Malta: Malta updates international entry restrictions as of December 1 due to changing COVID-19 activity

Event

Authorities in Malta have updated their international coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related entry restrictions as of Dec. 1. Officials are maintaining a list of "Corridor Countries" from which travelers are permitted entry to Malta. As of Nov. 27, the list of Corridor Countries is as follows:

• 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

Authorities classify some of these locations as "Amber" or medium-risk. All passengers arriving from such countries will have to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no later than 72 hours before arrival. As of Nov. 27, the list of amber countries includes Austria, Belgium (all airports), Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France (all airports), Germany (all airports), Hungary, Ireland (all airports), Italy (all airports except Sicily and Sardinia), Luxembourg, Netherlands (all airports), Poland (all airports), Portugal (all airports), Spain (all airports), Switzerland (all airports), Tunisia, and the UK (all airports). Passengers arriving from other corridor countries can enter without any restrictions.

Any travelers who are not from or have not been residing in one of the corridor countries for at least 14 days prior to travel will need a special permit from the Health Authorities in Malta to enter the country and might have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival if granted access. All international arrivals are required to fill out the Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator forms and will be required to undergo thermal screening upon arrival.

Public gatherings are limited to six people, and all bars and clubs are closed. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to 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.