China to partially resume Macau SAR visas

The process will resume from August 12. The return of the IVS and permissions for group tours has yet to be decided.

Macau.- Authorities in Guangdong province have confirmed that as of August 12 they will resume issuing visas for locals to travel to the Macau SAR region.

For the time being, they will only authorise visas for business, government, family and education purposes.

The Individual Visas Scheme (IVS) and permissions for group tours awaited by the Macau gaming industry, are not yet being considered. They have been suspended since January due to the pandemic.  

Analysts believe that the return of the IVS scheme is needed before Macau companies can see an increase in gaming revenue.

Last year, half of the visitors to Macau from mainland China travelled to the SAR with individual visas.