Malta Continues to Relax its COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
The Maltese authorities have announced that the country has decided to further relax its restrictions on COVID-19.
Malta’s official travel portal, Visit Malta, has revealed that as of today, 9 May, Malta will no longer classify other countries as red or dark red.
This means that all incoming travelers, regardless of their country of origin, will not need further pre-travel authorization from the Superintendent of Public Health, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“With effect from Monday, May 9, 2022, travel-related COVID-19 restrictions will be relaxed again, as countries will no longer be classified as Red or Dark Red. It also means that the need for prior authorization for travel by the Superintendent of Public Health from countries that are so far on the dark red list will no longer be necessary. “ says the Malta Visit statement.
The Maltese authorities have stated that from 9 May, travel to the country will depend on the immunity status of a person, which means that all travelers are required to present a certificate of vaccination, recovery, or a test certificate to allow them to enter Malta without having to follow. any additional rules.
The requirement to present one of the above certificates applies to all travelers over the age of six.
Malta applies the same period of validity to COVID passes as other EU countries. A vaccination certificate is only recognized if it proves that the holder has completed the primary vaccination in the last 270 days or if the holder has received a booster shot.
On the other hand, recovery passes are only accepted if they indicate that the holder has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 180 days.
Regarding the COVID test, the Maltese authorities explain that the country accepts both rapid antigen tests and PCR. The rapid antigen test should be taken within 24 hours prior to arrival in Malta, while the PCR test should be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta.
Malta has already facilitated some other COVID-19 restrictions. From 2 May, travelers could enter Malta without having to fill in the Passinger Locator Form.
In addition, Malta has dropped the mask requirement. Travelers are no longer required to wear a face mask when entering different public places and events.
Malta’s decision to relax its restrictions on COVID-19 follows the low infection rates. World Health Organization (WHO) data show that Malta has registered 1,048 new cases of infection in the last seven days.
Regarding vaccination rates, ECDC reveals that 93.8 per cent of the entire adult population in Malta has completed primary vaccination as of 5 May.