The Chief Executive of Macau SAR, Ho Iat Seng, said Tuesday that governments in Macau and mainland China are continuing discussions around simplifying their current border policies, including a possible exemption on providing a negative virus test for those who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations.
“We are continuing to discuss how to simplify current entry restrictions with the mainland government,” Ho said. “For example, is it possible to exempt the requirement of negative virus test results when crossing the borders? This would require us to reach mutual policy – Macau residents would be exempt from [providing] virus tests after vaccination, and mainland visitors would also be exempt from virus tests after vaccination.”
As previously reported by Inside Asian Gaming, Macau this week began providing residents with their second dose of COVID-19 vaccines, matching neighboring Zhuhai and other cities in the Greater Bay Area who are also now well into their vaccination schedules.
“We want to fight for more conveniences. It might not be successful, but we will try our best,” Ho said.
At present, foreigners in Macau are able to apply for a visa to enter China, but the scheme is restricted only to those who have received Chinese vaccines. Macau’s Chief Executive told media that Macau has no control over this issue since the recognition of different types of vaccines remains a controversial issue around the world.
