About Macao
Immigration Control
The Border Control Department of the Macao Public Security Police Force keeps a record of the entry and exit of non-local residents on computer, as well as on their passport, travel document or other appropriate document, indicating the limit of stay granted. If necessary, the Department will also collect bio data so as to confirm or verify identities.
The Public Security Police Force is a department responsible for immigration control in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
When a non-resident enters Macao, the Public Security Police Force not only inspects his or her identity document but also verifies his or her identity by collecting biometric data. The biometric data includes fingerprints or palm prints, iris or retina patterns, facial features.
If a non-resident objects to the handling of his or her personal information by the Public Security Police Force, he or she may be refused entry to the Macao Special Administrative Region. Applications for the relevant visa or authorization may also be rejected.
Entry Requirements
1. For entry to the Macao Special Administrative Region, non-residents are required to meet the following requisites as well:
1.1 In possession of a passport, travel document or other document accepted for the purpose of immigration control, and the document should be valid for at least 90 days beyond the period of intended stay in the Macao Special Administrative Region;
1.2 By means of a visa or other special advance procedures, or under the circumstances that such procedures are exempted, obtain the corresponding administrative authorization upon arrival at the Macao Special Administrative Region;
1.3 Confirmed that there is no entry refusal reason as prescribed by law upon actual entry to the Macao Special Administrative Region.
2. Visitors are required to possess a valid onward or return ticket unless they can prove that they reside on the Mainland of China or in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The exemption is not applicable to Chinese passport or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders who transit Macao to another country or region;
3. Proof of possessing at least MOP5000 as means of subsistence in Macao if the period of intended stay is 7 days, at least MOP10,000 if the period of intended stay is 8-14 days.
For more information, please visit the Macao government website: https://www.gov.mo/en/services/ps-1474/ps-1474b
“Visa” and “Entry Permit” Exemption
Currently, citizens of the following countries and regions are permitted to travel to Macao without a visa or entry permit.
Note: The following are alphabetically ordered lists of countries.
| Country | Limit of Stay | Country | Limit of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | |||
| Brunei | 14 days | India | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days | Israel | 3 months |
| Japan | 90 days | Lebanon | 3 months |
| Malaysia | 30 days | Mongolia | 90 days |
| Philippines | 30 days | Republic of Armenia | 90 days |
| Republic of Korea | 90 days | Singapore | 30 days |
| Thailand | 30 days | Turkey | 30 days |
| United Arab Emirates | 30 days | ||
| Europe | |||
| Albania | 90 days | Andorra | 90 days |
| Austria | 90 days | Belarus | 30 days |
| Belgium | 90 days | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 90 days |
| Bulgaria | 90 days | Croatia | 90 days |
| Cyprus | 3 months | Czech | 90 days |
| Denmark | 90 days | Estonia | 90 days |
| Finland | 90 days | France | 90 days |
| Germany | 90 days | Greece | 90 days |
| Hungary | 90 days | Iceland | 90 days |
| Ireland | 90 days | Italy | 90 days |
| Latvia | 90 days | Liechtenstein | 90 days |
| Lithuania | 90 days | Luxembourg | 90 days |
| Macedonia | 90 days | Malta | 90 days |
| Moldova | 90 days | Monaco | 30 days |
| Montenegro | 90 days | Netherlands | 90 days |
| Norway | 90 days | Poland | 90 days |
| Portugal | 90 days | Romania | 90 days |
| Russia | 30 days | San Marino | 30 days |
| Serbia | 90 days | Slovakia | 90 days |
| Slovenia | 90 days | Spain | 90 days |
| Sweden | 90 days | Switzerland | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | 6 months | ||
| Americas | |||
| Brazil | 90 days | Canada | 30 days |
| Chile | 30 days | Dominica | 90 days |
| Grenada | 90 days | Mexico | 90 days |
| Republic of Argentina | 30 days | Republic of Ecuador | 30 days |
| U.S.A. | 30 days | Uruguay | 90 days |
| Africa | |||
| Cape Verde | 90 days | Egypt | 90 days |
| Kingdom of Morocco | 90 days | Mali | 90 days |
| Mauritius | 90 days | Namibia | 30 days |
| Seychelles | 30 days | South Africa | 30 days |
| Tanzania | 90 days | ||
| Oceania | |||
| Australia | 30 days | Kiribati | 30 days |
| New Zealand | 3 months | Samoa | 30 days |
Visitors Who are not Exempted from a Visa and Entry Permit
Visitors who are not exempted from a visa and entry permit are required to:
Apply for an “Entry Permit” (aka “Visa-upon-arrival”) at any of the border checkpoints of the Border Control Department of the Public Security Police upon arrival at Macao; or
Apply, by a representative, to the Residence and Stay Affairs Department in advance for “Authorization to Enter and Stay”; or
Apply for a ‘visa’ of the Macao Special Administrative Region in advance through a diplomatic mission of the People’s Republic of China or a representative office accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (visa sample) (Note: Starting from 1 July 2010, visitors from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are required to apply for a Macao visa in advance through a Chinese embassy or consulate).
