Malta: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 related restrictions as of July 23 /update 26

Event

Authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of July 23. Travel is permitted for fully vaccinated travelers from countries included on the "Red List". 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, UAE, Turkey, Serbia, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey. US-issued vaccine certificates will be acceptable proof as of Aug. 1, prior to this, the CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card will be acceptable.

Permitted travelers from Red List countries without proof of full vaccination are required to possess proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and must quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days on arrival. Maltese residents can opt to quarantine in their residence. Non-essential travel from all other locations is prohibited; individuals traveling for essential purposes are required to obtain prior permission from authorities. Such travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days on arrival; release from quarantine is only permitted after a second PCR test on day 10 of quarantine returning a negative result.

All arrivals are required to complete a digital passenger locator form prior to travel, available here. The full list of Red List countries 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, as of July 1, 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.

Resources

Malta Government COVID-19 Landing Page
World Health Organization (WHO)