Malta: Authorities ease COVID-19-related entry restrictions for travelers from the UK as of April 27 /update 20

Event

Authorities in Malta are easing COVID-19 entry measures for travelers from the UK; as of April 27 Malta designates the UK as amber (medium-risk). Travelers from the UK are no longer required to obtain a special permit to enter Malta or self-isolate upon entry.

Non-Maltese travelers can only enter Malta from so-called "safe corridor countries." As of April 27, these 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, UK, Uruguay, and Vatican City

The government classifies safe corridor countries as green (low-risk) or amber areas. Travelers arriving from green areas may enter without restrictions; travelers from amber areas must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours upon arrival. Currently no country is considered a green area.

Countries that are not listed as a safe corridor country are designated as red (high-risk) areas. Only citizens and residents of Malta may enter from such countries. Permitted travelers must submit a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours upon arrival. Those without such documentation will be tested on arrival or placed into quarantine; arrivals who test positive will be quarantined.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa. All permitted arrivals from these countries must submit a negative result from a PCR test, as above, and self-isolate for 14 days, taking a second COVID-19 test between the fifth and seventh days of isolation. Non-Maltese nationals traveling from these countries for essential purposes must obtain permission to enter Malta.

All passengers must fill out a travel declaration and passenger location form.

Domestic restrictions

As of April 27 nonessential shops and services now permitted to operate in accordance with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Public gatherings of up to four people are also permitted. Facemasks remain mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide.

Restaurants and cafes are due to reopen from May 10, though will reportedly be limited to a maximum of four people per table and required to close at 1700. Some nonessential services, including bars and gyms, remain closed indefinitely. Nonessential travel to the island of Gozo remains prohibited until at least May 10.

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.

Resources

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