Macau reopens its casinos after almost two weeks of COVID-19 lockdown

Macau is ready to open its casinos for its visitors after almost two weeks of the city-wide lockdown. However, the city has not released any information on whether the casinos will operate at full capacity or not.

Earlier this month, Macau shut down its casinos for the first time as the city saw a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases. This was the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Keeping Beijing’s Zero COVID-19 policy in mind, Macau has been doing mass testing to keep a check on the virus transmission. The aim is to make the city free of COVID-19 cases.



China has recently suspended all quarantine relaxations that were in place last month, and has gone back to 14 days of quarantine instead of seven days. Another round of stringent COVID-19 related restrictions are now in place in the People’s Republic of China.

Casino operators in Macau are all set to operate the facilities with conditions such as 50% staff, regular disinfecting of casinos, and indoor-dining is not allowed in these venues.

City-wide, there is a ban on dining-in at restaurants, passenger capacity on public transport capped at 60%, public places like bars, movie theatres, nightclubs and shopping malls to remain shut.


Recent cases of COVID-19 infections and the country’s strict quarantine rules have discouraged tourists to visit Macau, which caused the tourism in the city to plummet to a record low.

Repeated lockdowns in the city have cost the industry tremendously. It is important to note that Macau is China’s only city where casino gambling is not considered illegal. The casinos contributed to a very large chunk of the city’s economy.

1. Are there any COVID-19 restrictions in place in China?
   Yes, China has, very recently, announced new quarantine rules.
2. What are the new quarantine rules in China?
   All travellers will be quarantined at government-designated locations for a minimum of 14 days upon arrival. During this quarantine period, visitors will be subjected to tests (as often as daily). Those in quarantine will not be allowed to leave their respective rooms.
3. Do Indians need a visa for Macau?
   For Indian passport holders, a visa is not required to visit Macau if the duration of the visit is less than 30 days.