Macau travel guide
About Macau
Slipping more and more comfortably into its reputation as the “Vegas of the East,” Macau plays host to a dizzying array of large-scale casino resorts. Famously the world’s biggest gambling hub, it is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China – the other being neighbouring Hong Kong.
Macau showcases many of the same brands as its Nevada counterpart: MGM, Wynn and Sands are all in town, while its flagship Venetian Resort – complete with canals and mock Italianate plazas – is currently the largest casino on the planet.
But there’s more to the destination than poker tables and betting halls. When Macau's historic centre was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 2005, it underlined the strategic and cultural importance which the territory has had over the centuries.
Portuguese colonists arrived in the mid-16th century and developed Macau into a major regional trading post. They held onto it long after it had been eclipsed by Hong Kong as a magnet for merchants; longer than they held onto Goa or Brazil.
Overlooking the South China Sea, Macau consists of a peninsula and two small islands, Taipa and Coloane. The three areas have been artificially joined by land reclamation, much of which is covered in casinos. Mercifully, it is possible to escape the neon lights and gambling dens in Macau’s urban parks and historic centre, where colonial Portuguese architecture sits among the bustle of a modern Asian city.
The street stalls and restaurants of the old town are also a fine introduction to local food, which encompasses traditional Chinese and Portuguese dishes alongside Goan, Brazilian and African influences.
Key facts
28.2 sq km (10.9 sq miles).
601,969 (CIA estimate July 2017).
21,346.4 per sq km.
Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
President of China Xi Jinping since 2013.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng since 2019.
Travel Advice
This travel advice covers the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China.
Dual Chinese-British nationality
Macao does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality, the local authorities may treat you as a Chinese citizen, even if you enter Macao on a full “British citizen” passport. If this is the case, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer you consular help.
If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, carry evidence that you have done so.
See guidance on nationality in China.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Macao’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Macao set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you leave Macao.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
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.
Visa requirements
Macao is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it remains a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.
You can visit Macao for up to 6 months without a visa, for tourism and to undertake unpaid business activities.
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 Macao Immigration Department.
Travelling through Macao to China
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.
If you enter and leave Macao through mainland China, you must get a double or multiple entry visa to re-enter mainland China.
The mainland Chinese authorities may carry out thorough checks at border crossings, including of your electronic devices.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Macao, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Macao guide.
Accommodation
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 Macao Tourism Office website.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Macao. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Macao airport has a passenger guide that explains the allowances.
Terrorism
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.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Macao
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Macao, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Crime levels are low but pickpocketing and other street crime does happen. You should take particular care of:
- passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas
- your belongings when checking out of hotels
- your wallet and other valuables when visiting casinos late at night
Laws and cultural differences
Safeguarding National Security Law
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 SAR, including in the UK. The Safeguarding National Security Law (NSL) outlines the types of activities that are illegal, such as preparing for or carrying out treason, secession or subversion against the central government.
The police have the right to access an individual’s social media and private communications to gather evidence of NSL crimes.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Do not become involved with drugs. Possession of drugs can lead to imprisonment.
Taking photos in secure areas
Do not take photos of military installations.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Macao, see information on driving abroad.
You can drive in Macao with a Hong Kong, Chinese or Portuguese driving licence.
If you are using a UK driving licence, you need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
You will also need to register to drive in Macao for more than 14 days.
Car hire
Some car hire companies have additional requirements, such as at least a year of driving experience and a minimum age of 21.
Unlicensed taxis
Uber is illegal in Macao. The Macao police will take action against drivers and passengers of unlicensed taxi services, including Uber.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Typhoons
Typhoon season normally runs from April to October. 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.
Monitor weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau.
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Macao
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Macao, including malaria and dengue fever.
Medication
Prescriptions issued by UK doctors are not valid in Macao. You will need to see a local doctor to get a prescription.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Macao
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Macao where some staff will speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Macao
Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Tourism Crisis Management Office
Contact the Macao Tourism Crisis Management Office on (853) 2833 3000 (24-hour hotline) for immediate and general tourism advice in English.
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Macao
- dealing with a death in Macao
- being arrested or imprisoned in Macao
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
Risk information for British companies
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Macao on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
