Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Malta (March 17, 2020)
Location: Malta
Event: As of March 17, the Malta Ministry of Health has announced over thirty-eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malta.
The government of Malta has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the COVID-19 Info Page website at https://covid19malta.info/ for additional information on these new measures.
The government of Malta has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 11:59 PM, all bars (excluding take-away), restaurants (excluding deliveries), gymnasiums, clubs, cinemas and tombola halls must remain closed. All schools, childcare centers, and universities remain closed until further notice.
Many travelers in Malta have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
State local government actions:
- Persons entering Malta from any other country from March 13 onwards must spend 14 days in mandatory self-quarantine.
- Persons entering Malta after having travelled in any of the following countries at any time from March 11 onwards must spend 14 days in mandatory self-quarantine: Spain, Germany, France, or Switzerland.
- Persons entering Malta after having travelled in any of the following countries at any time from February 27 onwards must spend 14 days in mandatory self-quarantine: Italy, China (including Hong Kong), Singapore, Japan, Iran, or South Korea.
- The mandatory self-quarantine is enforced through regular police spot-checks. Those who fail to observe the order are subject to a €3,000 fine for each instance the order is breached.
- Asymptomatic visitors can choose to undergo mandatory self-quarantine or return to their country of origin as soon as possible.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit the U.S. Embassy Malta webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Malta.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Valletta, Malta
Ta’Qali National Park
Attard, ATD 4000
Phone number (business hours) +356 2561 4000
Phone number (after hours) +356 2561 4000
Email: ConsularMalta@state.gov
Website: https://mt.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Malta Country Information
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