Malta: Authorities further ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from April 26 /update 19

Event

Authorities have further eased COVID-19-related restrictions on domestic activity April 26, with 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 now 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.

International entry restrictions

Non-Maltese travelers can only enter Malta from so-called "safe corridor countries." As of April 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

Such arrivals must have spent at least 14 days in a designated corridor country before entering Malta. The government classifies these locations as "amber" or medium-risk areas. All other countries are designated as "red" (high-risk) locations. No country is currently considered a "green" (low-risk) area.

Travelers from amber or red locations must submit a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Malta. Those without such documentation will be tested on arrival or placed into quarantine; arrivals who test positive will be quarantined. All passengers must fill out a travel declaration and passenger location form.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK, 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 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