Malta: Authorities suspend travel with six southern African countries effective Nov. 28 due to concerns over COVID-19 Omicron variant /update 31

Event

Authorities in Malta have suspended travel with several southern African countries as of Nov. 28 due to concerns over the Omicron strain of COVID-19. The affected countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It remains unclear how long the measure will remain in effect.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the new directive targeting the Omicron variant, as part of its pandemic response plan, Malta classifies all 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. 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 non-resident 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. Vaccinated arrivals from Red Zone countries must undergo two weeks of quarantine if fewer than 14 days have elapsed since they received their final vaccine dose. 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.

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.

Domestic Restrictions
Nonessential shops and services may operate, albeit under 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.

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