Is it safe to travel to Macau right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Macao’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Macao set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you leave Macao.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Other types of British nationals who are exempt from ETA must also carry a valid British passport when entering the UK.

Visa requirements

Macao is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it remains a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.

You can visit Macao for up to 6 months without a visa, for tourism and to undertake unpaid business activities.

To stay longer, to do paid work, to study, or for other reasons, you must get a visa before arrival. Check which type of visa you need with the Macao Immigration Department.

Travelling through Macao to China

If you plan to travel through Macao to mainland China on a British passport, you must get a Chinese visa before you arrive at the border. If not, you could be fined or detained by the mainland Chinese authorities.

If you enter and leave Macao through mainland China, you must get a double or multiple entry visa to re-enter mainland China.

The mainland Chinese authorities may carry out thorough checks at border crossings, including of your electronic devices.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Macao, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Macao guide.

Accommodation

You must stay in licensed accommodation. You could be fined up to 3,000 Macanese pataca (about £300) if you stay in illegal accommodation. Find accommodation or check your accommodation is licensed on the Macao Tourism Office website.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Macao. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Macao airport has a passenger guide that explains the allowances.

Macao is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date of expected departure from Macao.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required
Investment visa: required
Student visa: required

As a tourist, if you wish to stay in Macao longer than 30 days, you must apply for an extension of stay at the Immigration Department of the Macao SAR.

If you plan to visit or transit through mainland China, make sure you obtain a Chinese visa before your trip.

If you plan to travel between Macao, Hong Kong and mainland China make sure you apply for a visa allowing multiple entries.

Useful links

• Immigration Clearance of Non-residents of Macao – Public Security Police Force of Macao
• Entry/exit requirements for mainland China

Other entry requirements

You must have an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to visit Macao, unless you can show proof of residency in China or Hong Kong.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).