The GSA
All country guides

Country guide

Macau

Visa

No visa needed

Vaccinations

None required

Currency

Macanese Pataca (MOP). Hong Kong Dollar widely accepted. The Pataca can be difficult to exchange once you leave Macau.

Time zones

UTC / GMT +8 (6 hours ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 853

Best time to go

Mid-October – December

Drinking water

Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.

Visa guide

Entry requirements

  • Passport must be valid for 90 days beyond stay in Macau, with 2 blank pages.
  • Onward or return flight tickets
  • Proof of available funds:

Up to 7 day visit: at least MOP5000
8-14 day visit: MOP10,000
15-21 day visit: MOP15,000
22+ day visit: MOP20,000

Visa requirements

No visas are required by SA passport holders for a stay not exceeding 30 days.

Additional information: www.gov.mo

Should you require a visa, you can apply through the China Visa Application Centre.

Issuing authorities

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1; Feb 16-19; Apr 3-6; May 1, 24; Jun 19; Sep 26; Oct 1-2, 18; Nov 2; Dec 20, 22, 24-25, 31

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 30 July 2026