Macao’s Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) banning all unmanned aircraft operations in the Macao Peninsula from 20:00 to 23:00 on 7 March to ensure safety during the rescheduled Chinese New Year drone-and-fireworks display. Violators face fines up to MOP 100,000 (USD 12,400) and confiscation of equipment.
The AACM announcement, published via the Government Information Bureau’s Telegram channel, comes as Macao tourism officials expect more than 70,000 mainland visitors for the event— a key test of the SAR’s crowd-management protocols since visa facilitation was restored last year. Hoteliers report 92 % occupancy, with room rates double the seasonal average.
Travellers navigating evolving entry rules—whether securing Kenya’s new eTA or arranging documents for other destinations—can streamline the process through VisaHQ, which offers step-by-step online applications, document checking, and real-time status updates for customers in Macao and mainland China. More information is available at
Separately, the Macao Government received formal notice from the Kenyan Embassy in Beijing that Kenya now requires Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) pre-approval for all nationalities, including Macao SAR passport holders, effective immediately. The shift replaces the previous visa-on-arrival option and could disrupt safari outbound groups scheduled for April’s Easter peak.
Travel agencies are advising residents to apply at least 72 hours before departure and to upload Yellow-Fever vaccination proof to the Kenyan portal. Failure to do so could result in denied boarding at Hong Kong International Airport or Guangzhou Baiyun, the two main African gateways for Macao residents.
Businesses flying staff to Macao for the fireworks should factor in road closures on the Friendship Bridge from 19:00, while drone-media teams must obtain special AACM waivers if aerial footage is essential.
