{"slug":"macao","title":"Macao (SAR of China) travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-11T11:32:17+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-11T11:32:17Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/macao","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Macao’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Macao set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/\">Chinese Embassy in the UK</a>.   </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you leave Macao.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals </h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Other types of <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/eta/when-not-need-eta\">British nationals who are exempt from ETA</a> must also carry a valid British passport when entering the UK.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Macao is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it remains a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.</p>\n\n<p>You can visit Macao for up to 6 months without a visa, for tourism and to undertake unpaid business activities.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/travelessential/before-you-travel/entry-requirements\">Macao Immigration Department</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"travelling-through-macao-to-china\">Travelling through Macao to China</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>If you enter and leave Macao through mainland China, you must get a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/visa/\">double or multiple entry visa</a> to re-enter mainland China.  </p>\n\n<p>The mainland Chinese authorities may carry out thorough checks at border crossings, including of your electronic devices.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Macao, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/50/chinamacao#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Macao guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"accommodation\">Accommodation</h2>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/accommodation/\">Macao Tourism Office</a> website.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Macao. You must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/travelessential/before-you-travel/entry-requirements?tab=customs\">declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Macao airport has a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.macau-airport.com/en/passenger-guide/arrival\">passenger guide</a> that explains the allowances.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-macao\">Terrorism in Macao</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Macao, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Crime levels are low but pickpocketing and other street crime does happen. You should take particular care of:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas</li>\n  <li>your belongings when checking out of hotels</li>\n  <li>your wallet and other valuables when visiting casinos late at night</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"safeguarding-national-security-law-\">Safeguarding National Security Law  </h3>\n\n<p>You could face criminal charges if you take part in activities that the authorities believe threaten national security. This includes activities in and outside the Macao <abbr title=\"Special Administrative Region\">SAR</abbr>, including in the UK. The Safeguarding National Security Law (<abbr title=\"National Security Law\">NSL</abbr>) outlines the types of activities that are illegal, such as preparing for or carrying out treason, secession or subversion against the central government.</p>\n\n<p>The police have the right to access an individual’s social media and private communications to gather evidence of <abbr title=\"National Security Law\">NSL</abbr> crimes.   </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences</h3>\n\n<p>Do not become involved with drugs. Possession of drugs can lead to imprisonment.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-photos-in-secure-areas\">Taking photos in secure areas</h3>\n\n<p>Do not take photos of military installations.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Macao, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You can drive in Macao with a Hong Kong, Chinese or Portuguese driving licence.</p>\n\n<p>If you are using a UK driving licence, you need a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">1949 international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well. You cannot buy an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr> outside the UK, so get one before you travel.</p>\n\n<p>You will also need to <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.gov.mo/en/services/ps-1488/ps-1488a/\">register to drive in Macao for more than 14 days</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"car-hire\">Car hire</h3>\n\n<p>Some car hire companies have additional requirements, such as at least a year of driving experience and a minimum age of 21.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"unlicensed-taxis\">Unlicensed taxis</h3>\n\n<p>Uber is illegal in Macao. The Macao police will take action against drivers and passengers of unlicensed taxi services, including Uber.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"typhoons\">Typhoons</h3>\n\n<p>Typhoon season normally runs from May to November. Typhoons very occasionally hit Macao and could cause flooding and landslides. Public offices will shut down when the ‘Typhoon 8’ signal is issued. Be aware of local warning signals issued in advance and follow advice issued by the local authorities.</p>\n\n<p>Monitor weather updates from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/tc/wnp/index.html\">World Meteorological Organization</a> and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.smg.gov.mo/en\">Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty ."]}
