Macau, China Entry Policy (No Arrival Card Needed)
Policy Note Asia | Macau, China Entry Policy
August 14, 2026
✈️ Before You Go
Good news first: entering Macau requires no arrival card — and that has been true since the stamp-free policy started on July 10, 2013. The only thing you will receive is a small computer-printed entry declaration slip issued automatically by the Public Security Police, showing your name, entry date, permitted stay, and an anti-counterfeit QR code. Don't underestimate that slip: hotels often ask for it at check-in, and police checks may too — treat it like a boarding pass while you are in Macau. If you do lose it, don't panic: departure does not require it, and you can get a free reprint at any border checkpoint or the Immigration Department at Pac On in Taipa. Customs is the part that actually deserves attention: declaration is only required for restricted goods, items over personal-use limits (value above MOP 5,000), or cash/bearer instruments of MOP 120,000 or more — ordinary luggage goes straight through the green channel. Mainland Chinese residents just need a valid Exit-Entry Permit and endorsement. Final reminder: any website claiming 'Macau arrival card online submission' is a scam — Macau never had, and does not have, such a service.
⚠️ Important Notes
Key Policy Points
No form to fill — since July 10, 2013, Macau operates stamp-free entry: immigration auto-prints an entry declaration slip (the 'little slip') when you enter
Cost
Free
0- • IMPORTANT: There is NO online arrival card for Macau — travelers fill out nothing at entry. Any website charging for 'Macau arrival card online submission' is a scam
- • Since July 10, 2013, non-residents entering with a travel document receive a computer-printed Entry Declaration Form (the 'little slip') issued automatically by the Public Security Police — it shows your name, document number, entry date, permitted stay, and a QR code
- • Keep the slip during your stay — you may need to show it at hotel check-in or police checks; it is not strictly required at departure
- • Lost slips do not affect departure. You can get a free reprint at any border checkpoint or the Immigration Department at Pac On, Taipa
- • Customs declaration is only needed in specific cases: restricted goods, items exceeding personal-use limits (value over MOP 5,000), or cash/bearer negotiable instruments totaling MOP 120,000 or more — use the red channel
- • Mainland Chinese residents need a valid Exit-Entry Permit and Macau endorsement — but no arrival card
- • Most nationalities enter visa-free (30 or 90 days depending on nationality). Chinese passport holders transiting Macau to a third country can stay visa-free for 7 days (valid onward ticket required)
- • Do not confuse Macau with Hong Kong: separate immigration jurisdictions. Hong Kong abolished its arrival cards in 2024; Macau has never required travelers to fill one
❓ FAQ
Do I need to fill out a Macau arrival card in 2026?
No. Since July 10, 2013, Macau has used stamp-free entry — travelers fill out nothing. Border police automatically print an Entry Declaration Form (the 'little slip') showing your name, document number, entry date, permitted stay and a QR code.
Can I fill out the Macau arrival card online?
No — there is no online arrival card for Macau, and there never has been. Any website charging for 'Macau arrival card online submission' is a scam. The only official source is gov.mo, and there is nothing to submit.
Do I need to print anything before flying to Macau?
No printing needed. Your entry slip is generated automatically at the border checkpoint when you arrive. Keep it during your stay — hotels and police checks may ask to see it.
Does the Macau arrival card cost money?
No. Entry into Macau involves no form fee — the printed slip is free. Any site asking for payment to 'process' your Macau arrival card is a scam.
What happens if I lose my Macau entry slip?
Nothing bad — losing the slip does not affect your departure. You can get a free reprint at any border checkpoint or at the Immigration Department in Pac On, Taipa.
Who needs to fill in the Macau arrival card?
Nobody. All travelers, regardless of nationality, receive the auto-printed slip instead of filling a card. Mainland Chinese residents still need a valid Exit-Entry Permit with a Macau endorsement, but no arrival card.
When do I need to declare goods at Macau customs?
Only in specific cases: restricted goods, items over personal-use limits (value above MOP 5,000), or cash/bearer negotiable instruments of MOP 120,000 or more. Use the red channel then; ordinary luggage goes through the green channel.
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