China: Macau easing entry ban for foreign nationals as of March 18; most foreigners remain banned /update 41

Event

Macau has slightly eased its border controls for some travelers as of March 18. Under the revised measures, the government permits foreign nationals to enter the territory from mainland China, provided their travel originated in Macau and they did not travel to any other location during the journey. Authorities have also eliminated a requirement for passengers from Taiwan to undergo "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.

The government continues to enforce some local restrictions and travel controls due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities require permitted travelers and residents to register their address or most frequented locations to receive a health code. Officials also require COVID-19 testing for people attending social gatherings of more than 400 people. Facemasks remain mandatory in casinos and government offices and on public transport. Thermal scanners are in place at all entry points into Macau 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
Authorities continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau; exceptions are in place for some foreigners related to Macau residents, students, and essential workers. Residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan and returning Macau citizens from these locations can enter the territory if they have not been to any other places 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 for an additional 14 days. As of March 18, officials are not classifying any location in mainland China as medium or high risk. The government could adjust the list of affected areas 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 administered 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. People in quarantine for 14 days, except arrivals from Taiwan, 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.

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