From May 6, various visa policy relaxation measures will be implemented for mainlanders who want to visit Macau.
On Sunday, Macau's government intelligence service said in a press release in Portuguese and Chinese that individuals from mainland China may have several participants between Macau and Hung-chien to join the "Macao-Hung-Chin Tour Group."
Residents of 20 large Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, can now apply entirely online for Macao or Hong Kong visas without having to visit China's public security office.
Another move makes it possible for mainland residents seeking business visas for Macau or Hong Kong to apply at all immigration offices across China. Those seeking business visas for multiple trips during the specified period will now be able to obtain one electronically. It follows an announcement by China's national immigration office on Sunday that outlined all relaxed visa protocols.
Members of the group tour will be able to travel to Hengyn and Macau several times within seven days through the arrival hall at Hengyn Port (pictured, center). This will be the basis for the entire group to travel together each time, inside and outside.
The Macau government earlier this year mentioned the idea of a multiple entry visa between Macau and the island of Hung-chien (the mainland territory next door).
It has been described as a possible way to expand mainland tourists' per-tour presence in Macau by allowing such visitors to sleep overnight in cheaper Hung-chien hotel rooms.
The Macau government said on Sunday that China's national immigration agency's announcement of Heng Chin's multiple entry into Macau was "an important step that will contribute to expanding visitors and promoting the integrated development of Macau and Heng Chin."
Macau's statement said the Macau government tourism agency would "communicate with local travel agencies to ensure the orderly implementation of the measures and cooperate in the implementation of the measures to carry out relevant public relations work."
Other measures announced by the country's immigration department on Sunday included mainland residents going to Macau to participate in exhibitions, medical appointments or performances being allowed to apply to visit the country several times a year via visas categorized as "other."
Those applying for a medical appointment in Macau can have up to two companions sign the same type of visa. 경마사이트프로
Macau has pledged to develop medical tourism as part of its efforts to diversify its economy. It recently opened its new medical complex on a trial basis in partnership with leading medical institutions on the mainland.
In a note on Sunday, JPMorgan Securities described all mitigation measures as "a surprise gift from the motherland" for Macau.