Malta: Authorities further tighten COVID-19-related restrictions as of March 29 /update 17

Event

Authorities have tightened international entry measures from March 29 as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. All international arrivals must now produce evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to departure. Those without such evidence will be tested on arrival or placed into quarantine; arrivals who test positive will be quarantined.

Travelers from so-called "safe corridor countries" can enter Malta. As of March 28, 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 these locations as "amber" or medium-risk areas. No country is currently considered a "green" or low-risk area. 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, Brazil, and South Africa. Authorities prohibit unauthorized travelers from these countries who are not Maltese citizens or permanent residents from entering Malta; all permitted arrivals from these countries must submit evidence of a negative PCR test as above and self-isolate for 14 days, taking a second COVID-19 test on days 5-7 of self-isolation. Non-Maltese nationals traveling from these countries for essential purposes must obtain permission to enter Malta.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities have also further tightened domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of March 29. The maximum number of people from different households permitted to meet has been lowered from four to two. All nonessential businesses remain closed, and education institutions are only providing online learning. Travel to the island of Gozo will be permitted for essential reasons only. Facemasks remain mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide. Authorities anticipate these measures will be in place until at least April 11.

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