Visa policy of Macau
Encyclopedia
The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region allows citizens of specific countries/territories to travel to Macao
for tourism or business for up to 90, 30 or 7 days without having to obtain a visa - most of these nations are regarded as developed countries. For other entry purposes, such as establishing residence on a long term basis, another policy applies. The Serviço de Migração is the government agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in Macao.
(With valid Macau entry/depart documents, including those residing Hong Kong and Taiwan and overseas Chinese)
(those with symbol “*”, “***” or “R”) or Hong Kong Re-entry Permit
)
Holders of a travel document issued by Portugal
to non-citizens who are unable to obtain national passports are also exempt from possessing a visa to enter Macau.
Those holding travel documents that are not listed above will be required to obtain a visa (visto) for entry to Macau. This can either be obtained at a Chinese foreign mission in one's country of residence for a charge of USD30 with a validity of a maximum of 30 days.
Alternatively, at the border checkpoint when entering Macao one can apply for an Autorização de Entrada (in effect a "visa on arrival" or a type of entry clearance). The holder of an Autorização de Entrada can only stay for a maximum of 30 days in Macau, within which the holder can make multiple visits to Macau without restriction. The cost for an Autorização de Entrada is MOP100 for an adult passport, MOP200 for a family passport, MOP50 for children under 12 possessing their own travel document and MOP50 for those showing proof that they are travelling as part of a large group.
For some countries (especially Pakistan), one needs to be able to show proof of funds (HK$5000 or equivalent), a valid return air ticket to the country of origin (or out of Hong Kong/China/Macau), a valid return ticket out of Macau (ferry ticket, if entered that way), and evidence of a local hotel booking in Macau, to be able to apply for a visa on arrival.
Under Macao law, border inspection personnel/Serviço de Migração staff are able to deny a visa application if:
in possession of a valid travel permit issued by the Mainland authorities with an observation stating that they can remain in Macao for 365 days are allowed, under Macanese law, to remain for a maximum period of 90 days in Macao. Therefore, if the student wants to extend the stay of 90 days to 365 days, he/she has to go to the local Serviço de Migração office to apply for a study visa (Chinese:逗留的特別許可), which is valid until the observation expires.
Hong Kong
students need not apply for a study visa, as they are entitled to enter Macao with their Hong Kong identity card for a maximum of one year.
Overseas students can apply at the local Serviço de Migração office for a study visa having entered Macao.
Those wanting to take up residence for other reasons, such as employment, are required to make their application at their local Serviço de Migração office. The procedure varies depending on nationality and residency status. Chinese and Portuguese nationals should make their application via the Comissariado de Residentes at the local Serviço de Migração office, whilst foreign nationals should apply via the Comissariado de Estrangeiros at the local Serviço de Migração office.
Mação
Mação is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 400.0 km² and a total population of 7,763 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of eight parishes, and is located in the Santarém District....
for tourism or business for up to 90, 30 or 7 days without having to obtain a visa - most of these nations are regarded as developed countries. For other entry purposes, such as establishing residence on a long term basis, another policy applies. The Serviço de Migração is the government agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in Macao.
7 days
(Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport (solely for transit via Macau to third country)--seldom invoked as virtually all holders enter with Hong Kong ID card alone.)30 days
1 year
(Holders of Hong Kong Permanent Identity CardHong Kong Identity Card
The Hong Kong Identity Card is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card is a class of HKID issued to Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode in Hong Kong SAR. According to the Registration of Persons Ordinance...
(those with symbol “*”, “***” or “R”) or Hong Kong Re-entry Permit
Hong Kong Re-entry Permit
Hong Kong Re-entry Permit are issued to Hong Kong residents by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for travel to the mainland China and Macau Special Administrative Region.-Eligibility:...
)
Unlimited access
- United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Laissez-Passer or diplomatic passport - Holders of Consulate/Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR
Holders of a travel document issued by Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
to non-citizens who are unable to obtain national passports are also exempt from possessing a visa to enter Macau.
Entry procedures for visa nationals
Alternatively, at the border checkpoint when entering Macao one can apply for an Autorização de Entrada (in effect a "visa on arrival" or a type of entry clearance). The holder of an Autorização de Entrada can only stay for a maximum of 30 days in Macau, within which the holder can make multiple visits to Macau without restriction. The cost for an Autorização de Entrada is MOP100 for an adult passport, MOP200 for a family passport, MOP50 for children under 12 possessing their own travel document and MOP50 for those showing proof that they are travelling as part of a large group.
For some countries (especially Pakistan), one needs to be able to show proof of funds (HK$5000 or equivalent), a valid return air ticket to the country of origin (or out of Hong Kong/China/Macau), a valid return ticket out of Macau (ferry ticket, if entered that way), and evidence of a local hotel booking in Macau, to be able to apply for a visa on arrival.
Under Macao law, border inspection personnel/Serviço de Migração staff are able to deny a visa application if:
- the applicant has in the past been deported from the Special Administrative Region
- in compliance with international law/treaties, the Government of the Special Administrative Region is forbidden to allow the applicant to transfer through or enter Macao
- in accordance to Macao law the application is prohibited from entering the Special Administrative Region
- the applicant is making short visits to and from Macao for the purpose of avoiding regulations regarding long stays in the Special Administrative Region
- a court either in the Special Administrative Region or outside Macao has issued an order on the applicant restricting his/her freedom of movement
- there is evidence that the applicant is in the process of or planning to commit a criminal act
- the applicant is unable to prove that he/she will leave Macao and return to his/her country of origin
- the applicant's travel document is questionable
- the applicant is unable to prove that he/she has sufficient funds for his/her stay in Macao
Extending short stays in Macao
Visitors who have entered with short stay status can extend their leave to enter, should their travel plans change, by either 30 days or 1 year. This can be done by applying at the local Serviço de Migração office.Study visas
Students from Mainland ChinaMainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
in possession of a valid travel permit issued by the Mainland authorities with an observation stating that they can remain in Macao for 365 days are allowed, under Macanese law, to remain for a maximum period of 90 days in Macao. Therefore, if the student wants to extend the stay of 90 days to 365 days, he/she has to go to the local Serviço de Migração office to apply for a study visa (Chinese:逗留的特別許可), which is valid until the observation expires.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
students need not apply for a study visa, as they are entitled to enter Macao with their Hong Kong identity card for a maximum of one year.
Overseas students can apply at the local Serviço de Migração office for a study visa having entered Macao.
Residence
Those wanting to take up residence in Macao for purposes of investment can do so via the Macao Trade and Investment Office in Macao, and then visit the local Serviço de Migração office.Those wanting to take up residence for other reasons, such as employment, are required to make their application at their local Serviço de Migração office. The procedure varies depending on nationality and residency status. Chinese and Portuguese nationals should make their application via the Comissariado de Residentes at the local Serviço de Migração office, whilst foreign nationals should apply via the Comissariado de Estrangeiros at the local Serviço de Migração office.
See also
- Exit & Entry Permit (Macau)
- Exit & Entry Permit (Republic of China)
- MacauMacauMacau , also spelled Macao , is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China...
- Macau SAR Passport
- Visa policy of Hong KongVisa policy of Hong KongThe Government of Hong Kong allows citizens of specific countries/territories to travel to Hong Kong for tourism or certain business-related activities for periods ranging from 14 to 180 days without having to obtain a visa...
External links
- http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/info/get2macau.php
- Macau SAR Identification Department
- Macao SAR Government Portal