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Travelling to Malta? Here are some helpful tips
We’ve done the research. We’ve crunched the numbers. Here are the things you need to know about the COVID-19 situation in Malta and what to do if you’re coming over for a visit
At the time of writing this article, Malta has no more than 11 active cases of the virus and over 100,000 swab tests have been done.
The country was commended and congratulated by many for ‘doing the best in Europe’ by ‘protecting the people, galvanising the quintessential Maltese energy’ and keeping the people safe, said Commonwealth General Secretary, Patricia Scotland.
As of 1 July 2020, the Malta International Airport re-opened, allowing for commercial flights to and from Malta to be resumed. The first group of destinations reopened for travel are the following:
- Germany
- Austria
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Poland
- Cyprus
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Slovakia
- Norway
- Denmark
- Hungary
- Finland
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia
- Luxembourg
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Croatia
members of the Airport care team
Photo: Malta International airport
The list of destinations is monitored regularly and will be reviewed if necessary. Restrictions on all other flight destinations are to be lifted on 15 July 2020.
In line with recommendations of local and international authorities, the MIA have taken all necessary measures, invested in new technologies and re-trained all front liners to ensure safety and security for all, from check-in all the way up until boarding. For all the latest measures related to travelling to and from Malta, please click here.
Upon arriving in Malta, do i have to do quarantine?
Good question! However, any travellers arriving directly from one of the specified countries and regions identified by the Maltese government as safe for travel, will not be required to observe a 14-day quarantine. You will be asked, however, to declare that you would have lived in the country of origin for 4 weeks, prior to travelling.
With regards to all other countries not yet on the approved list of destinations, all flight restrictions are to be lifted on July 15. However, whether or not quarantine must be observed will be updated at a later date and will be monitored and reviewed, if necessary.
What must i do upon arrival in Malta?
It is obligatory to wear a face mask, covering both your nose and mouth, inside the terminal. It is also recommended that you change your mask every four hours. Only children under the age of six and those with a valid medical reason are exempt from wearing face masks.
You will be subjected to a body temperature screening immediately upon arrival. If it exceeds 37.2C, you may be interviewed by public health officials.
members of the Airport care team
Photo: Malta International airport
Guests must also download, print and complete a travel declaration form, which can be found here and present it upon arrival.
Once you pick up your luggage, you are to leave the terminal as soon as possible to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
What kinds of measures are being taken at Malta International Airport (MIA)?
Signage and floor marking have been installed to ensure that passengers and personnel keep a safe distance at all times.
New technologies are in place, which allow passengers to scan their passports and boarding passes at check-in, minimising interaction with staff. In addition, the airport will be alerted in real-time if social distancing is not maintained by passengers.
warning signs at MIA
Photo: Malta International Airport
warning signs at MIA
Photo: Malta International Airport
Thermal screening cameras are also in place to detect passengers with high temperatures.
In addition, cleaning and disinfection scheduled have been aligned to the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
cleaning the terminal
Photo: Malta International Airport
What do i do if i feel ill once i'm in malta?
If you fall ill or experience any of these symptoms – a fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell – during your stay, call the local health authorities on +356 2132 4086 immediately or +356 111. If staying in a hotel, inform a member of staff at your earliest.
what other measures should i take?
Here are some things you need to know once you’ve left the airport.
Bars and clubs
Bars and clubs re-opened their doors to the public on 5 June 2020. Parties and large-scale events have since resumed, however temperatures are usually taken prior to entering clubs and some even choose to limit the number of attendees for everyone’s safety.
Crossing over to Gozo
If you’re planning to cross over to Gozo during your trip on the Islands, remember that you will not be allowed to embark the ferry without a face mask. It must be worn during the ferry journey, as well as at the waiting and disembarkation areas.
Museums and cultural sites
Museum and cultural site operators can exercise the right of refusal of entry into a museum to visitors if they are visibly unwell or have respiratory symptoms. It is also recommended that you have a mask on your person.
Restaurants
If you opt to dine out at a restaurant, it’s recommended that you make a reservation due to the reduced seating capacity guidelines in place. Tip: look out for the COVID-19 compliance sticker, awarded by the Malta Tourism Authority before choosing your restaurant for the evening. The sticker proves that the place is completely compliant with COVID-19 protocols. Also, restaurant owners may refuse entry to anyone whose temperature is above 37.2°C.
Transport
When using taxis, public transport or waiting at bus stops, you are required to wear face masks. While encouraged to purchase and use a Tallinja Card, you may also pay by cash on the bus. However, you are required to have the exact fare as drivers may not give change.
Retail stores
It is recommended that when entering any retail stores and shops, you wear a face mask at all times. It is also advised that you use the bottle of hand sanitiser available at the doors of all establishments. When possible, pay with contactless payments or give the cashier exact change.
Now that you’re all caught up, we can’t wait to host you.
