The National Immigration Administration has approved an additional eight mainland cities under the facilitated individual travel (FIT) scheme for travel to Macau and Hong Kong, with effect from 27 May 2024. 

The eight provincial capital cities approved are: Taiyuan in Shanxi Province; Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; Harbin in Heilongjiang Province; Lhasa in Tibet Autonomous Region; Lanzhou in Gansu Province; Xining in Qinghai Province; Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; and Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Mr Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government, expressed gratitude to the National Immigration Administration and other relevant departments of the Central Government for their support in tourism development. 

The Macau Government anticipates an increase in visitor numbers with the addition of the eight new cities under the FIT scheme, particularly from regions with large populations. This expansion is expected to bring significant economic advantages, particularly to the retail and tourism sectors – and naturally Macau's casino sector.

In collaboration with the relevant departments and industries, the Macau Government is prepared to welcome and accommodate the influx of visitors. Measures will be taken to enhance the city's capacity to receive visitors, including improvements to immigration procedures and transportation arrangements.

International events and cultural experiences for tourists will also be organised, especially those in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to Chinese sovereignty.

The IVS was introduced in 2003 to allow mainland Chinese residents to travel independently to Hong Kong and Macau. Since its implementation, it has significantly boosted visitor numbers to Macau, driving economic growth and fostering cultural exchanges.

The addition of eight more cities to the scheme is expected to further stimulate tourism and bring substantial economic benefits to Macau, while promoting closer ties between mainland residents and those of Macau. 

Aside from the IVS, there have also been changes in travel policies, as well as support from local industries to continuously improve Macau’s tourism and gaming industries.