeks at designated facilities and under central medical observation. As of Dec. 24, authorities are requiring travelers who have visited Beiling Street, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, to quarantine. Mandatory quarantine is also in place for travelers who have visited Dashanzi and Jiuxianqiao in Beijing; Pintong, Tangchang, Xipu towns and Tiaodenghe Street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province; Dongning Town and Suifenhe City in Heilongjiang Province; Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region; Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; and Xianjin and Guangzhong streets in Dalian, Liaoning Province. The government could adjust the list of affected locations at short notice.

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, 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
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. Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory.

Individuals from low-risk areas of mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within seven days upon 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.

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