Malta entry requirements: Covid travel restrictions for UK visitors explained for green list country

Blessed with a warm climate, stunning beaches and umpteen UNESCO world heritage sites, the Mediterranean island is already a popular tourist destination with Brits.

And now the island is set to welcome an influx of tourists following the news that visitors would no longer need to quarantine on their return to the UK.

Here’s what you need to know before you book a holiday to the destination.

When was Malta added to the green list?

Malta has been classed as a green list destination from 30 June.

What are the rules for green destinations?

Travellers visiting green destinations are required to take a pre-departure test and another PCR test on or before day two of their return to the UK.

No quarantine or additional tests are needed unless a positive result comes back.

Those returning to the UK must also fill out a passenger locator form.

Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test.

You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive.

You must quarantine if NHS Test & Trace informs you that you travelled to England with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

What are the entry requirements for Malta?

All arrivals from the UK are required to present proof of full vaccination. This must show that you received a full course of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival.

However, those who were given an Indian-made version of the AstraZeneca vaccine will no longer be turned away from Malta, the transport secretary has said.

Grant Shapps said that Maltese authorities have “amended their travel advice” in order to allow entry for all holiday-makers who received the jab in the UK, regardless of where it was manufactured.

If you live in England, Malta will accept the NHS Covid Pass (both the Digital App and letter versions) as proof of your vaccination status. If you live in Scotland or Wales, Malta will accept your respective NHS letter.

If you live in Northern Ireland, Malta will accept the interim proof of vaccination document which is valid until 11:59pm on 31 July.

Children aged 5-11 can travel if they are accompanying their vaccinated parents/legal guardian and must show evidence of a negative PCR test, dated within 72 hours before arrival. Children under 5 do not need a test.

However, children aged 12-18 will only be able to travel if they have proof of full vaccination.

If you have a Maltese issued certificate of vaccination you are exempt from pre-travel testing and self-isolation.

Maltese residents or citizens not in possession of a vaccine certificate must obtain prior authorisation from [email protected]. You will be required to provide evidence of a PCR test dated within 72 hours before arrival and quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

All travellers must also complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form. You must show both forms to airline officials on departure and health officials stationed at the Terminal Temperature Screening Points when you arrive in Malta. The forms should be completed before departure.

Malta have a traffic light system for international arrivals, with the UK rated as ‘amber’. You may not travel to Malta from a country which is red listed via one of the amber listed countries. To travel to Malta from the UK or another amber country, you must have been in the UK or other amber country for at least 14 days.