Malta: Authorities maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 26 /update 13

Event

Authorities are maintaining restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 26. Under most circumstances, international travelers from so-called "corridor countries" can enter Malta. As of Jan. 26, the 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, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

The 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; passengers arriving from other corridor countries can enter without any restrictions. As of Jan. 26, amber countries include:

• Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France (all regions except Ile-de-France), Germany (all regions except Baden-Wurttemberg), Greece (all airports except those in Attica), Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy (all airports except those in 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 those in the Canary Islands), Sweden Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

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 part of Malta's response to the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 there. Authorities have indefinitely barred travelers from the UK who are not Maltese citizens or permanent residents from entering Malta; 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.

Authorities are also enforcing domestic restrictions as of Jan. 13. 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