1. Application for an “Entry Permit” (aka “Visa-upon-arrival”)
Persons who intend to enter the Macao Special Administrative Region but have not applied in advance to any diplomatic mission of the People’s Republic of China or representative office accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China for a ‘visa’, or to the Residence and Stay Affairs Department of the Macao Public Security Police Force for Prior Authorization to Enter can apply for Authorization to Enter and Stay (so-called ‘visa-upon-arrival’) at the Visa Room of the checkpoint upon arrival at Macao. They will also be granted Authorization to Stay for a maximum of 30 days once the application is approved.
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Individual | MOP200 (one-off) MOP300 (multiple) |
| Family Passport | MOP400 (one-off) MOP600 (multiple) Note: per passport |
| Children under the age of 12 | MOP100 (one-off) MOP150 (multiple) |
| Groups comprised of at least 10 people organized by a single travel manager and presenting a collective travel document |
MOP100 (one-off) MOP150 (multiple) |
Persons who have paid the fee for multiple Authorization to Enter and Stay can enjoy multiple entries within the limit of stay granted (a maximum of 30 days) without making further payments.
Border Checkpoints and Tel:
- Airport Checkpoint (853) 8898 1317
- Border Gate Checkpoint (853) 8980 0321
- Qingmao Checkpoint (853) 8591 0321
- Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone Checkpoint (853) 2827 1327
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint (853) 8805 0323
- Checkpoint of Macao Port Zone of Hengqin Port (853) 8805 4322
- Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint (853) 8798 5327
- Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint (853) 2885 0355
- Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal and Yacht Terminal Checkpoint (853) 2893 9434
2. Application for Macao Visa through Diplomatic Missions of the People’s Republic of China
Starting from 1 July 2010, visitors from the following 6 countries are required to apply for a valid Macao visa in advance through a diplomatic mission of China instead of applying for Authorization to Enter and Stay (so-called ‘visa-upon-arrival’) to come to Macao. Nonetheless, the officials of the diplomatic missions of these countries and officials of the representative offices of various international organizations stationed on Chinese territory and their family can apply for ‘visa-upon-arrival’ with their passport, diplomatic/consular identity card or staff card at our checkpoints.
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
For relevant information, please refer to the website of the diplomatic missions of China:
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zwjg/zgdsg/2491_665346/
Enquiry
The above information is for reference only. For further information on entry formalities, please contact the Border Control Department of Public Security Police Force at Tel: +853 2872 5488 or email: sminfo@fsm.gov.mo, or visit their website: www.fsm.gov.mo.
MGM COTAI
Address: Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau
Booking Hotline: (853) 8806 8888
Note: the venue of the Forum.
Lisboeta Macau
Address: Lisboeta Macau, Rua da Patinagem, Cotai, Macau
Booking Hotline: (853) 8882 6888
Note: shuttle buses are available for guests to travel between the hotel and the venue of the Forum.
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Address: Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
Booking Hotline: +853 8881-8000
Note: 13 minutes' walk from the venue of the Forum.
The Macau Roosevelt
Address: Nos. 924 e 998 da Avenida dos Jogos dasia Oriental- Aos acessos do imvel, Macau
Booking Hotline: (853) 8291 3115
Note: 55 minutes' walk from the venue of the Forum, or 10 minutes' drive from the venue.
