Location: Malta
Event: On July 2, the Ministry of Health confirmed 671 cases of COVID-19, 13 of which are active cases.
As of March 27, U.S. Embassy Malta suspended non-emergency U.S. citizen and visa services. U.S. citizens in Malta who require assistance should contact the Embassy using the contact information at the end of this Health Alert. Beginning June 18, routine passport and consular report of birth abroad appointments resumed. All other non-emergency U.S. citizen (including notary appointments) and visa services remain suspended until further notice. Please visit the U.S. Embassy in Malta U.S. Citizen Services website here and Visas website here for more information.
The Malta International Airport (MIA) and ports reopened on July 1 to “safe corridor” destinations. The first group of “safe corridor” destinations that have reopened for travel include: Germany, Austria, Italy, Cyprus, Switzerland, France, Spain, Poland, Iceland, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic. MIA has implemented various measures to maintain a safe environment for passengers and employees. For details please visit the MIA website here.
Additionally, the Council of the European agreed to begin lifting non-essential travel restrictions for residents of some third countries beginning July 1. European Union member states should begin lifting travel restrictions for residents of the following third countries: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity). Note- U.S. citizens travelling directly from the United States or any other country NOT listed above are currently unable to enter Malta. Limited exceptions for essential travel can be found on the Council of the European Union website here.
The “safe corridors” and third countries list mentioned above will only apply to people who have spent the previous two weeks there. Restrictions on some additional flight destinations will be lifted on July 15. Please visit the Malta Travel Authority website here for more information.
Passengers arriving from non- “safe corridor” or approved third countries between July 1 through July 14 will have to undergo two weeks of mandatory quarantine. Passengers arriving from non- “safe corridor” or approved third countries destinations from July 15 onward may be subject to mandatory quarantine restrictions at the Government of Malta’s discretion.
Commercial flights remain available for U.S. citizens in Malta who want to return to the United States. Please note, passengers may be unable to depart the airport while transiting. U.S. citizens who plan to return to the United States should contact their airline directly with questions regarding layovers, including questions about baggage and travelling with pets.
The government of Malta has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Essential shops, including: shops selling food or medicine, pet shops, banks, post offices and transport services remain open. As of May 4, non-essential shops, including: lotto booths, VRT testing stations, clothes and sportswear shops, jewelry shops, bag and shoe shops, non-prescription eyewear shops, perfume and beauty supply stores, haberdasheries and home decorations shops, souvenir and discount shops, luggage shops, toy shops, hobby shops, furniture shops, and florists were able to re-open.
As of May 4, health centers resumed providing vaccinations, cervical cancer screenings, CT Scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and cardiology appointments.
As of May 22, restaurants, barbers, hairdressers, beauticians, hotels, outdoor pools, open air markets, open-air cinemas, and certain health services, including: diabetic clinics, cardio clinics, well-being clinics, and mental health services resumed business.
As of June 5, bars, gyms, law courts, and childcare centers may resume business. Resumption of business is allowable provided specific COVID-19 prevention measures as detailed by the Maltese Health Authorities are adhered to.
Customers and clients are required to have their temperature checked before entering the service venue, wear a facemask within the premises, and keep two meters from others. Establishments may only permit entry to one person per every 10 square meters of venue space.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
State local government actions:
- Vulnerable persons should continue to exercise caution but are able to return to work as of June 5.
- As of May 4, travel between Malta and Gozo resumed. Ferry commuters are required to wear a mask while using the Gozo Channel ferry service and only a controlled number of passengers will be allowed onboard.
- 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.
- Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and are ordered to self-quarantine will be fined a €10,000 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. U.S. citizens in Malta who want to return to the United States should make arrangements while outbound flights are still available.
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 website on 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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