Macau SAR China
About Macau SAR China
| Currency | Macanese pataca (MOPS) |
| Language | Portuguese and Chinese (Cantonese) |
| Capital | N/A |
The Macau Special Administrative Region is located in eastern Asia bordering China and the South China Sea. Macau’s population is about 550,000 people.
Macau (also Macao) is considered a limited democracy and is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China with its own charter (the Basic Law). Hong Kong is the other SAR. The head of government is the Chief Executive who is appointed by Beijing after election by an Election Committee of 300 who represent Macau’s interests. The chief of state is the president of China.
Macau became a Portuguese colony in the 16th century. Portugal administered the region until the handover to China on December 20, 1999. China agreed that for the next 50 years, Macau would operate with a high degree of autonomy. Under the policy of “one country, two systems,” Macau will not operate under China’s socialist economic system. China is responsible for the region’s foreign affairs and defence, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organizations and events. The economy of Macau depends largely on tourism, gambling, and textile and garment manufacturing.
Visitors will enjoy the Portuguese influence in the parks and gardens, architecture, streets, and also the cuisine, along with the Las Vegas style hotels and casinos. Macau is the largest gambling destination in Asia.
Recommended Vaccinations For Macau SAR China
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the diseases.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Nationals and residents of Myanmar are required to possess certificates of vaccination on their departure to an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Travellers who engage in extensive outdoor activities in rural areas during the months of May to October may have increased risk, and vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Macau SAR China
There are no recommendations for Macau SAR China at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Macau SAR China
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Macau through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Macau.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya is a viral disease that occurs in Macau. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur during the tropical rainy season, however, outbreaks can occur during the dry season as well.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Macau.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of Yellow Fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Nationals and residents of Myanmar are required to possess certificates of vaccination on their departure to an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Scrub Typhus
This disease generally occurs year-round in Macau.
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks have occurred in Macau.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Macau through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.
Measles
There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Macau, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country, usually during May to October. However, the risk of exposure to this virus is low.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. While all dogs are free of rabies, certain wildlife species, such as bats can carry rabies-like viruses. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Macau SAR China
Personal Safety
Most travellers rarely experience security problems in Macau since the crime rate is low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur in tourist areas. Travellers should secure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents. Keep a copy of your identification and travel documents in a separate place.
Only use licensed taxis and ensure that the taxi meter is used. Do not use ride share services, such as Uber, as they are deemed illegal by the Macau Police and both passengers and taxi drivers can be punished. Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
It is illegal to take photos of military installations. It is also illegal to possess weapons, or items that may look like weapons (ex. toys, antiques, replicas). Do not try and import these items.
Typhoons occur in Macau between May-October. Flooding, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor weather reports closely. If a natural disaster occurs, follow advice of local authorities.
Political tension exists with North Korea. Tension could escalate without warning and the safety and security situation could be impacted. Monitor local news sources closely.
LGBTI travellers should note that although same-sex sexual behaviours are legal in Macau, same-sex marriage is not.
Extreme Violence
The risk of violent crime is low in Macau.
Political Unrest
All public demonstrations that have not received government approval are illegal. Do not participate in demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time and can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
