Visa policy of Macau

Macau Arrival Card replaced passport stamps in 2013
Former Macau passport stamps

The Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region allows citizens of specific countries/territories to travel to Macau for tourism or business for up to 180, 90, 30 or 7 days without having to obtain a visa.[1] For other entry purposes, such as establishing residence on a long term basis, a different policy applies.

The Serviço de Migração is the government agency responsible for processing visa applications in Macao, whilst the Public Security Police Force is responsible for enforcing immigration laws in Macao.

All visitors must hold a passport valid for 1 month.

Macau plans to introduce a visa-free regime with Kazakhstan.[2]

Short stays in Macau

Visa exemptions

Citizens from the following countries and territories can enter Macau as a visitor without a visa (for a maximum period as stated below):[3]

Countries and territories whose citizens can enter Macao without a visa

1 year (1)

6 months (1)

90 days (55)

1 - except the United Kingdom.

30 days (21)

14 days (1)

7 days

A travel permit issued to Mainland China residents by the Public Security Bureau for travel to and from Macau and Hong Kong

Unlimited access

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.

Not in force

The MSAR government has signed a visa-free agreement with  Armenia, which is pending ratification.[5]

Entry procedures for visa nationals

A visa for entry into Macau issued by the Chinese consulate in New York City

Those holding travel documents that are not listed above will be required to obtain a visa for entry to Macau. Multiple entry authorization (Autorização de Entrada) can be obtained as a visa on arrival and is valid for 30 days.

Nationals of the following countries must obtain visa (visto) in advance through the Chinese diplomatic mission (unless they hold a Hong Kong identity card):[6]

Under Macau law, border inspection personnel/Serviço de Migração staff are able to deny a visa application if:[7]

Extending short stays in Macau

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.[8]

Lost/stolen travel documents

Mainland Chinese visitors (i.e. non-residents) who lose their travel documents, or have them stolen, whilst in Macao must first report to the Serviço de Migração office, where they will be issued with a special departure travel document free of charge enabling them to leave Macao.[9]

All other visitors (i.e. non-residents) who lose their travel documents, or have them stolen, whilst in Macao must first report to a police station. After obtaining a police report, they should visit the Serviço de Migração office, where they will be issued with a special departure travel document free of charge enabling them to leave Macao.[9]

Long stays

Study visas

Students from Mainland China in possession of a valid travel permit issued by the Mainland authorities with an observation stating that they can remain in Macau for 365 days are allowed, under Macanese law, to remain for a maximum period of 90 days in Macau. 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.[10]

Hong Kong students need not apply for a study visa, as they are entitled to enter Macau with their Hong Kong permanent 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 Macau.

Residence

Those wanting to take up residence in Macau for purposes of investment can do so via the Macau Trade and Investment Office in Macau, and then visit the local Serviço de Migração office.[11]

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

References

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/29/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.