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travelling to malta post covid19: help!
The 15 Juli 2020 has finally arrived, but have all measures been removed?
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
We have a record, ladies and gentlemen.
At the time of writing this article, Malta has no more than four active cases. With over 105,000 swab tests having been conducted since März, the Maltese Islands, at least when compared to the rest of the world, is a safe haven.
Today marks a very special day for the locals, as, according to Health Minister Chris Fearne, Malta has registered seven consecutive days without any new COVID-19 cases.
Despite almost all previously imposed restrictions to prevent the spread being lifted, there seem to still be some grey areas.
As of Juli 1 2020, the Malta International Airport re-opened, allowing for commercial flights to be resumed. As of 15 Juli 2020, 28 more countries were added to the ‘safe’ list, as follows:
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- Bugaria
- The Netherlands
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- China
- Vatican City
- Rwanda
- Uraguay
- Slovenia
- Japan
- Morocco
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Portugal
- Romania
- Lebanon
- Indonesia
- United Arab Emirates
- Turkey
- Jordan
- Liechtenstein
Any quarantine updates?
The million-dollar question! If you’re travelling from any of the ‘safe’ countries listed above, as well as those listed here, you will not need to quarantine.
Prior to jumping on your flight, however, you must have spent a minimum of 14 days in one of those safe countries.
What about all other countries not listed as ‘safe’?
Unfortunately, as it stands, you will not be able to travel to Malta from any other country than those that are listed.
The only way around this is to make your way to a ‘safe’ country, spend two weeks hanging out over there, and then you’ll be welcomed with open arms in Malta.
It doesn’t end there though. You’ll be asked to sign a self-declaration that you did indeed spend a fortnight in a ‘safe’ country. That’s it, promise.
What if I work or live in Malta?
Much like in everything else in the world, there are exceptions to the rule. If you’re Maltese, or work in Malta, you may be granted permission to head on down to the islands.
If you wish to be repatriated from a ‘safe’ country, there are no issues at all and you will not be required to self-quarantine. However, if you wish to return from a country that’s not on the list, the plot thickens ever so slightly.
If the latter is the case, you are required to send an email to quarantine.covid19@gov.mt, describing your situation. It is up to the Health Department to grant you permission to re-enter the country. Once granted, pack your bags! Once you land however, you will be required to observe a 14-day quarantine.
Are masks still a thing?
Masks are very much still a thing. Not only is it obligatory to wear a mask at all times when boarding a flight, as well as throughout the flight, but you must also have it on inside the terminals. Only children under the age of six and those who have a valid medical reason are exempt from wearing face masks.
Your temperature will also taken immediately upon arrival and if it exceeds 37.2C, you may be interviewed by public health officials.
What do i do if i feel sick once i'm in malta?
If you feel sick or experience any of these symptoms – a fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell – whilst in Malta, please 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.
