Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• There is no formal British Consulate in Macao.  If you require assistance when you are in Macao you should contact the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong.  See the Contact Details section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see our Terrorism Abroad page.
  
  
• In 2010, 60,459 British tourists visited Macao (Source: the Macao Tourism Board). Most visits are trouble-free.  The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2010 was for replacing lost and stolen passports. You should take sensible precautions against pickpocketing and other street crime.
  
  
• The typhoon season in Macao normally runs from April to October.  See  Natural Disasters
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad. 

Safety and Security - Crime
The incidence of violent crime to foreigners is low but pick pocketing and other street crime can occur in some areas. Take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas. Be careful of your belongings when checking out of hotels. Take extra care when visiting casinos late at night.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Macao Country Profile

Do not become involved with illicit drugs of any kind.  Possession of these drugs can lead to imprisonment.

Do not take photographs of military installations in Macao.

See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

Although Macao is now part of the People's Republic of China it remains a Special Administrative Region with its own immigration controls. You can stay in Macao for up to three months without a visa.
 
If you intend to work in Macao you must obtain an appropriate visa before arrival.  For more information you can contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Macao. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of one month from the date of entry into Macao. If you are staying longer than one month your passport must be valid for the duration of your visit.

Entry Requirements - Visits to Mainland China

If you intend to travel to Mainland China via Macao on a British passport you must obtain a Chinese visa before arrival at the border. Failure to do so could result in a fine and possible detention by the Mainland Chinese authorities. If you are entering Macao via Mainland China and leaving again via the mainland you will need to be in possession of a double or multiple entry visa for mainland China.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some documentary evidence of parental responsibility may need to shown to local authorities before allowing lone parents to enter or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave. 

Dengue Fever is common to Macao and you should take precautions against mosquito bites.

Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Macau and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page.

The typhoon season in Macao normally runs from April to October.  Typhoons very occasionally hit Macao and may cause flooding and landslides.  Warning is given in advance.  Public offices shut down when the 'Typhoon 8' signal is hoisted. You are advised to remain indoors.

Monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access nhc.noaa.gov for updates. See Tropical cyclones for more details.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, as the cost of medical care in Macao is high. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Contact Details

There is no formal British Consulate in Macao. If you require assistance when you are in Macao you should contact the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong, who will put you in contact with our Honorary Consul in Macao if necessary.