The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region is to accept for processing applications from eligible foreigners to enter Macao on or after 1 December.

Government officials explained today – during a press conference of the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre – the latest steps as outlined in an Executive Order published today.

Anyone granted approval for entry under the updated rules would still be obliged to observe certain health-monitoring requirements as applicable.

The first group eligible for consideration for entry are foreigners wishing to visit Macao for matters serving Macao’s public interest, particularly ones relating to disease prevention and control, and emergency rescue; as well as the ensuring of the proper operation of public services in the community; and of meeting the basic day-to-day needs of the Macao public.

The second group eligible for consideration are those foreigners arriving via the mainland and who have stayed on the mainland for 14 days or more, immediately prior to their planned arrival in Macao. Such people may apply to the authorities for entry on the following grounds:

- they are either a spouse or child of a Macao resident;

- they have registered with the authorities as a non-resident worker, or hold a permit to enter Macao for work purposes, or they are a family member of such a worker, and have either obtained the relevant authorisation or meet the eligibility requirements to stay in Macao;

- they have obtained the authorisation to stay in Macao;

- they are students registered to local higher-education institutions;

- they plan to visit Macao for an important business event, or academic or professional activities.

Separately, the government officials also said at today’s press briefing that residents of either mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan who wish to enter Macao for one of the aforementioned public-interest purposes, and have been to any foreign countries prior to their intended visit to Macao, may apply to the authorities for entry to Macao.

Under the previous rules, all foreigners and residents of mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan who had visited a foreign country in the past 14 days prior to their intended arrival to Macao, had been banned from entering the city.

The Government has the final decision whether or not to grant approval to any applications for entry to Macao.

Those wishing to apply may submit the following documents: a letter to the Director of the Health Bureau, explaining the grounds for the application; a copy of their personal identification document; and in cases where applicants wish to arrive from the mainland, proof of their prior stay there.

The Government will make a decision on each application within 15 days of receiving it. Applications can be made to the Health Bureau’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, either: in person at Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, n.os 335-341, Edifício “Centro Hotline”, 7th floor; by post; or via email (cdc@ssm.gov.mo or info.cdc@ssm.gov.mo).