In a sudden policy change, Macao SAR passport holders must now apply for a visa before traveling to Indonesia. As of November 14, 2024, the visa-on-arrival policy, which previously allowed Macao passport holders to stay in Indonesia for up to 28 days, is no longer valid.
On November 22, 2024, the Identification Bureau started receiving reports that Macao SAR passport holders were being denied entry to Indonesia as they were unable to apply for a visa on arrival. The Identification Bureau immediately contacted the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong to inquire about this matter. The Consulate initially replied that there had been no changes to the visa policy and that Macao passport holders were still eligible for visa-on-arrival to Indonesia. When the Identification Bureau checked the Indonesian immigration services website, Macao SAR was still on the list of countries that could apply for a visa on arrival.
However, there were more complaints from citizens being denied entry into Indonesia on November 25, 2024. Upon urgently calling the Indonesian Consulate General, the Identification Bureau received confirmation that Macao passport holders were no longer covered under the visa-on-arrival scheme.
On November 27, 2024, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong issued an official notice to the SAR government stating that Macao SAR passport holders will need to apply for a visa before traveling to Indonesia. The Indonesian immigration services website has since been updated to reflect this change.
The Identification Services Bureau updated its website on the same day of the official announcement and removed Indonesia from the list of countries where Macao SAR passport holders can apply for a visa-on-arrival.