Malta: Authorities continue to update COVID-19 list of countries approved for travel Dec. 15 /update 10

Malta maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 15 due to changing COVID-19 activity; travel and business disruptions remain.

Event

Authorities in Malta continue to update their international coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related entry restrictions as of Dec. 15. Officials are maintaining a list of "Corridor Countries" from which travelers are permitted entry to Malta. Since Dec. 12, the list of Corridor Countries is as follows:

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, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

Authorities classify some of these locations as "Amber" or medium-risk. All passengers arriving from such countries will have to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no later than 72 hours before arrival. As of Dec. 12, the list of amber countries includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France (all airports except Ile-de-France), Germany (all airports except Baden-Wurttemberg), Greece (all airports except Attiki), Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy (all airports except Sicily and Sardinia), Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (all airports except Madeira and Azores), Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (all airports except Canarias), Sweden Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, and Vatican City. Passengers arriving from other locations within the list of corridor countries can enter without any restrictions.

Any travelers who are not from or have not been residing in one of the corridor countries for at least 14 days prior to travel will need a special permit from the Health Authorities in Malta to enter the country and might have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival if granted access. All international arrivals are required to fill out the Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator forms and will be required to undergo thermal screening upon arrival.

Public gatherings are limited to six people, and all bars and clubs remain closed. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to operate, provided they implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Facemasks are mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medicines will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.