Sheraton Grand Macao
Address: The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo s/n, Cotai, Macau
Booking Hotline: +853 2880 2000
Note: 15 minutes' walk from the venue of the Forum.
The Parisian Macao
Address: The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai Strip, Macao
Booking Hotline: +853 2882 8833
Note: 28 minutes' walk from the venue of the Forum.
Macao is a lively city and the amount of tourist information can at times be overwhelming. With this in mind, this article offers an introduction of Macao’s historical background and development status. It also provides information on sightseeing spots, festivals, shopping destinations and others. With the following information, planning a trip to Macao can become effortless.
About Macao
Macao used to be a small fishing village on the south-eastern coast of China. Its oyster farming history gave it the old names of Hou Keng (Oyster Mirror) and Hou Keng Ou (Oyster Mirror Harbour). Legend has it that the origin of the names came from the oysters that shone like mirrors. Meanwhile, a Qianlong-era (1711-1799) record attributed the name to the mirror-like roundness of the two bays in the north and south.
The fate of the city was forever changed when Portuguese merchants and missionaries arrived in the mid-16th century. Upon landing, they asked the villagers for the name. The villagers thought they were referring to the temple, so they told them it was “Ma Kok”. The Portuguese translated it into “Macau”, giving the village a new name altogether. Macao’s sovereignty was returned to China on December 20, 1999. The city has since become one of the two Special Administrative Regions (SAR), alongside Hong Kong.
Macao consists of the Macao Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. Three bridges connect the peninsula and Taipa, while reclamation brings the two islands together. The area of Macao continues to expand, now spanning over 30 square kilometres. Despite its small size, it accommodates almost 700,000 people, making it one of the densest cities in the world. 90 percent of Macao population is Chinese, and the rest are Portuguese and Filipino. The official languages are Chinese and Portuguese, but most people can communicate in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
The culture and architecture of Macao reflect centuries of cultural exchange between the East and West. The agglomeration of foreigners in the Historic Centre in the past has given rise to many character buildings. Its collection of Western-style buildings is the oldest in China and is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
Underneath Macao’s elegant shell is a lively soul. Traditional food stalls exist alongside fine dining restaurants and luxurious hotels. Cafés can be found on every corner. This energetic food scene along with Macanese cuisine has earned Macao the UNESCO title of “Creative City of Gastronomy”.
Moreover, Macao also hosts a number of worldclass events, such as Macau Grand Prix, Macao International Parade and Macao International Music Festival. The city is bustling year round. Macao is also home to many internationally acclaimed entertainment venues. They are exquisitely decorated, well-equipped and conveniently connected to the hotels and shopping malls. The true colours of the city shine through in its contrast—between the humble character buildings and five-star hotels; small local shops and international luxury brands.
UNESCO World Heritage
The small area of Macao houses many historical gems. In particular, 22 buildings on the Macao Peninsula and their eight adjoining public squares were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on July 15, 2005. Together, they are known as the Historic Centre of Macao. It gives people a glimpse into the lives of the Portuguese in the heyday. There is plenty of history contained in Macao for visitors to explore while the details are not explained for the limited area here.
Moorish Barracks
Mandarin's House
Ruins of St Paul's
Cathetral
Lon Kau Mansion
Na Tcha Temple
Guia Fortress
A-Ma Temple
"Leal Senado" Building
Kuan Tai Temple
Holy House of Mercy
Dom Pedro V Theatre
Cultural Spots & Outdoor Adventures
Photo opportunities have now become a factor in a destination’s popularity. In Macao, every street corner makes for a good photo opportunity. Within the historical European architecture are cultural spots where the city’s Portuguese heritage shines through, as well as modern marvels that perfectly reflect the contemporary side of Macao.
Albergue da Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy Albergue)
It used to be a sanctuary for comb sisters—women who choose to stay single all their life—but had also given shelter to those in need. The houses have now been transformed into an art and culture space.
10 Fantasia
10 Fantasia used to be a governmental department but is now an art centre, showcasing a wide range of artwork. It has an outdoor bar that gathers local artists, where they mingle and exchange ideas with each other.
