Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau – See Summaries – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued September 4, 2026

Reissued statement: There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution in mainland China and Hong Kong

Exercise increased caution in mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of unjust arrest or detention.

Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR)

Reconsider travel to Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Advisory summary

• Reconsider travel due to limited ability for the U.S. government to provide emergency consular services. There are travel restrictions imposed on U.S. diplomatic personnel.
• Reconsider travel due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• U.S. government employees must follow the policies established by their Department or Agency regarding official or personal travel to China, including to Macau SAR.

The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Macau SAR. This is due to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering Macau SAR. This can take a week or longer. That delay can significantly limit the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in Macau SAR.

Dual nationality

The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may face additional security checks and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-Chinese citizen and enter Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, Chinese authorities must notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General if you are arrested. They must also allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you.

However, even if you enter on a U.S. passport, U.S. consular officers may not be able to access you. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Above in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals – U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

Demonstrations

Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under local broad security laws. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to Macau SAR:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Read the travel information page for Macau SAR.
• Review the China Country Security Report for China.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for China.
• Whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler, use the International Traveler’s Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Avoid communicating, either privately or publicly, opinions or observations that might be considered embarrassing or otherwise negative about China or Macau or the Chinese or Macau authorities.
• Exercise caution near large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Do not consume illicit drugs in Macau SAR or prior to arriving in Macau SAR.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.
• Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and X.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/macau-travel-advisory1.html
Originally Published: September 4, 2026