Macau adds new outbound testing requirements ahead of Golden Week

All travellers leaving the region must have proof of a negative novel coronavirus (Covid-19) test, conducted within 48 hours of leaving. Testing requirements are stricter for those leaving for the nearby Guangdong Province in mainland China, with visitors required to have a negative test within 24 hours.

“Members of the public are urged not to leave the territory unless necessary,” the government added.

The region also launched a new testing campaign, in an attempt to test all residents and visitors between 25 September and 28 September, ahead of the Golden Week holiday period, which starts on 1 October.

Testing requirements for those entering Macau remain the same. Those who have been anywhere other than mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan within the previous 21 days are prohibited from entering, while those who have not must present a negative test conducted within 24 hours.

The rules have come as the Macau government confirmed a new case in the region, with more than 800 possible contacts.

Travel restrictions continue to hurt the Macau gaming industry, as total revenue across the region came to MOP4.4bn (£402.1m/€467.9m) for August 2021. While this was an increase of 234.0% from the same period last year, it was down significantly from MOP24.26bn in August 2019.

Macau casinos may also face further trouble in the future, after the government opened a consultation on a number of major reforms to the region’s casino sector, including changes to the number of licences issued and the possibility of introducing government representatives to licensees.