Malta: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related entry restrictions for travelers from UK June 30 /update 24

Event

Authorities will tighten international entry requirements for arrivals from the UK from June 30 as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Such arrivals must present proof of full vaccination or be denied entry; children aged 5-11 years are not required to be fully vaccinated, though must be accompanied by vaccinated adults and provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated Maltese citizens and residents may enter from the UK, though must provide similar evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

From July 1, arriving EU citizens must also present evidence of full vaccination or face mandatory PCR testing or quarantine on arrival at their expense. Non-EU citizens must possess evidence of a negative PCR test result or face similar mandatory testing or quarantine on arrival. As of June 29, authorities only accept Maltese-issued proof of vaccination; however, officials will accept the UK COVID Pass and the EU Digital COVID Certificate from July 1.

As of June 29, non-Maltese travelers can only enter Malta from so-called "safe corridor countries;" these include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, the UK, the US (some states only), and the Vatican City.

The government currently classifies safe corridor countries as green (low-risk) or amber (medium-risk) 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; those without such evidence must submit to a test on arrival or quarantine for 14 days. Currently, no country is considered a green area. Travelers may present proof of vaccination at least 14 days prior instead of presenting a negative COVID-19 test certificate.

Countries not listed as safe corridor countries 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. Authorities will test those without such documentation on arrival or place them into quarantine; arrivals who test positive also enter quarantine.

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
Nonessential shops and services are permitted to operate per strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. A maximum of four households can meet socially indoors. Authorities also allow public gatherings of up to six people from different households. Facemasks remain mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide; however, from July 1, groups of two people can remove facemasks if they can provide proof of full vaccination. Restaurants and bars have reopened, though must close at 02:00 and are limited to a maximum of six people per table.

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