Macau has surpassed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2025, achieving the figure 26 days earlier than in 2024, thanks in part to new visa policies from mainland China that allow for more flexible entry.
According to the Public Security Police Force, Macau welcomed over 20 million visitors as of 11 am on Tuesday (July 8th), with an average of 106,000 daily arrivals. Mainland Chinese tourists accounted for the largest share at 71.6 percent, followed by visitors from Hong Kong at 19.1 percent, Taiwan at 2.4 percent, and other international markets at 6.9 percent.
The Border Gate remained the busiest entry point, handling 41 percent of all inbound traffic, followed by the Macau Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge at 24.1 percent, and the Hengqin Port at 13.5 percent.
Authorities expect a further surge in arrivals over the summer holidays and have strengthened coordination with border control authorities in mainland China and Hong Kong to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Earlier this year, Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes forecast that total tourist arrivals in 2025 could approach the 39 million figure recorded in 2019. She noted that new visa policies are expected to significantly boost inbound travel.
Starting January 1st, 2025, the new visa policy allows Zhuhai residents to apply for a travel permit to visit Macau once a week, while Hengqin residents can apply for a multiple-entry visa.
This policy marks a pioneering move, as it is the first time Chinese authorities have allowed a multiple-entry visa for tourism to Macau. The policy is also seen as a “gift” to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR.
