Macau’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre has announced that it will allow Portuguese nationals arriving from either Portugal, mainland China or Hong Kong, and who have not travelled outside of those regions within the previous 21 days, to enter Macau as of 27 May 2022.
As hinted at by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Elsie Ao Ieong, last month, the easing of restrictions for Portuguese represents the first step in a pilot program to allow non-residents from selected foreign nations to enter. They will, however, still be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine for either 14 days or 21 days, depending on their residency and vaccination status.
Under Chief Executive Order 64/2022, which aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19, non-residents are prohibited from entering Macau, however, taking into account the needs of the residents or entities of the SAR, health authorities may exceptionally waive compliance with this measure based on risk assessment.
As the epidemic situation in Portugal is considered moderate and exchange between people from Macau and Portugal is necessary, the Health Bureau has determined that the restriction measures applied to people of Portuguese nationality are to be lifted.
Therefore, as of 17 May, Portuguese nationals who have not been outside mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong or Portugal – except where they have stayed due to stopover or transfer for means of transportation – in the 21 days prior to entry can enter without prior authorization from health authorities, provided that they meet the entry requirements and present required documents on arrival.
The move is seen as a very tentative first step towards Macau eventually reopening to the world after Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng issued an order in March 2020 prohibiting foreigners from entering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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