Malta: COVID-related restrictions on international travel, domestic business and activities likely to remain in effect through mid-January /update 11

Event

Restrictions on international travel, domestic business, and other activities will likely remain in force in Malta through at least mid-January as part of the nation's efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Under most circumstances, international travelers from so-called "corridor countries" can enter Malta. As of Dec. 29, such corridor countries include:

• Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

The Maltese government classifies some of these locations as "amber" or medium-risk areas. All passengers arriving from such countries must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. As of Dec. 29, amber countries include:

• Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France (all airports except Ile-de-France), Germany (all airports except Baden-Wurttemberg), Greece (all airports except Attiki), Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy (all airports except Sicily and Sardinia), Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (all airports except Madeira and Azores), Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (all airports except Canarias), Sweden Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

Passengers arriving from other locations on the list of corridor countries can enter without any restrictions.

Officials designate all other countries as "red" or high-risk locations. Travelers from these locations must spend at least 14 days in a designated safe corridor country before entering Malta.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK as of Dec. 29 as part of Malta's response to a new strain of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. Authorities have indefinitely barred travelers from the UK who are not Maltese citizens or permanent residents from entering Malta since Dec. 22. All other travelers arriving from the UK must submit to a PCR test upon arrival and self-isolate for 14 days. Non-Maltese nationals traveling from the UK for essential purposes must obtain permission to enter Malta.

Domestic restrictions
Authorities are maintaining some domestic restrictions as of Dec. 29. Public gatherings are limited to six people, and all bars and clubs remain closed. Most businesses and facilities can operate, provided they implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Facemasks are mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews and may receive updates or extensions in the coming days.

Advice

Confirm all travel plans and business appointments. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Carry proper identification and other necessary travel documents to present at security checks; remain polite and nonconfrontational with border officials. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medicines will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Malta Government COVID-19 Landing Page
List of Corridor Countries
World Health Organization (WHO)
Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator Forms