Malta Bans Travel to and From 6 Southern African Countries
As soon as a disturbing new variant of Coronavirus was found on the African continent, the Maltese authorities decided to ban travel to and from six countries in southern Africa.
According to a press release issued by Malta’s official travel portal, VisitMalta, arrivals from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, the Esau, and Zimbabwe will be temporarily banned from Saturday at midnight.
In addition, in order to prevent further spread of the new variant, the government has also banned the citizens of Malta from making any trips to these affected areas.
“Travel to and from regions with known cases of the new Covid variant19 B.1.1.529 to Malta will be temporarily banned from midnight on Saturday. This currently includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Esau and Zimbabwe. “ says the statement of the Maltese authorities.
The authorities have not revealed how effective the ban will remain. However, it is believed that arrivals from these countries will not be allowed into Malta until their epidemiological situation improves, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus dashboard shows that South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have reported the highest infection rates over the past seven days. .
South Africa has reported 23,121 new cases of Coronavirus infection in the last seven days. During the same period, Botswana reported 523 new cases, and Zimbabwe reported 190 new cases.
On the other hand, the other three remaining countries reported a smaller number of infections. Over the past 168 hours, Namibia has identified 57 new cases of COVID-19, followed by Eswatini with 22 new cases, and Lesotho with 16 new cases.
Malta currently has strict entry rules against all countries. Entry restrictions in Malta are generally applied on the basis of a traveler’s country of origin.
Currently, Malta only allows entry for holders of a vaccination certificate indicating full vaccination with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Doses of mixed vaccines are also recognized until the required time period between the first and last dose is reached.
However, Malta does not accept vaccination certificates issued in each country, ie only those with a pass issued by specific countries may enter the territory of the latter.
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In addition, everyone should note that certificates proving recovery from the virus and negative COVID-19 test results are not accepted.
Except for the vaccination certificate requirement, every traveler entering Malta must provide a completed Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator Form.
Similar to Malta, the French authorities have decided to suspend flights from seven southern African countries. The ban will be valid for a minimum period of 48 hours.
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