Foreign travel advice

Macao

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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.   

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Macao. 

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.

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 stay in Macao for up to 6 months without a visa.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel 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 your electronic devices.

Vaccination 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 (£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.

COVID-19 medicines and supplies

The Macao government limits the amount of some COVID-related medicines and supplies you can take out of Macao. Do not carry more than 5 boxes or bottles of:

  • analgesics and antipyretics
  • cold and flu medicines
  • antitussives and expectorants
  • COVID-19 rapid antigen tests

You are exempt from these rules if you have a prescription.