Many Americans don't understand the political relationship between China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Both Hong Kong and Macau are "special administrative regions" of China.
That's not a designation much of the world uses, but it means that the two areas fall under the government of the People's Republic of China but are not part of mainland China. Typically these areas have enjoyed more autonomy than other parts of the country.
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"The concepts of 'special administrative regions' and 'one country, two systems' were established by the Chinese government to reintegrate Hong Kong and Macau into China," Practical Law explains.
"As SARs, Hong Kong and Macao retain their capital systems and have a high degree of autonomy. [The] mainland government remains responsible for the defense and foreign affairs of both SARs, but each SAR is authorized to engage in external affairs and participate in international organizations if so permitted by its terms."
Both Hong Kong and Macau have been popular tourist destinations and regular cruise stops for multiple cruise lines.
Macau has been a regular tender port for Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Holland America, while smaller ships from luxury cruise lines can dock there.
The U.S. State Department says, however, that's a bad idea and issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning on Nov. 27 for the port.
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Macau cruises have been paused
It's worth noting that, even before the State Department warning, all major cruise lines operating with North American headquarters had stopped sailing to Macau. That's at least partly because the cruise lines have been slow to return to China even though they had big plans to grow there before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spectrum of the Seas returned to China in April and Royal Caribbean plans to bring a second ship to the market in 2025.
Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea, and Viking have all been sailing in China, but not with sailings open to Americans.
The US State Department warning is specific to Americans.
The US government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on diplomatic personnel.
Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. This takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.
On a broad level, the Level 3 warning advises Americans to rethink any Macau travel plans.
"Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws" is the headline for the warning.
Dual citizens need to be extra careful
The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality, according to the U.S. State Department.
"Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional security and harassment," the agency wrote.
"If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you."
That's what's supposed to happen, but the reality may be very different.
"In reality, however, US consular officials may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports," it added.
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It's also very important for anyone who still opts to visit Macau to understand the local rules.
"Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations," the State Department warned.
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