Macau is commencing an electronic visa and tour group program commencing today (November 1st). This is part of the government’s strategy to revitalize the economy following the pandemic, declared in September.

Macau’s Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng unveiled the plan as part of easing COVID-19 restrictions. At that time, Ho Iat Seng projected that daily arrivals from mainland China could reach 40,000.

Beginning today, all Macau border crossings will have intelligent visa kiosks for mainland Chinese residents to apply for electronic visas. They can then journey to the Special Administrative Region without any supplemental documents.

The Macau government anticipates that the rise in travelers will generate more commercial opportunities and assist the economy in recovering. The region has been severely affected by travel limitations.

The plan also encompasses support for infrastructure, enterprises, and diversification.

Additional Uncertainty

The introduction of the electronic visa arrives at a time of further uncertainty for Macau’s economy and public health. On October 30th, Macau authorities isolated the MGM Grand Macau after a small number of COVID-19 cases were discovered. This was the first instance in three months that Macau had reported any cases.

Employees and visitors at the hotel were mandated to remain there until today.

In spite of this, every Macau resident must go through daily COVID-19 testing until the outbreak is brought under control.

Macau is presently in the midst of an open bidding licensing process, with seven entities competing for six licenses to operate within Macau.

The electronic visa policy incorporates a safety measure, signifying that new visas may be halted if a fresh outbreak emerges, implying that the policy could conclude if the present group of cases spreads.

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