Malta: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of May 26 /update 21

Event

Authorities are maintaining international travel restrictions as of May 26. 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, 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, UAE, UK, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

The government 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. Currently, no country is considered a green area. Authorities announced that beginning June 1, travelers may present evidence that they were vaccinated at least 14 days prior instead of presenting a negative COVID-19 certificate.

Countries that are 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. Those without such documentation will be tested on arrival or placed into quarantine; arrivals who test positive will be quarantined.

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
As of May 26, nonessential shops and services are permitted to operate per strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Public gatherings of up to two people are also permitted. Facemasks remain mandatory in all outdoor and enclosed public spaces nationwide.

Restaurants and cafes have reopened, though they are limited to a maximum of two people per table and are required to close at 00:00. Nonessential services such as bars and gyms have reopened. Contact sports for people at least 17 years old have resumed. Nonessential travel to the island of Gozo has resumed.

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