Macao (Macau), renowned for its blend of Portuguese influences and modern luxury, attracts millions of visitors annually with its casinos, historic landmarks, and diverse culinary offerings. Before you embark on an unforgettable journey to the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳門特別行政區; pinyin: Àomén Tèbié Xíngzhèngqū), it is crucial to understand the local visa policy. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know – from visa-free entry and visa upon arrival rules to application processes, fees, and essential travel tips.
What is the Macao visa-free policy for citizens of 87 countries?
Many first-time visitors often ask: Does Macau require a visa? The answer depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay.
The Macao visa-free entry strictly applies to tourism or business visits. The duration of stay varies, but it typically ranges from 7 days to one year, depending on the traveller's nationality and situation, provided you hold a passport, a travel permit, or other documents valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay.
You may be asked to present proof of onward travel by the immigration officers at the border, so it is best to keep a printed version of your return ticket and travel itinerary with you. Those who plan to work, study, or stay long-term must apply for the appropriate Macau travel visa or entry permit in advance.
The citizens of the following countries benefit from the Macao (Macau) visa-free policy:
- 1 year – Holders of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a Re-entry Permit
- 6 months – British citizens holding a British passport
- 90 days – Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uruguay
- 30 days – Holders of a valid passport or travel document.
- 14 days – Brunei and Kazakhstan.
- 7 days – Mainlanders holding a “Permit for Travelling to and from Taiwan” with an “Exit Endorsement to Taiwan”
- 7 days (for transit) – Holders of a passport or travel document issued by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China (with a flight ticket to and an entry visa of another country). And holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport
- (with a flight ticket to and an entry visa of another country or region).
Specific cases:
- Re-entry cases – those who return to Macao during their valid stay periods or have a multiple-entry authorisation.
- Not longer than the period stated in the agreement – Nationals and residents holding a passport issued by countries and regions that have reached a mutual visa-free agreement with the Macao Special Administrative Region.
- The period indicated in the endorsement, but not more than 90 days – Holders of a “Two-way Exit Permit” issued by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China with a valid “Exit Endorsement to Macao
Until the expiry date of the permit (with multiple entries):
- Holders of a Macao “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card“.
- Individuals granted “Special Authorisation to Stay” for study purposes or as the reuniting family of a non-resident worker.
- Persons who are permitted to extend their stay according to Term 1, Article 29 of Law No. 16/2021 and Article 11 of Administrative Regulation No. 38/2021.
- Holders of a “Special Stay Permit“.
- Persons who are granted extended authorisation to stay according to Term 2, Article 29 of Law No. 16/2021, while pending results of their application for residence authorisation.
Note: For the most up-to-date Macao visa requirements, travellers are advised to consult the Macao Immigration Department’s official website.
All you need to know about the Macao visa on arrival
For visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry, Macao provides other ways to obtain the authorisation to visit the Special Administrative Region. The most common and efficient one is the visa upon arrival service, also referred to as the “Entry Permit”.
The Macao visa on arrival is issued by the Border Control Department of the Public Security Police. Travellers must present their passports and supporting documents at the Visa Room upon arrival. The process is typically completed within minutes, and the permit is valid for up to 30 days.
Macao visa fees
Depending on the situation of the travellers, the fees for visas upon arrival vary as follows:
- Individuals must pay 200 Macanese patacas (MOP) for a one-off authorisation or MOP 300 for a multiple authorisation permit.
- Family Passport: MOP400 (one-off), MOP600 (multiple) per passport
- Children under the age of 12: Reduced fees ranging from MOP 100 to MOP 150
- Groups comprised of at least 10 people: MOP100 (one-off) and MOP150 (multiple). It has to be noted that the tour must be organised by a single travel manager holding a collective travel document.
Requirements to obtain a Macao visa upon arrival
Those who are not exempt from a visa and are not nationals of Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam are eligible to apply for a Macao visa upon arrival. Travellers are required to provide the following documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least 90 days beyond the period of intended stay in Macao.
- Proof of onward travel or a return ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds (at least MOP 5,000 for an intended stay of no more than 7 days; at least MOP 10,000 for an intended stay of 8-14 days; at least MOP 15,000 for an intended stay of 15-21 days; at least MOP 20,000 for an intended stay of 22 days or longer).
