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Malta to accept UK digital COVID vaccine certificates
After over 24 hours of complete chaos and confusion, the Maltese Health authorities have decided that as of today, 1 July, Malta is accepting the digital UK vaccine certificate, as well as the paper version.
“As of today, 1 July 2021, Malta will be accepting the digital app version of the UK NHS vaccine certificate, as well as the paper version of the certificate,” said the health authorities.
The update came after the creation of an app, created by the authorities, which verifies certificates and enables health officials and airlines to verify the authenticity of the UK digital certificate.
Amid all the confusion, prior to this announcement, the British High Commission advised that Malta was only accepting the printed vaccine certificates from the UK. That being said, Chris Fearne, the health minister, said that Malta would also accept the digital version of the certificate.
A quick run-through
Only fully vaccinated people can travel from the UK to Malta. They must present a UK two-dose certificate prior to boarding their flight to Malta.
The Maltese health authorities are accepting the digital app version of the UK NHS vaccine certificate, as well as the paper version.
Children between the ages of five and 12 can travel only if accompanied by vaccinated parents or legal guardians AND they can provide a negative nasopharyngeal PCR test, which was carried our within 72 hours from their arrival in Malta.
Children under the age of five do not need to provide a negative test.
Maltese residents and citizens, who do not have an accepted vaccine certificate, can head over to Malta once they have received pre-authorisation from covid19.vetting@gov.mt. They will request a pre-departure PCR test, 14 days quarantine and follow-up PCR tests during the quarantine period.
