03 Sep 2021 | 12:51 PM UTC
Malta: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 related restrictions as of Sept. 3 /update 28
Malta maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 3; domestic and international entry restrictions continue.
Event
Authorities in Malta are maintaining international entry and domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Sept. 3.
International Entry Restrictions
Malta classifies high-risk countries as either "Red Zones" or "Dark Red Zones," depending on epidemiological risk. Most travelers from Dark Red Zone countries are banned from entering Malta. Only permanent residents of Malta and persons traveling for essential reasons as determined by the Superintendant of Public Health may enter the country from Dark Red Zones. Requests for travel authorization from a Dark Red Zone must be made here. Irrespective of vaccination status, permitted travelers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and observe 14 days of quarantine at the traveler's expense in a government-designated hotel. A second PCR test must be taken on days 11-12. Additionally, authorities may also test travelers on arrival.
Travel is permitted for fully vaccinated travelers from countries in the "Red Zone." A person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the last dose of a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA); accepted proofs are official Maltese vaccination certificates, EU Digital COVID Certificates, and vaccine certificates issued by health authorities in the UK, US, UAE, Albania, Qatar, Turkey, Serbia, Gibraltar, Jersey, and Guernsey.
Unvaccinated travelers from Red Zones must present proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and must quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days on arrival. Maltese residents can opt to quarantine at their residence.
All arrivals are required to complete a digital passenger locator form before travel, available here. The full list of Dark Red Zone and Red Zone locations and detailed entry requirements is available here.
Domestic Restrictions
Nonessential shops and services are permitted to operate per strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. 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, groups of two people can remove facemasks if they can provide proof of full vaccination. Restaurants and bars have reopened, though they 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.
