If you're traveling in 2021, check which travel insurance covers COVID-19 (test and treatment abroad).
Malta reopened its borders to international travel from some countries on July 1, 2020. Only travelers from designated safe corridor countries can travel to Malta right now. Malta is one of the countries that are open to tourists that uses a “traffic light” system to categorize countries, and each country category has different entry requirements.
Travelers from “green” countries do not need to take a PCR test before they travel to Malta, nor will they be subject to a swab test upon arrival. They just need to complete paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form and undergo thermal testing on arrival.
Travelers from “amber” countries must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was obtained within 72 hours of boarding. They will also have to submit paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form and submit to random swab testing on arrival.
Travelers from “red” countries can only travel to Malta if they have spent at least the past 14 days in a “green” or “amber” country. They should also have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and complete paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form.
Can I travel to Malta right now?
Only travelers from certain countries can visit Malta right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Malta at the moment.

Malta - EN
Malta COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Malta’s entry requirements depend on which country you are traveling from.
If you’re coming from a “green” country, you just need to submit paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form and undergo thermal testing on arrival.

Malta COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
If you are traveling from an “amber” country, you must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was obtained within 72 hours of boarding. You also have to complete paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form and possibly undergo a random swab test on arrival.
If you’re coming from a “red” country, you must have spent at least the last 14 days in a “green” or “amber” country. You should also have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and submit paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Malta?
It depends on the category of the country you are traveling from.
If you’re traveling from an “amber” or “red” country, you must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding. If you’re traveling from a “green” country, a PCR test is not required.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Malta?
There is no mandatory quarantine for travelers who arrive from safe corridor countries (“green” and “amber” countries). Anyone who arrives in Malta from a non-safe-corridor country or who has not spent at least the last 14 days in a safe corridor country must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Malta?
Additionally, if you arrive from an “amber” country and do not have proof of a negative PCR test result, you may be required to quarantine on arrival in Malta.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Malta
Travelers are not required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Malta. Nevertheless, we highly recommend purchasing some kind of travel insurance with health coverage so that you’re covered no matter what happens while you’re traveling.
Wondering which travel insurance to buy? Heymondo is a fantastic option. Their travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is great because it offers extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad while still being affordable.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Malta
Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government of Malta has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Malta.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Malta, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Malta changes its travel restrictions.
Other travel restrictions for Malta during COVID-19
Malta has implemented a few other travel restrictions for visitors:
- All travelers must submit paper copies of the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form.
- Travelers from “green” countries will undergo thermal testing on arrival. Travelers from “amber” countries may have a random swab test on arrival.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Malta. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Malta
Lots of places are open in Malta right now, including hotels, restaurants, museums, beaches, water parks, and swimming pools, so there should be no shortage of things to do if you visit.
Hotels that are open in Malta
Hotels and accommodations are currently open in Malta. If you’re not sure where to stay, these accommodations are our favorites:
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands
- 1926 Hotel & SPA
- Hilton Malta
- Grand Hotel Excelsior
- be.HOTEL
All guests will have their temperatures checked when they enter their accommodation. They must wear masks in public areas and social distance. Hand sanitizer will be available at reception for guests to disinfect their hands. Only one person or household group can use an elevator at a time. High-contact areas will be disinfected hourly.
More information on accommodation regulations can be found here.
Beaches that are open in Malta
If you’re looking to soak up some sun, beaches in Malta are open.

Beaches that are open in Malta
Beachgoers must keep 2 meters away from others who are not in their household. Hand sanitizer will be available at the beach’s entrance for beachgoers to disinfect their hands. Beaches will be cleaned daily.
You can find more details on beach regulations here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are running in Malta
There’s plenty to do right now in Malta since attractions, such as museums and water parks, are open and tours are operating. Malta has so many great attractions and tours, but if we had to pick our favorites, they would be:
- Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, & Sea Caves
- Malta: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- Malta’s 3 Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea) Tour & Wine Tasting
- Valletta City Walking Tour
- Half-Day Tour of Mosta, Ta’Qali Crafts Village & Mdina
- Prehistoric Temples of Malta Tour
Museums and other cultural places have the right to refuse entry to those who look visibly unwell. Visitors’ temperatures will be checked before they enter. Visitors must wear masks and keep 2 meters’ distance away from those who are not in their household. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and all visitors must sanitize their hands before entering.
For tours, visitors will have their temperatures checked and will have to sanitize their hands before the tour begins. They must wear masks at all times and social distance. Tours will be limited to 15 people, so it may be a good idea to book your tour in advance.
More information on museums and cultural attraction regulations can be found here. More information on water park regulations is available here. More information on tour regulations can be found here.
Restaurants that are open in Malta
Wondering where you’ll eat while you’re in Malta? Whether you want to try local Maltese cuisine or eat comfort foods, restaurants are currently open, so you’ll have plenty of food options.
Restaurants are open until 11 PM. Since they are operating with reduced seating capacities, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time.

Restaurants that are open in Malta
Guests must wear masks when entering, exiting, and moving around the restaurant, but they can take them off while they are seated at their table. They must also provide their contact details for contact tracing purposes and disinfect their hands when they are entering and leaving the restaurant. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance for this purpose.
Tables will be set up so that they are 3 meters apart and chairs are 2 meters apart.
More information on restaurant regulations can be found here, here, and here.
Airports that are open in Malta
Malta International Airport is currently open.
All travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing rules. They will also be subject to health screenings on arrival.
Where to get a PCR test in Malta – COVID-19 testing in Malta
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get tested in Malta, you can find more information on where and how to get tested here.
Malta reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Malta reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Sources
We will update this guide on Malta reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Malta, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Malta
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Malta
- General Malta Travel Advisory
- Visit Malta COVID-19 Information and Country Lists
- Government of Malta Travel Information
- Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator Forms
- Government of Malta Standards and Guidelines for Businesses Page
- Standards and Guidelines for Accommodations, Beaches, and Restaurants
- Standards and Guidelines for Museums and Other Cultural Places
- Standards and Guidelines for Water Parks
- Standards and Guidelines for Tour Guides
- Standards and Guidelines for the Use of Face Masks
- Where and How to Get Tested for COVID-19 in Malta
- Malta Airport COVID-19 Travel Advice