Macao and Hong Kong are separated only by a strip of water. Their geographic proximity and distinct historical backgrounds enhance close connection in the tourism and commercial activities of the two places. Travel of the residents between Hong Kong and Macao for tourism, work and studies is very frequent. Seeing this, on 11 January 2016, the immigration departments of the two places jointly introduced improved departure clearance measures for residents who lose their entry document. If a Hong Kong resident loses his or her entry document during the stay in Macao and does not have an alternative document for departure, he or she may seek assistance by following the instructions below: |
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When discovering that his or her entry document is lost, the Hong Kong resident should stay calm first. Then, he or she should check if any other belongings are lost and if criminal element is involved (e.g. theft or robbery of the document, etc.): |
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If only the entry document is lost: |
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The Hong Kong resident who loses his or her Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card/Re-entry Permit/Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes/Hong Kong SAR Passport or other Hong Kong travel documents may go to the Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force for report of the loss of the document as well as for application for a Declaration of Loss of Document*.
* Note: Hong Kong residents holding a valid vehicle ticket may go directly to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint for report of the loss of the document as well as for departure clearance. Those who are holding a ferry ticket valid for departure within 3 hours may go directly to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint or the Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint for report of the loss of the document as well as for departure clearance. |
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If other documents and belongings are lost or criminal element is involved (e.g. theft or robbery of the document, etc.): |
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The Hong Kong resident should report the case to the police authorities first. After obtaining a Case Report Certificate or a Case Reporting Receipt, he or she may go to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint to complete the departure formalities. If the resident is holding a ferry ticket valid for departure within 3 hours, he or she may go to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint or the Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint for departure clearance. Otherwise, the Hong Kong resident should go to the Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force to apply for a Declaration of Loss of Document. |
| II. |
If the Hong Kong resident continues to remain in Macao after the departure document expires and without other valid Authorization to Stay, he or she will be regarded as overstaying in Macao. A penalty will be imposed by the competent authorities according to Articles 58 and 59 of Law No. 16/2021. Therefore, in order to avoid overstaying, the Hong Kong resident should depart from Macao within the authorized period of stay or go to the Immigration Building at Pac On to apply for an extension of stay with appropriate justifications. |
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