Malta: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related entry restrictions from July 14 /update 25

Event

Authorities will tighten international entry requirements from July 14 to combat the spread of COVID-19 following an increase in infections in the country. From this date, only fully vaccinated travelers will be permitted to enter Malta; officials accept Maltese-issued certificates, the UK COVID Pass, and the EU Digitial Covid Certificate as evidence of vaccination. Any individuals arriving without this requirement will be tested on arrival and quarantined in a government-designated facility until the result is known; Maltese nationals and residents can opt to quarantine in their residence.

All passengers must fill out a travel declaration and passenger location form. Maltese authorities designate countries as "green," "amber," "red," and "dark red" based on local disease activity in order of increasing risk. Travel from dark red countries is generally only permitted for Maltese nationals and residents or limited categories of essential work and requires prior permission from Maltese authorities. A full list of country color designations is available here.

Before July 14, travelers from green countries may enter without restriction; currently, no country is considered a green area. Travelers from amber areas must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours upon arrival; those without such evidence must submit to a test on arrival or quarantine for 14 days. Travelers may present proof of vaccination at least 14 days prior instead of presenting a negative COVID-19 test certificate. Travelers from red countries must present proof of vaccination to be permitted entry. Travel from dark red countries is only permitted for Malteses nationals and residents or limited categories of essential work and requires prior permission from authorities; permitted travelers must have a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours and quarantine for 14 days on arrival, with a further test taken on day 11 of quarantine.

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
List of Corridor Countries
World Health Organization (WHO)
Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator Forms