Macau is a special administrative region of China but has its own immigration and visa policies. Unlike Mainland China, Macau is very liberal with its visa requirements and most nationalities are either visa-exempt or receive a visa on arrival.
Nationals from Mainland China and Hong Kong have to go through immigration too with variable requirements and stay allowance depending on the travel document they use.
This Macau visa guide will summarize the most important information about Macau’s visa exemption, visa on arrival, and the relevant requirements.
Table of Contents
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Visa Policy and Visa Types
Nationals of 81 countries are visa-exempted to travel to Macau for between 14 and 90 days. Hong Kong Permanent Residents are also exempt for up to 1 year.
Everyone else must obtain a visa for Macau. This can be a visa on arrival except for nationals of 6 countries who have to get the visa from a Chinese embassy abroad. The visa can be either a single or multiple entry.
Visitors from Mainland China as well as holders of a Hong Kong passport must have an Exit-Entry Permit issued by the China PRC authorities. Alternatively, they can stay in Macau for up to 7 days only if transiting to a third country.
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Macau Visa Requirements
Apart from the visa and permit requirements, all foreigners must also:
- Have at least 90 days validity on their passport beyond the intended date of departure;
- Have an onward or return ticket unless they reside in Mainland China or Hong Kong;
- Have at least MOP5000 (~622$) for every 7 days they intend to stay in Macau (up to MOP20,000 for 22 or more days;
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Visa Exemption
Visa exemption is issued at all borders. The period of allowed stay depends on nationality. The eligible countries are:
1 Year
- Hong Kong Permanent Residents (having either a Permanent Identity Card or a Re-entry Permit)
6 months
- United Kingdom
90 days
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cape Verde
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mali
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- Uruguay
Mainland Chinese travelers are also visa-exempt for up to 90 days if in possession of an Exit-Entry Permit.
30 days
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belarus
- Canada
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Hong Kong (only holders of Document of Identity for Visa Purposes)
- India
- Indonesia
- Kiribati
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- Namibia
- Philippines
- Russia
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- San Marino
14 Days
- Brunei
For detailed information, check out the official Macau Government source.
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Visa on Arrival (VOA)
All other nationals, except for the 6 listed in the next section, are eligible for a visa on arrival. It is valid for up to 30 days of stay.
Procedure
Upon arrival at Macao, look for signs leading to the “Visa Room”. Once there, fill in the application form and submit it to an officer. When your application is approved, continue to Immigration.
Price
| Who? | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Individual | MOP200 (single entry)MOP300 (multiple entry) |
| Family Passport (husband and wife and/or children under 12 with the same surname or proof of their relationship) | MOP400 (single)MOP600 (multiple)Price is per family |
| Children under 12 | MOP100 (single)MOP150 (multiple) |
| Groups of 10 or more people organized by a single travel agent with a collective travel document | MOP100 (single)MOP150 (multiple) |
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Tourist Visa from the Embassy
The following countries must obtain a tourist visa in advance from a Chinese embassy abroad before their trip to Macau:
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
You can also apply for a tourist visa through a representative in Macau ONLY IF there are no Chinese diplomatic missions in their country or region of residence.
The requirement to apply in advance is void for those who have a Hong Kong Identity Card.
Requirements
Requirements may depend on the embassy you apply at but are generally:
- Completed tourist visa application form
- Copy of the passport biodata page, previous visas for Macau, and/or any valid visas from developed countries
- Bank statement
- One recent color photo
- Travel itinerary
- Transportation arrangements (e.g. flight tickets)
- Accommodation arrangements (e.g. booking confirmations)
The visa fee is 30 USD payable in the local country’s currency and takes about 5 working days for processing.
Read the Macau Tourist Visa article for more information on visa validity, duration of stay, when to apply, photo requirements and application and extension process.
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Macau Transit Visa
If you don’t leave Macau airport’s transit zone, you don’t need a transit visa.
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Macau Visa for Mainland Chinese Nationals
The requirements for Mainland Chinese visitors to Macau can be summarized in the following table:
| Document | Allowed Stay |
|---|---|
| Entry-Exit Permit | Depends on the permit. Maximum 90 days. |
| Chinese Passport | 7 days only for transit to a third country. |
| Chinese Travel Document | |
| Travel Permit to and from Taiwan |
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Macau Visa for Hong Kong Nationals
The requirements for visitors from Hong Kong depend on their travel document as shown in this table:
| Document | Allowed Stay |
|---|---|
| Permanent Identity Card | 1 year |
| Re-entry Permit | |
| Document of Identity for Visa Purposes | 30 days |
| Special Administrative Region passport | 7 days only for transit to a third country. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a visa on arrival in Macau?
Yes. Unless you’re visa-exempt or from one of the 6 countries that require a visa in advance, a visa on arrival is available.
Can I enter Macau with a Chinese Visa?
No, unless it has the word “澳门 MACAO” on it. Macau has its own immigration policy and visas just for Mainland China are not valid. However, chances are that you’re visa-exempt or can get a visa on arrival.
Can I travel to Macau with a Hong Kong Visa?
No. You cannot travel to Macau with a Hong Kong Visa. Macau and Hong Kong issue different visas not valid for both regions. Unless you’re visa-exempt for both, you will need a separate visa for each.
