Malta, Gozo and Comino are the three islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, a jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean that combines a southern European climate and culture with an English-speaking population and year-round sunshine, all an easy three-hour flight from the UK.
The Maltese Islands are some of the most welcoming and diverse in the world – from their landscapes, which offer not only rock climbing and mountain biking but also snorkelling and diving in waters voted the best in Europe, to the people, having been ranked number-one on the ILGA Rainbow Index for the past five years in a row.
The islands are also awash with history both ancient and modern, from the Unesco-listed Megalithic Temples and Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, to medieval capital Mdina and the Renaissance architecture of modern-day capital Valletta, a popular spot for a city break.
Can British travellers visit Malta?
As of June 30, only British travellers who have been fully vaccinated will be able to enter Malta. They will need to have had their second dose at least 14 days prior to arriving. Proof of vaccination can be shown in the form of digital Covid passes, which includes the NHS app or the vaccination certificate in digital or downloaded PDF form.
This rule applies for those aged 12-18. A negative PCR test for over 12s will not be accepted as a substitute for two doses of the vaccine.
Children under the age of five are exempt from the above requirements, and do not need to show proof of a negative PCR test. Children between five and 11 years old can travel if they accompany vaccinated adults, but must carry proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of arriving in Malta.
All arrivals must complete a public health declaration form and a passenger locator form. These can be found here.
As of January 9, fully vaccinated travellers returning to the UK must take a Covid-19 test, which can be a lateral flow test, on or before day two, and fill out a passenger locator form.
Travellers returning to the UK who aren’t fully vaccinated must fill out a passenger locator form and take a Covid-19 test before arriving, as well as PCR tests on day two and day eight, and quarantine for 10 days.
What can travellers expect on arrival at Malta’s airport?
All passengers arriving at Malta International Airport will also be asked to complete a self-declaration form to share details about any travel in the previous 30 days.
Arriving and departing tourists will be required to wear a face covering or visor in the terminal building, which also applies to coach transfers to and from the plane.
What can British visitors expect while travelling around Malta?
Protocols
Safety continues to be a key focus for guests when they are on the Maltese islands and a number of new protocols are being implemented across hotels, restaurants and beyond to ensure they have a relaxing, enjoyable time on holiday.
Transport
Public transport in Malta and Gozo is operating normally. Clear guidelines are in place to ensure frequent air circulation and total disinfection of buses and coaches. If travelling by taxi, the vehicle will be sanitised after every trip and rental vehicles will be deep-cleaned after every return.
Accommodation and dining
All accommodation and dining providers must comply with Maltese government protocols devised to safeguard the safety of guests and employees. Social distancing rules have been lifted.
Malta Tourism Authority will inspect accommodation before it is certified to reopen, with approved businesses awarded a Certified Compliant sticker to display. Audits will be carried out periodically to ensure standards are adhered to.
Experiencing Malta
Malta is ensuring travellers can still enjoy the island’s culture, history, landmarks and beautiful scenery with daily beach cleans and more frequent cleaning of public amenities.
Malta Tourism Authority webinar
Watch the latest Travel Weekly webinar with the Malta Tourism Authority’s trade trainer Peter Green, and learn all about how to recommend the destination to couples.
PICTURES: viewingmalta.com
Last updated January 7, 2022