Travel advice for Macao

Avoid non-essential travel to Macao because emergency consular assistance for U.S. citizens is limited and local laws may be arbitrarily enforced. People with dual U.S. and Chinese nationality, and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent, may face additional security checks and harassment because dual nationality is not recognized. Avoid demonstrations and activities authorities could see as secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with a foreign country, as these may bring criminal charges.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Macao.

Exercise caution when travelling to Macao because the security situation may change, and a security risk applies throughout the territory. Carry a passport or identity card, use insect protection because dengue fever occurs, and obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure because hospital treatment can be costly. Strong typhoons and heavy rain in summer may cause serious flooding and landslides, while high humidity and air pollution may aggravate respiratory illness.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Macao because local laws may be enforced arbitrarily. Guard against pickpocketing, purse snatching, card fraud and ATM fraud, particularly in busy transport, shopping, hotel, casino and tourist areas. Demonstrations may turn violent, so avoid gatherings, do not film them, and note that communications and electronic devices may be monitored and sensitive reporting may face censorship.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong or Macao. Although generally stable, visitors should avoid protests and unplanned gatherings and follow local authority guidance. Hong Kong’s broadly interpreted security laws cover secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign collusion, treason, sedition, state secrecy and external interference, with penalties up to life imprisonment. Failure to comply with security investigations, including requests to share full access to electronic devices, is an offence.

Exercise caution in Macao because its security law can impose severe punishment, including life imprisonment, for actions or criticism viewed as threatening China’s national security, even when expressed outside China or Macao. Do not join demonstrations, use, possess or sell drugs, or photograph military and security installations. There is no current terrorist threat, but remain alert. During the hurricane season, mainly May to October, follow local instructions and be prepared for coastal damage.

Travel to Macao is generally safe when normal precautions are followed. The typhoon season runs from May to November, with greater risk during the summer months, when heavy rain may cause floods and dangerous landslides. Follow local warnings, as Typhoon 8 and Black Rain warnings can cause major traffic disruption, aviation restrictions and closures of public buildings.

Germany advises normal precautions for Macao.

Japan advises normal precautions for Macao.

Take normal precautions in Macao; pickpocketing can occur, so protect valuables in crowded areas and on public transport. Stay in licensed accommodation, avoid drugs, and do not photograph or record people without consent. In casinos, recording and use of communication devices within three metres of gambling tables are prohibited. Typhoons may cause flooding and landslides; monitor warnings, as offices and transport may close at Signal No. 8 or above.

Normal precautions apply. British citizens may visit Macao visa free for tourism and unpaid business for up to 6 months, but longer stays, paid work and study require a visa. Transit through mainland China requires a visa. Passports must remain valid for at least 90 days after departure, and accommodation must be licensed. Mainland border checks may inspect electronic devices, and missing visas may lead to fines or detention.