- Accommodation details (hotel reservations, invitation letters).
How to apply for a Macao travel visa in advance?
Travellers who do not qualify for a visa upon arrival and require a standard visa to enter the territory of the Macao Special Administrative Region may apply for one through one of the overseas diplomatic missions of the People’s Republic of China or a representative office accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Required Documents for a Macao Visa Application
The required documents vary depending on the purpose of the visit. Below is a list of documents that may be requested for individual travel, family visits, or stays as a dependent, and other cases:
- A completed application form;
- Copy of the biodata page and used inside pages of the valid passport or travel document;
- Proof of sufficient funds (for instance, a bank statement, proof of savings, or an employment certificate);
- Proof of accommodation and/or transportation (such as a round trip);
- Proof of purpose of visit;
- Travel documents affixed with Macao entry and exit stamps (if available);
- Valid entry visa or residence permit of other countries (if available);
- Other information, as requested by the authorities.
Group tours need to present:
- A letter of guarantee by the travel agency in charge of organising the tour, and a name list of every tour member;
- Information about the travel agency that organised the group tour;
- A copy of the biodata page of all travellers’ valid passports/documents;
- Other relevant information to be submitted upon the authorities' request.
Macao visa fees
The standard flat fee for a Macao (Macau) visa is USD 30.
Some additional charges apply for expedited services. For a communication fee relating to the Macao Residence and Stay Affairs Department, as well as express service, applicants will be charged an additional 20 USD, while an extra express service incurs an additional 30 USD.
Processing time
The typical processing time for a Macau travel visa is 5 business days, provided that the applications are not related to the Macao Residence and Stay Affairs Department. Otherwise, it may take approximately 3 weeks to process.
Expedited services offer quicker results – 3 business days for express visa applications and same day (or next business day) for extra express applications.
These terms apply to applications that are not related to the Macao Residence and Stay Affairs Department.
How to extend your Macao visa?
An ordinary visa is valid for multiple entries within 6 months after approval. The maximum stay per entry is 14 days.
Applicants wishing to extend their visa in Macau have the option to do so through the Extension of "Authorisation to Stay" for an additional 90 days, or through the Exceptional Extension of "Authorisation to Stay" if the initial 90 days are insufficient. In both cases, visitors must complete a form available on the Governmental Portal of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Afterwards, they need to submit a copy of their valid passport or other travel document, including biodata pages and used pages. Additionally, the Arrival Card from their most recent entry to Macao will be required. Alternatively, they must provide an identification document used during their stay in Macao, along with a document supporting the reason for the application.
Both extensions are free, and the processing times vary: the standard extension of "Authorisation to Stay" typically takes one working day, while the exceptional extension may take longer. Please note that the standard extension requires an application at least 5 days before the original stay expires, whereas the exceptional extension must be applied for at least 10 days before the visa's expiration.
Contact Address: Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force, Travessa Um do Cais de Pac On, Taipa, Macao
Telephone: +853 2872 5488
Fax: +853 8897 0300
Email: sminfo@fsm.gov.mo
Website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 17:45 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 17:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and government holidays: Closed
What are the 9 border checkpoints of Macao?
The Special Administrative Region of Macao has 9 entry points in total:
Entry Point at the Airport
1. The Macao International Airport checkpoint welcomes 10 million annual guests 24/7 and is the most convenient way to enter the region for foreign travellers.
Address: Avenida de Wai Long, Macau International Airport, Taipa, Macau
Telephone: +853 2886 1111 / +853 8898 1317
Fax: +853 2886 2222 / +853 2886 1162
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Railway and Land Entry Points
2. The Border Gate (Portas do Cerco) checkpoint is open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and is one of the most frequently used land border checkpoints. The waiting time here is reasonable, but it may be longer during the holiday season or peak hours. With an underground terminal, 17 bus lines, washrooms, public phones, and even a taxi station, it is impressively convenient, especially if you decide to travel to Zhuhai.
Address: Praça das Portas do Cerco, Macau
Telephone: +853 8980 0321
Fax: +853 8980 0323
Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
3. The Qingmao Terminal operates 24/7 and serves as a pedestrian-only land border crossing. It provides smooth and efficient clearance and is directly connected to the Zhuhai Railway Station.
