Malta: Authorities ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions Feb. 7; isolation period for international travelers to be reduced Feb. 14 /update 33

Event

Authorities in Malta have eased some domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Feb. 7. The limit on the number of people who can gather in private households is lifted and vaccination certificates are no longer required to access catering establishments and social clubs. From Feb. 14, vaccination certificates will no longer be required to access bars, leisure facilities, and entertainment venues. Also starting Feb. 14, the quarantine period for vaccinated travelers arriving from dark red designated countries will be reduced from 14 to 10 days.

Domestic Restrictions
Nonessential shops and services may operate subject to social distancing requirements and restrictions on opening hours. Authorities allow public gatherings of up to six people from different households. Facemasks remain mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide; individuals who have received a booster vaccine are exempt from the requirement to wear a mask outdoors.

International Travel Restrictions
Malta classifies all countries as either "Red Zones" or "Dark Red Zones" depending on epidemiological risk. Most travelers from Dark Red Zone countries are prohibited 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. To access the application for travel authorization from a Dark Red Zone, click here.

All permitted travelers from Dark Red locations must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and observe a 14-day quarantine period. Travelers who are either nonresident foreign nationals or unvaccinated must quarantine at their own expense in a government-designated hotel, while vaccinated permanent residents may self-isolate at their residences under certain conditions. Authorities may also test travelers on arrival.

All travelers from Red Zones may travel to Malta provided they have not entered or transited a Dark Red Zone in the 14 days prior to arrival in the country. Vaccinated travelers must present a vaccination certificate recognized by the Superintendant of Health. Additionally, authorities also accept certificates showing one dose of a vaccine given after the individual has recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months.

Recognized vaccine certificates include the official Maltese vaccination certificate, the EU Digital COVID Certificate, and certificates issued by health authorities in Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Bermuda, Canada, Egypt, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Israel, Jersey, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Norway, Palestine, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, Ukraine, the US, and Qatar. Vaccine certificates are valid between 14 days and three months after the last dose of a primary vaccine schedule and up to nine months after a booster vaccine.

Unvaccinated travelers from Red Zones must present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and must quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days. Maltese residents can opt to quarantine at their residences. To view the full list of Dark Red and Red Zone locations, along with detailed entry requirements including accepted vaccine certificates, click here.

All arrivals must complete a digital passenger locator form before travel; to access this form, click here.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews.

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 your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Resources

Maltese COVID-19 Website