Macao, China

Scope

Macao has its own border-control and customs administration. Vessel formalities in Hong Kong or mainland China do not automatically replace entry requirements in Macao.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Ports of Entry - Macao Government Tourism Office

Macao's government yacht-service page concerns a specific yacht scheme limited to eligible Guangdong-registered yachts. It does not establish that foreign yachts generally may clear in Macao. Before visiting, confirm eligibility and locations with the Marine and Water Bureau.

Pre-arrival notification

First confirm whether the vessel can be received with Macao's Marine and Water Bureau, Customs and immigration authorities. Yacht concessions specific to the Greater Bay Area cannot be extended automatically to all foreign yachts.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Ports of Entry - Macao Government Tourism Office

Crew and passenger entry and departure

The Macao Public Security Police Force's official entry information lists a border post at the Inner Harbour Passenger Terminal and Yacht Terminal. Non-residents must hold valid travel documents and obtain any visa or prior authorization required by nationality and status, or confirm that they qualify for an exemption. The period of stay granted on arrival is governed by each person's documents and actual admission record. For yachts not registered in Macao, the Marine and Water Bureau requires people aboard to complete entry formalities before going ashore; arrangements may be requested in advance from the Public Security Police through a yacht-marina agent. People leaving Macao by yacht must also complete departure formalities, and the master is responsible for confirming that everyone has done so. Check each crew member's and passenger's eligibility and permitted stay separately. Permission for a yacht to enter does not grant entry or shore-leave permission to people aboard.

Entry of yachts not registered in Macao and customs

Macao's Marine and Water Bureau accepts port-entry applications for recreational craft not registered in Macao. Applications require a yacht entry form and valid navigation documents; liability insurance and berth confirmation are also required where applicable. Once documents are complete, the stated service standard is approval within two working days. Before entering Macao waters, contact the yacht-marina agent to arrange a berth and keep the approval aboard for inspection. Before anyone goes ashore, complete entry formalities with the Public Security Police through the marina agent; before departure, complete the relevant departure procedures for people aboard.

Approval from the Marine and Water Bureau is not customs release. Macao Customs publishes general declaration rules for imported, exported and transshipped goods, but this review did not find complete rules confirming temporary import of foreign private yachts, declaration of goods for personal use aboard, duty-free periods or guarantee requirements. Before arrival, verify the vessel-specific process separately with the Marine and Water Bureau and Macao Customs.

Official sources: Application for port entry of recreational craft not registered in Macao; Macao electronic customs declaration service.

Macao Customs says recreational vessels making a short stay must declare entry and departure to the Marine and Water Bureau. Goods imported by recreational vessel must be declared and cleared by Customs, and the vessel must obtain a navigation permit from the Marine and Water Bureau. General Macao Customs rules also require goods subject to sanitary or plant quarantine controls to undergo municipal quarantine when imported or transshipped. Live animals, plants, food and some animal products may require permits or quarantine.

Public sources do not say whether food, pets, live animals, plants, stores or waste for personal use by crew aboard a foreign private yacht, when not landed, follow the same process or qualify for exemptions. Before carrying such items, confirm declaration, permit, quarantine and shore-landing requirements with Macao Customs and the Municipal Affairs Bureau. Do not assume a yacht exemption or automatic application of all general cargo rules.

Official sources: Macao Customs: Entry and departure of recreational vessels; Goods subject to sanitary or plant quarantine; Import permit application for live animals.

Macao Customs says goods imported by recreational vessel must be declared and cleared by customs, and the vessel must obtain a navigation permit from the Marine and Water Bureau. Macao's general import rules also require prior permits for controlled goods. The lists include animals and plants, food, medicines, chemicals, dutiable consumer goods, radio equipment, weapons and ammunition, dangerous goods and other items.

Public sources do not explain in detail how prior-permit rules apply to yacht fixtures, personal effects of crew/passengers, items kept aboard only, or goods carried away on departure. Before carrying firearms, medicines, radio equipment, dangerous goods, food, plants, animals or related products, confirm with Macao Customs and the responsible authority whether permits, declarations, sealing or departure procedures are required. Do not treat passenger-baggage allowances as rules for vessel stores.

Official sources: Macao Customs: Entry and departure of recreational vessels; Macao Customs: Goods subject to prior licensing.

Verification status: To be confirmed. The declaration/clearance requirement for goods imported by recreational vessel and general permit lists were checked; treatment of yacht fixtures, goods retained aboard and goods carried out on departure remains unconfirmed.

Macao's government page says only eligible Guangdong-registered yachts covered by the scheme may use designated berths and procedures. It does not confirm customs, berthing or immigration arrangements for foreign yachts. Contact Macao's Marine and Water Bureau in advance.

The fee schedule under Macao Law No. 26/2024 lists per-voyage vessel charges under “vessel clearance,” by navigation category and gross tonnage, including the corresponding safety departure permit. For ocean-going vessels up to 3,000 tons, the fee is MOP 180; for river/coastal vessels of 50 tons or less, it is MOP 36, with other rates for larger tonnages. Macao Customs says recreational vessels must file entry/departure declarations, but public information does not establish the fee category for foreign private yachts or whether this charge includes all berth, agent, quarantine or other service charges. Before departure, confirm the vessel's classification and itemized charges with the Marine and Water Bureau, and confirm customs clearance for goods aboard and departure formalities with Customs.

Official sources: Macao Law No. 26/2024 and Marine and Water Bureau fee schedule; Macao Customs: Entry and departure of recreational vessels.

Verification status: To be confirmed. Official rates and recreational-vessel declaration requirements were checked; the fee category and complete total for private yachts remain unverified.