Macau entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Maltese passport holders can visit Macau without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy, in effect since 2025, covers tourism, business meetings, and short stays. No visa application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Macau — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines sometimes check for 6 months validity anyway, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Macau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Macau within 90 days works — they rarely check if it's refundable. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Macau. Border officers ask for this less often than onward tickets, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask to see you have enough cash or credit to cover your trip. No fixed amount is published, but MOP 5,000 (approx. €550) per person is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or credit card works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew it before you travel. You will be denied boarding or entry if it's not valid.
Keep digital copies of your documents
Save screenshots of your return ticket, hotel booking, and passport info page on your phone. If you lose your physical documents, these copies can help at the embassy or with local authorities.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Macau International Airport or ferry terminal
You'll go through immigration at Macau International Airport (MFM) or at the ferry terminals from Hong Kong or mainland China. Join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel (if you checked any) and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no dutiable goods. You're now free to enter Macau.
Download Macau Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostMOP 100 (~$12.50 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. Apply at a Macau embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
CostMOP 200 (~$25 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity. Useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Macau Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
MOP 600 (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Macau. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Macau Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of study program, renewable
MOP 200 (~$25 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Macau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investment visa
Macau Investment Visa (Visto de Investimento)
1 year, renewable
MOP 1,000 (~$125 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant investment in Macau (e.g., business, real estate). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied if you exceed the 90-day visa-free period. Maximum fine is MOP 10,000 (~$1,250 USD). | MOP 200 (~$25 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Macau
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders transiting through Macau International Airport do not need a visa for airside transit, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMacau International Airport (MFM)
Health & vaccines for Macau
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present, especially during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe but bottled water is advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Macau
Macau Immigration Department (Direcção dos Serviços de Migração)
Rua de S. Tiago, Edifício do Comissariado, Macau
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat 09:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalMacau
LanguageChinese, Portuguese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMacanese pataca (MOP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 8.07 MOP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
F, MType F (Schuko) and Type M (South African) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Macau before the 90 days are up and re-enter after a short absence. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No, if you are transiting through Macau to a third country and you stay airside (don't pass through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements (passport validity, return ticket, etc.).
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling to Macau.
No, the 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. If you plan to work, study, or engage in any paid activity, you must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before you arrive.
No, Macau does not require an arrival declaration for Maltese passport holders. You just present your passport and supporting documents at immigration.
The official currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP). Hong Kong dollars (HKD) are widely accepted at a 1:1 exchange rate, but you'll get change in patacas. It's best to have some patacas for small purchases.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders. You must either leave and re-enter or apply for a visa at a Macau diplomatic mission before traveling if you need a longer stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.