Malta reopens to tourists.

#Malta announced on the 24th of May that thanks to their strong vaccination programme, herd immunity had been reached. 🎉

A super 70% of Maltese residents have now received their first #vaccine and 42% are fully vaccinated, which has led to a huge decrease in new COVID-19 daily cases, with just two being registered yesterday.

As a result, Malta is officially reopening its doors to #tourists from today, and just like the UK will operate a traffic light system of red, amber and green, although rules will be less restricted for those who are fully vaccinated.

Green countries - complete a declaration form only and subject to thermal screening on arrival.

Amber countries - complete the travel declaration form and present a negative 72 hours PCR test, if you are fully vaccinated then no PCR test is required, just thermal screening. (The final dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Malta)

Red countries - No touristic travel allowed, only Maltese citizens or those with a valid residence permit may enter.

Currently there are NO countries on the green list.

The 51 Amber countries are as follows,

Andorra

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan included)

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Latvia

Lebanon

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Monaco

Morocco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Rwanda

San Marino

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Thailand

Tunisia

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Uruguay

Vatican City

Any country which is not included in the Green or Amber List will automatically be classified as a Red List Country.

Entering Malta isn't based upon where a person permanently resides, it just depends upon in which country they have been physically present for the previous 14 days. This is referred to as a "Corridor Country". Anyone arriving in Malta must not have passed through a transit airport in a red country.

For example if an American tourist has been present in Switzerland for at least 14 days, they can enter the islands under the Amber rules even though America is on the red list.

The #UK is still Amber at the moment but just today the Chief Executive of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) Johann Buttigieg mentioned again how "discussions are underway with the British Government in the hope of reaching an agreement."

The UK also has Malta on its Amber list although this is due to be reviewed on the 3rd of June with any change in colour coming into play on the 10th.

The relaxation of measures also continues across the islands too.

On the 24th of May #restaurant hours were extended up until midnight, and swimming pools and gyms reopened.

From today, the wearing of masks at the pool or the beach is no longer being enforced by law, but still recommended, it's very much being left to us to use our own common sense.

Measures will further relax next week, when it's expected on the 7th that #bars, #cinemas and #casinos will reopen and larger groups will be allowed to join together in public and whilst dining.

Finally, #joy of joys! 🎉

If COVID-19 case numbers continue to drop, then on the 1st of July the wearing of masks outdoors for vaccinated people will no longer be required as Malta will be launching its official vaccination certificate. There is a caveat to this though, as it will only apply to groups of two fully vaccinated persons, above that number, masks will continue to have to be worn.

Village #festas will not be allowed this month, but discussions are currently being held with the Curia (Archdiocese of Malta) to address safety measures around the #feasts due to take place in the coming months.

Awesome news to start the month eh!

Let's hope the good news keeps on coming with the Global Travel Taskforce announcement on Thursday. 🤞🤞🤞

Until then my lovelies, have a great week and enjoy this delicious sunshine!

😘

Tracy