Malta officially welcomes tourism from 51 different countries as of tomorrow.
With its strong vaccination programme, Malta became the first country in the European Union to reach herd immunity by May 24 2021. The Government of Malta announced that 70% of Maltese residents have now received their first shot, and 42% are fully vaccinated.
Malta’s national vaccination programme has led to a sharp decrease in new COVID-19 cases registered daily, with the number of daily deaths also coming to a halt. Malta has also registered a daily decrease of total active cases, down to double-digit figures.
We have taken this opportunity to list all the information required about Malta’s official tourism re-opening, who can go, what exceptions are being made for vaccinated tourists, and the schemes and incentives that have been put in place by the Government of Malta.
Countries accepted from June 2021
By June 1 2021, Malta will be open for tourism from 51 different countries and include easier entry rules for travellers who are fully vaccinated.
Malta’s current rules for entry include different requirements from passengers coming from countries, as Malta uses the standard ‘traffic light system’ with countries being classified as Green, Amber, and Red. Passengers from Green countries only have to fill out a declaration; Amber countries are required to present the declaration and present a negative 72-hour PCR test, while Red countries are totally restricted to returning residents only.
With the official tourism re-launch, Malta will start allowing fully vaccinated passengers from Amber countries to enter without PCR testing. By definition, fully vaccinated means at least 14 days have elapsed since the final dose of vaccine brands approved by the EU commission.
The current list of countries classified as ‘amber’ include:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
China (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan included)
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City
Entry into Malta based on location
Malta’s rules are slightly different from other European Union Nations. Malta does not require passengers to be residents of the above safe countries; they just need to have been physically present in one for the past 14-days. For example, an American traveller who has been present in Germany for 14 days can enter Malta under the Amber rules, even if the USA is not on the Amber list.
Malta’s relaxation of measures
On May 24, Malta extended hours for restaurants until midnight and re-opened pools and gyms.
Since June 1, the use of masks at pools and beaches will no longer be enforced by law and will be recommended, but ultimately it is up to the individual to decide what to do.
On June 7, Malta is expected to relax more measures, with the re-opening of bars, cinemas and casinos and larger groups allowed together in public and at restaurants.
On July 1, the wearing of masks outdoors for vaccinated people will no longer be required as Malta is now launching its official vaccination certificate.
Government Incentives for Travellers
The Government of Malta, through the Malta Tourism Authority, have announced incentives for tourists to visit the country between June 1 to December 31 2021, for a minimum 3-day trip. The Government of Malta will be providing cash vouchers that can be used on hotel properties, catering establishments, wellness spas and other services.
The amounts are as follows:
€100 per person on every booking in a 5-star hotel
€75 per person on every booking in a 4-star hotel
€50 per person on every booking in a 3-star hotel