Macao lifted entry restrictions for foreign travellers effective 8 January 2023, according to an academic review of the territory's gaming industry published in China: An International Journal1. The change ended a prohibition that had been in place since the early months of the pandemic.
From 18 March 2020 to 31 August 2022, all travellers except those from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and individuals with exemptions, were prohibited from entering Macao1. The source states that entry restrictions for foreign travellers were lifted effective 8 January 20231. It does not report which authority issued the change, the specific conditions attached to entry after that date, or whether any testing or vaccination requirements remained. Those details have not been reported in the source.
The reopening came amid a wider overhaul of Macao's casino framework. In 2022 the territory amended Law No. 16/2001, the Old Gaming Law, through Law No. 7/2022, the New Gaming Law, and awarded new gaming concessions to six operators: MGM Grand Paradise S.A., Galaxy Casino S.A., Venetian Macau S.A., Melco Resorts (Macau) S.A., Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. and SJM Resorts S.A.1. The same year, the New Gaming Law effectively dismantled Macao's junket system, which had historically contributed over 70 percent of gross gaming revenue1. In 2023, gross gaming revenue reached MOP183 billion1.
The source also records the conviction and sentencing in 2023 of Alvin Chau, chief executive of Suncity Group, Macao's largest casino junket operator, on charges of illegal gambling and money laundering1. His arrest coincided with the revision of the Gaming Law and preparations for the rebidding of casino concessions1.
"Effective 8 January 2023, Macao lifted entry restrictions for foreign travellers."
What it means for players
For visitors from outside mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the January 2023 change removed the entry bar that had applied to them for most of the pandemic period1. The source does not set out what documents, tests or conditions travellers needed at the border after that date, so the practical entry requirements are not established here.
For local and mainland players, the more consequential change described in the source is the restructuring of the junket system under the New Gaming Law, which shifted casino business toward the mass market rather than VIP high rollers1. The source states that casinos moved to target casual gamblers seeking entertainment rather than high-stakes play1. Gaming credit rules were also reformed later, with a new Gaming Credit Law entering into force on 1 August 20241.
What happens next
The source records no further dated steps on entry policy after 8 January 2023. It notes that a new Gaming Credit Law took effect on 1 August 20241, and that the Executive Council concluded discussion on a draft law titled "Law on Combating Illegal Gambling"1. No date is given for that draft law's passage or effect.
For entry and casino rules in the territory, see Can I Gamble in Macau? and Gambling as a Visitor in Asia. For travel from the mainland, see Can I Gamble in China?, and for the neighboring SAR, Can I Gamble in Hong Kong?.
Sources1 sources
- Joao Ilhao MOREIRA - The Transformation of Macao's Gaming Industry .pdf, repository.um.edu.mo
