COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Malta (24 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

• Maltese citizens or persons with a valid residence permit who are currently in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa will be given the opportunity to return to Malta, subject to presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta, testing on arrival, and 14 days of mandatory quarantine with a repeat PCR test required on day 5-7 of quarantine.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners are not allowed to enter until further notice. The exceptions are as follows:

• Passengers arriving from corridor countries are allowed to enter Malta provided they have stayed in one of these countries for at least 14 days before departure to Malta: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, or Vatican City. Travellers coming to Malta from corridor countries must not pass through transit airports in countries that are not corridor countries.

• Passengers arriving on humanitarian, medevac, or repatriation flights and merchant seamen.

• Travel from countries on the red list remains banned, except for repatriation travel.

Vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter Malta.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• All arriving and departing travellers will have their temperature checked. Anyone with a fever may be required to have a COVID-19 test.

• Travellers without a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72 hours prior to their arrival will need to have a test upon arrival at the airport.

• Residents of Malta and those who have residency permits currently from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa will be subject to testing on arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued by other countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers from all countries must present a negative PCR test that was performed no later than 72 hours before arrival. Those who fail to present a pre-departure test will be subject to testing and quarantine upon arrival.

• Arriving merchant seamen must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to arrival. The certificate must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

• Residents of Malta and those who have residency permits currently from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate before boarding flights to Malta. The certificate should be dated no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All travellers and airline crews must quarantine for 14 days on arrival except for those arriving from safe corridor countries

• Travellers without a valid test certificate may be asked to self-quarantine on arrival.

• Nationals of Malta or those with residency permits who are currently in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa will be permitted to return. They must have a mandatory PCR test and must also quarantine for 14 days. A repeat PCR test will be required between days 5-7.

• A repeat PCR test can be taken on days 5-7 of the quarantine to shorten the quarantine period.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to 5 days of quarantine in the best-case scenario and 14 days of quarantine in the worst-case scenario.

Entry form required?

• Yes with exceptions

• Passengers must sign a declaration stating that they have spent the past 14 days in a country that is on the list of “safe corridor” countries designated by Malta. Travellers who have not spent at least 14 days in the countries listed in safe-corridor countries will need a special permit from health authorities and may be subject to a 14-day quarantine on arrival.

• All arrivals must show a Public Health Declaration form and “Passenger Locator Form” on arrival. The forms can be found on the website of Malta airport

• Non-Maltese nationals and those without residency permits who are travelling for essential reasons from the UK must first obtain permission to enter Malta from the Superintendent of Public Health by emailing [email protected].

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Malta airports have reopened for commercial flights. Ferry flights, repatriation flights, and humanitarian flights are currently operating.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Borders at airports and ports are open.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There is no curfew in Malta.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Physical distancing guidelines should be followed.

• Up to four people are permitted to gather in public spaces.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Every vessel and public transport will operate with reduced passenger capacity, and travellers will be required to wear face masks.

• Travel to and from Gozo Island is permitted only for essential purposes.

Non-essential shops open?

• No

• All non-essential shops are closed until at least 26 April.

Accommodations open?

• No with exceptions

• Ancillary services in hotels are closed and only room service will be provided.

Restaurants open?

• No with exceptions.

• Restaurants are open for takeaway services only.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars are closed. Snack bars and kiosks are open, however, are not allowed to sell any alcoholic beverage and must close by 23:00 (local time).

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Beaches are closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums are closed.

Personal care services open?

• No

• All personal care services are closed.

Places of worship open?

• No

• Places of worship are closed.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Gatherings in public are limited to two people.

• Wedding receptions and religious activities, including masses, are banned, funerals are allowed.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face masks is mandatory in public places.

Other

• Nightclubs, discos, cinemas are closed. Boat parties, contact sports are suspended.

• Sports facilities, law courts, daycare centres are closed.

• Gyms are closed.

• Schools are open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.