June 6, 2010
Following the notification from the Public Security Police Force of the government of the Macao SAR of China, effective since July 1, 2010, except for certain categories of people, nationals of Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam shall be required to obtain an entry visa before arriving at the Macao Special Administrative Region. Visa-upon-arrival will be no longer applicable to these nationals.
To facilitate the implementation of the above mentioned policy, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria will begin processing the Macao visa application of nationals of those six countries as of July 1, 2010. For specific Macao visa regulations, please refer to the website of the Public Security Police Force of the government of Macao SAR of China.
Attachment: Press release on Pre-arrival Visa Initiative for Nationals of Six Countries by Macao SAR of China
As a tourism city, the Macao Special Administrative Region adopts a liberal immigration policy. Nationals of 66 countries and regions enjoy visa-free visits to Macao while others may choose to make visa applications in advance at the consulate or embassy of the People's Republic of China located at their place of residence, or make an entry permit (visa-upon-arrival) application upon their arrival at Macao.
While providing the greatest convenience to visitors, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government should ensure effective immigration control, combat illegal immigration and maintain public security by reviewing and updating the immigration policy on a timely basis.
In the light of these needs and the recent social situation in Macao, considering the conditions of different countries as well as the purpose and status of their nationals' past visits to Macao, the Macao Special Administrative Region will implement the following measures starting from 1 July 2010: nationals of Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are required to obtain an entry visa before arriving at the Macao Special Administrative Region. Visa-upon-arrival is no longer applicable to these nationals.
However, holders of a diplomatic passport may still enjoy visa-free access to Macao. In addition, the consular officials of the above six countries posted to Chinese territory, the officials of various international organizations posted to Chinese territory and their respective families may apply for an entry permit with their passport and diplomatic/consular identity card or staff card upon their arrival at Macao.