In early June, Malta’s official tourism website, VisitMalta.com, announced that the island nation will be reopening for summer holidays without its prior COVID-19 restrictions. The current number of cases on the island is less than one percent of what it was at the pandemic’s peak, and over 90 percent of Maltese citizens have been fully vaccinated. A further 80 percent of them have received a booster as well, making the country one of the safest in Europe.
Malta’s Color-Coding System Is a Thing of the Past
Previously, Malta classified countries according to a color scale, with Red or Dark Red meaning that the country was high risk, and that visitors were not allowed to come to the islands without prior authorization. This system has officially been removed, and now one’s eligibility to enter the country depends solely on their immunity status.
Travelers must now only present a certificate of full vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past six months, or the results of a negative COVID-19 test. Both PCR and Rapid Tests are valid, but the PCR must be taken within 72 hours of arrival and the Rapid Test must be taken within 24.
No quarantine is required for those presenting one of these documents, but if that is not possible, the visitor will have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. This period can be lessened to seven days following the results of a negative COVID-19 test.
As of 6 June, children under 12 are exempt from these requirements and do not have to show any COVID-related health documentation.
Masks Are No Longer Required Indoors or Outdoors
Masks of any kind are no longer mandatory in any indoor or outdoor location in Malta, or on any flights into or out of the country, with hospitals being the one exception.
Events in Malta will all be mask-free as well, with the wearing of one being entirely optional. In addition, there will be no more seating restrictions or pandemic-imposed capacity limits on any venue.
Passenger Locator Forms are also no longer a requirement for those arriving on a flight within Europe, but do check with your individual airline to make sure there are no other documents required.
The Return of Events, Festivals and Feasts
Summer 2022 will be jam-packed with lively events, beginning with the Malta International Arts Festival in June, where attendees will be treated to theatre productions, music events, and visual art shows. Wine enthusiasts will also enjoy the International Wine Festival, where they can sample wine from Malta and around the world.
The hits keep coming in July, with a concert featuring award-winning pop singer Lewis Capaldi, a Classic Rock Anthems show during which the BBC Concert Orchestra will play 20 well-known and well-loved songs, and Malta’s Jazz Festival, which marks its 32nd year in 2022.
July will also see the Isle of MTV 2022 music festival return to Malta in Il-Fosos Square, with award-winning international artists French Montana and DJ Marshmello taking turns taking the stage.
After nearly three years of waiting, the Maltese Islands are ready to welcome travelers back in with a good time and big, loud, fun-filled events all summer long. To organize your vacation and see available flights, consult VisitMalta’s booking page to start planning your trip to Malta.
