Macau expecting “good news” on border restrictions

Macau is working with the Chinese government on loosening border restrictions to boost the economy.

Macau.- There could soon be good news on the border opening between Macau and mainland China, according to the SAR’s Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak.

While borders are not actually closed, strict measures mean the volume of visitors to Macau are minimal, severely impacting on the gaming industry.

The authorities of Macau and the Chinese government have been in talks to lift measures since the beginning of the pandemic but have yet to make clear progress due to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases.

According to Mr. Wong, “the central government will coordinate soon each province to step up the works on border reopening with Macau, and see when this can be implemented. This hopefully is good news.”

Mainland China is the largest-single source of Macau’s casino visitors.

The Macau government has announced a fresh tightening of travel protocols for inbound movement from Hong Kong, where the tally of cases is rising.

Those inbound from Hong Kong must have a certificate issued in the preceding 24 hours proving they have tested negative for Covid-19.

There is still a 14-day quarantine condition for all inbound travellers that have been in Hong Kong in the 14 days prior to arrival in Macau.