Indonesian Travel Agents Discover Macao and Hengqin with New Two Hundred Forty-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, Boosting Tourism in China

Published on December 17, 2025

In a significant move to bolster international tourism, the National Immigration Administration has officially designated Hengqin (Zhuhai) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as ports of entry for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy starting November 5th, 2025. This development aims to provide greater convenience for travelers and is expected to boost multi-destination tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Following this initiative, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin invited ten tourism representatives from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) for a five-day familiarization and exchange trip from December 14th to 18th, 2025.

Exploring the Benefits of the New Visa-Free Transit Measure

The familiarization trip, organized by MGTO and the Economic Development Bureau, was designed to introduce Indonesian travel agents to the newly implemented visa-free transit policy and the tourism potential it unlocks. The delegation arrived in Macao from Jakarta via Air Macau, marking the beginning of their multi-destination journey. Over the course of five days, the representatives explored the various tourism offerings in both Macao and Hengqin, gaining firsthand experience of the ease of travel between the two destinations under the new visa-free transit system.

During their time in Macao, the delegation visited a number of key tourist attractions, including the Historic Centre of Macao, Macao Grand Prix Museum, MinMPlaza, Hotel Central, and W Macau at Studio City. These visits provided valuable insights into Macao’s diverse tourism offerings, from its rich heritage to its modern entertainment venues. Additionally, the delegates enjoyed the spectacular “Light up Macao 2025” light installations, “Macau 2049” show blending Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage with cutting-edge technology, and “teamLab SuperNature Macao,” a highly immersive art experience. The group also experienced the vibrant flavors of Macao’s culinary scene, sampling everything from Portuguese egg tarts to Halal cuisine, Chinese hotpot, and Macanese dishes, showcasing the region’s distinction as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Macao and Hengqin’s Potential for Multi-Destination Tourism

After their exploration of Macao, the Indonesian delegation proceeded to Hengqin Port, where they were introduced to the operations and convenience of the new visa-free transit policy. A representative of the Public Security Police Force provided an informative overview of the border-crossing process, including the procedures for Indonesian visitors and other foreign nationals. This session highlighted the ease of access between Macao and Hengqin, offering the delegates a comprehensive understanding of the streamlined border processes.

Upon crossing into Hengqin, the delegation toured the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone, which has become a hub for international tourism and business. They visited some of the region’s most popular attractions, including the Ocean Kingdom and Chimelong Resort, where they experienced the world-class international circus show and fireworks display. The delegation also explored the Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Museum, Sumlodol Camping Town, and various iconic hotels in Hengqin, further reinforcing the potential for tourism cooperation between Macao and Hengqin.

The experience provided by the new visa-free transit policy demonstrated how travelers could seamlessly visit both Macao and Hengqin, making it easier for tourism businesses to offer twin-destination packages. This initiative is expected to drive international tourism to the Greater Bay Area, offering travelers the opportunity to explore two dynamic regions with ease.

Macao’s Tourism Growth and Strong Indonesian Market

Macao has steadily grown as a key destination for international travelers, with Indonesia ranking as the sixth-largest visitor market. In the first ten months of 2025, Macao welcomed 163,475 visitors from Indonesia, marking a 15.5% year-on-year increase. MGTO’s efforts to promote Macao to Indonesian travelers have included participation in the ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025 and hosting the “Experience Macao Mega Sale” event in Jakarta earlier in the year. With the introduction of the visa-free transit measure, it is expected that even more Indonesian visitors will be encouraged to explore both Macao and Hengqin, further strengthening the region’s tourism sector.

By providing a seamless and convenient travel experience, the new policy makes it easier for international travelers to visit multiple destinations within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The partnership between Macao, Hengqin, and other regional stakeholders aims to create a collaborative tourism environment that benefits both local economies and international visitors.

Strengthening International Partnerships and Future Collaborations

The five-day familiarization trip provided a platform for Indonesian travel agents to deepen their understanding of Macao and Hengqin’s tourism potential. Through these firsthand experiences, the delegates gained valuable insights into the types of tourism products that could be promoted in the Indonesian market. Additionally, the trip fostered stronger relationships between tourism stakeholders in both countries, paving the way for future collaboration in promoting multi-destination tourism.

Moving forward, MGTO is committed to further expanding its partnerships with travel agents and tourism organizations across Southeast Asia and other key international markets. The agency will continue to work closely with regional partners to develop and promote tourism products that align with the interests of both domestic and international visitors. With the visa-free transit policy now in place, the opportunities for cross-border tourism growth have never been greater.

Looking Ahead: Boosting Tourism Through Collaboration

In the future, MGTO plans to continue organizing familiarization trips for other international travel trade delegations to introduce them to the opportunities created by the visa-free transit policy. By showcasing the ease of travel between Macao and Hengqin, these efforts will promote the region as a leading multi-destination tourism hub.

As Macao and Hengqin move forward with this new initiative, both destinations are poised to attract even more international visitors. Through strategic collaboration, streamlined border-crossing procedures, and a focus on sustainable tourism development, the Greater Bay Area is positioning itself as a prime destination for travelers looking to explore a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities.