Macao Streamlines Cross-Border Travel | Get In-Car On-Board Clearance
In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, Macao authorities have announced the extension of their innovative On-Board Clearance (OBC) service to include eligible foreign nationals at the Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), effective 9 June 2025.
This strategic development marks an important step in facilitating smoother cross-border movement within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) while supporting Macao’s economic recovery through improved tourism and business travel infrastructure.
Major Arrangements
- Nationals who have been granted visa-free entry into Macao[1] and possess valid passports may go through on-board arrival formalities via the arrival vehicle channels of the said port.
- All foreign visitors who possess valid passports may go through on-board departure formalities via the departure vehicle channels of the said port.
- Passengers who are not eligible for on-board clearance may go through informalities in the Clearance Hall for On-board Passengers near the vehicle channels or the arrival/departure halls.
Policy Background and Implementation
The newly expanded OBC service, which was previously available only to mainland Chinese and Hong Kong residents, will now accommodate foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries as well as those holding valid Macao entry permits.
This streamlined process allows qualified travelers to complete all necessary immigration procedures directly aboard designated shuttle buses without the need to disembark, reducing clearance times by approximately 30% compared to traditional border control methods.
Authorities emphasized that this initiative specifically applies to the Macao Port of the HZMB, while existing clearance procedures remain unchanged at the Zhuhai Port. The expansion forms part of Macao’s broader strategy to implement the “Joint Inspection, One-Time Release” framework, a key component of regional cooperation within the GBA. By adopting this approach, Macao aims to position itself as a more accessible destination for international business and leisure travelers alike.
Conclusions and Associations
The true significance lies in the operational details: the 9-seat vehicle threshold strikes a balance between efficiency and control. At the same time, the dual-channel system (separate processing for arrivals and departures) reflects thoughtful contingency planning. As the Greater Bay Area continues refining its cross-border ecosystems, such incremental improvements collectively reshape the region’s competitiveness.
Business travelers should particularly note the sunrise provision for Macao residents during peak hours – a reminder that even progressive policies require adaptive implementation. With these changes, Macao not only elevates its gateway status but also sets a benchmark for integrating technological solutions with human-centric service design in border management.
Moreover, passengers who should go through clearance formalities at the Clearance Hall for On-board Passengers should proceed to it via the sidewalk orderly and then proceed to the pick-up area for on-board passengers and get in the vehicle. To cope with the high vehicle flow during peak hours, our Force will set up vehicle channels for Macao residents according to the real-time situation to facilitate their access. Drivers and passengers are advised to pay attention to the signage on the spot and follow the instructions of the staff.
The Public Security Police Force will proactively support the Macao SAR Government in developing the positioning of “One Centre, One Platform, One Base”, and sustain our efforts in reviewing the clearance service, optimize the clearance process, improve further the convenient cross-border movement of people and enhance the efficiency of clearance service, to assist Macao and other cities of the Greater Bay Area in fostering high-quality development.
For organizations navigating the GBA’s evolving connectivity landscape, staying abreast of such procedural refinements remains key to operational fluidity.
In case of any doubts about the above-mentioned arrangements, people may call the service hotline at +85328725488 or send an email to sminfo@fsm.gov.mo for enquiries.
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[1] Note: Please refer to the following website for the list of countries of which the nationals are granted visa-free entry into Macao: https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/services/ps-1474/ps-1474b/
