China: Macau continues travel restrictions as of May 18; arrivals from Taiwan and parts of mainland China subject to longer quarantines /update 43

Event

Previously existing COVID-19 travel controls largely remain in effect in Macau as of May 18, though officials have tightened quarantine requirements somewhat for arrivals from Taiwan and parts of mainland China. All arrivals with recent travel history in Taiwan are currently subject to 21-day quarantines upon arrival in Macau. Additionally, incoming travelers with recent travel history in designated medium-risk locations in mainland China must quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels. As of early May 18, several communities in Lu’an and Hefei, Anhui Province, along with some communities in Yingkou and Shenyang, Liaoning Province, are medium-risk areas. Travel controls effectively apply only to citizens and residents of mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, since most foreign nationals remain barred from entering the territory.

The government also continues to enforce some local restrictions and travel controls due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities require individuals to register their addresses or most frequented locations to receive a health code. Officials also require COVID-19 testing for persons participating in social gatherings attended by more than 400 people. Facemasks remain mandatory in casinos and government offices, as well as on public transport. Thermal scanners are in place at all entry points into Macau, as well as the entrances to many 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.

Authorities continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau; exceptions are in place for some foreigners related to Macau residents, along with students and essential workers. Residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan can enter Macau if they have not been to any other places in the previous 21 days. The government also permits foreign nationals to enter Macau from mainland China, provided their travel originated in Macau and they only traveled within mainland China. Individuals traveling from most areas of mainland China need to submit a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to their arrival in Macau. However, officials require travelers from medium- and high-risk areas of mainland China to quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels. Arrivals with recent travel history in medium- and high-risk locations in mainland China must also participate in self-health management for an additional 14 days. Self-health management entails restricting travel to work or school, wearing a facemask in public, and twice-daily temperature checks. Officials could adjust the list of affected areas at short notice.

Individuals with recent travel history in India, Pakistan, and the Philippines are subject to 28-day quarantines after arrival, followed by an additional seven days of self-health management. Individuals arriving in Macau with recent travel history in Hong Kong must also undergo seven days of self-health management following their 14-day quarantines.

Visitors from Taiwan need to submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test administered no more than seven days prior to arrival, while individuals arriving from Hong Kong must submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival. Travelers from abroad 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 certain 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.

Resources

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