Malta: Authorities to start easing COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from April 12 /update 18

Event

Authorities in Malta plan to begin gradually easing domestic COVID-19 related restrictions due to a steep decrease in infection rates. Starting April 12, childcare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools will reopen. On April 14, middle schools will reopen, while secondary schools will reopen from April 16. From April 26, authorities plan to allow nonessential shops and services to resume operating, as well as permit gatherings of up to four people in public spaces.

Travel to the island of Gozo remains permitted for essential reasons only. Facemasks are mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide

International entry restrictions
Travelers from so-called "safe corridor countries" can enter Malta. As of April 7, 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

Travelers must spend 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 either ''amber'' (medium-risk) or "red" (high-risk) locations depending on local COVID-19 activity. 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, Brazil, and South Africa. Unauthorized travelers from these countries who are not Maltese citizens or permanent residents are prohibited from entering Malta; all permitted arrivals from these countries must submit a negative result from a PCR test, as described 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