Macao Fashion Gallery
Housed in an idyllic three-storey European building, the venue promotes Macao designers and brands through exhibitions, pop-up stores, seminars and workshops. It showcases works by overseas designers occasionally to promote international exchange. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of the most avant-garde and experimental designs.
Tap Seac Gallery
Tap Seac Gallery is converted from an upper-class family residence. The gallery now hosts exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Others
Anim'Arte NAM VAN
Travessa da Paixão
Coloane Village
Post-Ox Warehouse Experimental Site
Navy Yard
Macau Design Centre
Macao Giant Panda Pavilion
Long Chao Kok
Museums
Macao boasts a rich cultural heritage that's proudly displayed in its many museums. Aside from featuring fascinating exhibitions and ancient relics that offer a glimpse into the past, some of these institutions are housed in historical sites that are attractions in their own right. If you want to learn even more about this vibrant city, Macao also has great museums dedicated to everything from art and religion to the development of the local community.
Macao Museum
This museum charts the evolution of Macao across the centuries. Aside from the treasure trove of informative and engrossing exhibitions inside, the museum is situated on Mount Fortress, an important historical site that offers panoramic views of the city.
Macao Museum of Art
The five-storey museum is the city's largest cultural institution dedicated to art. On the first floor is an auditorium that seats more than 100 people. Then there's a spacious gallery on the second floor, the museum's own collection on the third, and exhibition space for traditional Chinese art on the floor above.
Macao Grand Prix Museum
The four-storey museum houses the Grand Prix cars and motorcycles from across the decades, providing visitors an informative and leisure journey of the Macau Grand Prix. The newly equipped multimedia interactive facilities and racing scenario display elevate visitors’ experience to a new level of educational fun.
Macau Timepiece Museum
Macau Timepiece Museum is a private venue that showcases different timepieces in its six exhibition zones, with the oldest collection dating back to 400 years ago. Visitors can find valuable items such as antique pocket watches, sundials and a Ming Dynasty Dragon Fire Timer there.
Traditional Festivals and Mega Events
Macao is a lively city: there is not a month without festivals or events. Visit Macao anytime and it will always be bustling. Chinese festivals exist alongside Catholic traditions in the multicultural society of Macao. The many mega carnivals further add to the festive ambience of the city.
Shopping
A large number of shops are packed in the small city of Macao, offering a great range of products from around the world. The density of stores makes it easy for one to shop for a variety of things at the same location. Whether you are after top-notch luxury labels or are travelling on a shoestring budget, there is always something for you in Macao.
New Yaohan
New Yaohan is the only department store in the city. Various international brands can be found in the 11-storey building.
Sands Shoppes
The biggest shopping mall in Macao, Sands Shoppes is home to over 850 duty free shops and is the perfect destination for a shopping spree. Sand Shoppes consists of four branches: Four Seasons features luxurious high-end brands, Venetian is formed of high-street stores from around the world, Parisian promotes creativity and fashion, and Londoner is family-friendly. Sands Shoppes cater for all budgets and needs.
Wynn Macau Shops
Wynn Macau has assembled a collection of exquisite labels, selling a variety of luxurious items such as watches, leather, fashion and jewellery. The shopping area, spanning 100,000 square feet, is home to 50 labels, making it a true shopping paradise.
Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva
It’s a street of over 100 years of history. Visitors can find products such as clothing, stationery, home accessories and toys. They are mostly friendly in price.
Others
One Central Macau, The Promenade Shops, Sneaker Street, etc.
Practical Information
Climate
Macao’s climate is temperate throughout the year. The average temperature is about 23°C. October and November are the ideal months to visit Macao, with mild temperatures and dry weather.
Bureaux de change
Currency exchange in Macao is easy. The service is available at the airport, piers and most hotels. There are also plenty of banks and bureaux de change on Macao streets. Electronic transactions are common and broadly accepted credit cards include China UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Visa and Mastercard. However, transaction fees from the card-issuing banks may apply. Alipay is also becoming more common.
Communication and WIFI
International roaming is available in Macao but a hefty charge may apply. A more economical option is to buy a pay-as-you-go sim with internet access. They are readily available at convenience stores. WIFI services are common in Macao. In public areas, mobile devices can be connected to “FreeWiFi.MO” with no additional charge. Real name registration is required for new prepaid card users to activate the service.