Foreign residents of Macao can now apply for multiple-entry visas to mainland China, according to an announcement yesterday by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Under the new policy, non-Chinese permanent residents of Macao are eligible to apply for a five year multiple-entry visa. Foreigners who are not permanent residents can apply for one that is valid for two years.
One-year multiple entry visas are also available. Domestic workers can apply for six-month multiple-entry visas.
[See more: The Chief Executive says Macao has a ‘different’ view on residency for Portuguese]
The commissioner’s office says the policy shift is intended to “provide more convenience for eligible foreigners in Macao to apply for mainland visas for business, tourism, family visits, and other purposes.”
Visa application forms have also been simplified and appointment-free application of visas is now possible.
The Chinese government has been gradually relaxing visa regulations for foreigners. Since the beginning of this month, foreign nationals entering Guangdong via Macao or Hong Kong have been allowed to travel to Guangdong visa-free for six days.
