In less than two weeks, over 66,000 multiple-entry visas have been issued for travel to Macau’s neighboring cities, according to official data.
Since January 1st, 2025, Zhuhai residents have made 257,000 trips to Macau, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.1 percent, according to Lyu Ning, spokesperson for China’s National Immigration Administration.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Lyu revealed that 59,000 “One Trip Per Week” endorsements for travel to Macau have been issued, along with over 6,000 “Multiple-Entry” endorsements.
The “One Trip Per Week” visa, as well as the “Multiple-Entry” visa, are both recognized as tourist visas that allow for multiple entries.
The new visa policy, implemented on January 1st, 2025, 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 initiative marks a pioneering move, as it is the first time Chinese authorities have introduced a multiple-entry visa for tourism to Macau.
The policy is also regarded as a “gift” to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR).
The spokesperson for the National Immigration Administration highlighted the significant growth in travel from mainland China to Macau following the introduction of the new visa scheme, which aligns with observations made by Macau authorities.
Earlier last week, Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), confirmed that the newly implemented visa policy for residents of neighboring cities has already had a positive impact on Macau’s visitor numbers.
The official revealed that from January 3rd to 5th, 2025, daily visitor arrivals remained above 100,000. She believes that these encouraging numbers are a result of the new, more relaxed visa policy.
Hotels fully booked for CNY Golden Week
With nearly two weeks remaining before the start of Chinese New Year and Golden Week (January 28th to February 4th), according to AGB’s check, Macau’s hotel bookings are nearly full, especially in the Cotai area.
Most hotels at Galaxy Macau, an integrated resort by Galaxy Entertainment Group, are fully booked for the Chinese New Year period, with no rooms available after January 31st. Only Broadway, Okura, and Andaz offer availability from Chinese New Year’s Eve (January 28th) to the second day of the New Year, with prices ranging from MOP 2,000 ($251) to MOP 3,000 ($376).
The Venetian Macao, part of Sands China’s integrated resorts, is also fully booked, except for Chinese New Year’s Eve, January 29th, and February 4th. Room rates range from MOP 1,800 ($226) to MOP 2,000 ($251). The Londoner still has rooms available from Chinese New Year’s Eve to January 31st, but prices start from MOP 6,000 ($752) to MOP 13,000 ($1,630).
Melco’s hotels have availability until January 31st. Grand Hyatt has rooms available throughout the holiday, starting at MOP 4,000 ($502), while Studio City requires a two-night minimum stay at rates starting from MOP 6,000 ($752).
Wynn Palace is fully booked except for Chinese New Year’s Eve, with rates starting from MOP 2,000 ($251). MGM’s rooms are also fully booked, except for New Year’s Eve, with rates starting from MOP 4,300 ($539).
SJM’s Grand Lisboa has limited availability on January 29th and February 4th, with prices ranging from MOP 2,000 ($251) to MOP 3,500 ($439).
