The Macao SAR Government officially reopened its borders to foreign visitors from 41 countries on Thursday, with the Health Bureau explaining this was the first of multiple phases planned to reopen Macau to the rest of the world.
Valerie Wong, acting division head for health promotion, said at a press conference on Thursday that, “The government has taken into account the impact of the pandemic on the economy of Macau over the past two and a half years, and the fact that foreigners are stranded in Macau as a result of the immigration restrictions has had a negative impact on the economy of Macau.
“The government plans to allow foreigners to enter Macau in phases on the premise of balancing pandemic prevention measures and the economy.
“In the first phase, 41 countries with better economic conditions will be allowed to enter Macau, and more foreigners of different nationalities will be allowed to enter in phases in the future.”
Wong also pointed out that the government has paid attention to the pandemic situation around the world, with the situation having stabilized in many countries.
As for the entry of foreigners into Macau, the only direct flights into Macau outside of mainland China and Hong Kong are currently from Singapore. Wong said the ability for foreigners to leave Macau via Hong Kong would reduce the chances of them being stranded in Macau.
The 41 countries form which visitors are now allowed to enter Macau are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, United Kingdom, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and the United States.
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