Address: Edifício do Posto Fronteiriço de Macau no Posto Fronteiriço Qingmao, Macau
Telephone: +853 8591 0321
Opening Hours: 24 hours for passengers allowed.
4. The checkpoint of the Macao Port Zone of Hengqin Port is the second underground border control zone of Macao. With the “one-stop” customs model, clearance time is greatly reduced, and both passengers and cargo can be served without delays 24/7.
Address: Zona do Posto Fronteiriço da Parte de Macau do Posto Fronteiriço Hengqin, Macau
Telephone: +853 8805 4322
Fax: +583 8805 4530
Opening Hours: 24 hours
5. The Zhuhai–Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone Terminal opens up at 7:00 am and operates until midnight every day. Under the “one country, two systems” policy, it offers reasonably short waiting times and promotes economic cooperation between the mainland and Macao.
Address: Avenida de Parque Industrial, Macau
Telephone: +853 2827 1327
Fax: +853 8799 3330
Opening hours: 7 a.m. to midnight for pass holders only.
Land Road Entry Point
6. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint operates 24/7 for passengers arriving from Hong Kong and from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm for passengers arriving from Zhuhai. It connects the three cities via a sea bridge and offers two storeys of modern infrastructure. This entry point serves passengers in private cars, coaches, and shuttle buses. The clearance process is generally quick but may experience slight delays during peak travel times.
Address: Edifício do Posto Fronteiriço de Macau da Ponte Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao, Macau
Telephone: +853 8805 0323
Fax: +853 8805 0300
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm (Zhuhai-Macao Arrival and Departure Halls), 24 hours (Hong Kong-Macao Arrival and Departure Halls)
Entry Points at the Ferry Terminals
7. The Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint is ready to welcome guests 24/7. The Macao International Airport is a mere 10-minute drive from there, and most of the local hotels provide free shuttle bus service to and from the terminal.
Address: Largo do Terminal Marítimo, Terminal Marítimo do Porto Exterior, Macau
Telephone: +853 8798 5327
Fax: +853 8798 5304
Opening Hours: 24 hours
8. The Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal and Yacht Terminal Checkpoint serve passengers travelling from Macao to Zhuhai and vice versa. It operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily and has comparatively less traffic, with a short waiting time; however, peak periods may cause some delays.
Address: Rua das Lorchas, Macau
Telephone: +853 2893 9434
Fax: +853 2893 9403
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
9. The Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint provides high-speed 24/7 services for ferries from Macao to Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Dongguan and vice versa. This modern terminal is well-connected to the Macao International Airport and diverts pressure from the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.
Address: Estrada de Pac On, Taipa, Macau
Telephone: +853 2885 0355
Fax: +853 8295 7300
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Useful tips for foreign travellers
Consult relevant authorities
To obtain updated information about the entry policy, you may contact the nearest embassy and consulate or the Border Control Department of the Public Security Police Force in Macao at
Telephone: +853 2872 5488
Email: sminfo@fsm.gov.mo
Website: www.fsm.gov.mo.
Health requirements
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Macao for most travellers. However, it is advisable to be up to date on routine immunisations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, typhoid, chickenpox, flu, polio, shingles and hepatitis A and B.
Travellers should check with the Macao Government Tourism Office or their government's medical authorities for any current health guidelines or entry screening measures before departure.
For minor illnesses, over-the-counter medication is widely available at local pharmacies. Hospitals are well-equipped, and English-speaking staff are generally available, especially in larger medical facilities.
Emergency services can be reached by dialling 999, 110, or 112.
Travel insurance
While travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry, it is highly recommended. The policy should ideally cover medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation. Be sure to confirm with your insurance provider that coverage extends to the Macao SAR and nearby travel zones, such as Hong Kong and Zhuhai.
Safety regulations
Macao is considered a safe destination for international travellers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence – particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Cotai and the historic city centre. That being said, visitors should still exercise basic precautions.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in most indoor public places, except designated smoking lounges in casinos and the airport. Additionally, smoking within 10 metres of bus stops and taxi stands is also prohibited. Violators may be subject to on-the-spot fines.