Travel Alert: New Cash Declaration Rules for Entering and Exiting Macau

The Macau Tourism Board announced today (3rd) that, in order to prevent and combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, new rules on cash declaration for entry and exit from Macau will take effect in November. Travelers entering Macau carrying cash totaling MOP 120,000 or more, or bearer negotiable instruments, must truthfully declare them; failure to do so may result in fines ranging from MOP 1,000 to MOP 500,000.

According to the Macau law “On the Supervision of Cross-Border Movement of Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instruments,” published in Issue No. 24 of the Macao Special Administrative Region Gazette on June 12, 2017, travelers entering Macau who carry cash totaling MOP 120,000 or more, or bearer negotiable instruments such as traveler’s checks, checks, drafts, payment orders, promissory notes, etc., must declare them to customs officers, complete a declaration form, and choose the red channel for clearance.

Travelers exiting Macau who are questioned by customs officers should also make truthful declarations, or they may be subject to fines of between MOP 1,000 and MOP 500,000. The declaration requirement does not apply to gold and other precious metals or gemstones. In addition, transit passengers who make only brief stops in the Macao Special Administrative Region are not required to make a declaration.