Hey my lovelies, I hope you are all well!
I've held off writing this #blog post as there were just too many variables and unknowns.
However I think we are now in possession of the full facts.
So, here is everything you need to know in a concise manner, when entering #Malta from the UK as of today.
** Links to all required forms are included too 😊 **
Entering Malta
Only fully vaccinated tourists will be granted entry to the islands quarantine free.
Please also bear in mind that everyone arriving (and departing) from Malta also has their temperature checked. If you have a high temperature, you will need to take a swab test.
Children aged 5-11 can travel if they accompany vaccinated adults with proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours from arrival in Malta.
Children under the age of 5 do not need to take a test.
Children aged 12-18 will need proof of vaccination which sadly is a no go here in the UK. A negative PCR test for children aged 12-18 will not be accepted from June 30th.
Those not in possession of an accepted vaccine certificate can only visit Malta by seeking pre-authorization from covid19.vetting@gov.mt who would request a pre-departure PCR, 14 days quarantine at the travellers expense, and PCRs during the period of quarantine.
You must also complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form. Both forms will need to be shown to airline officials on departure and health officials stationed at Malta International Airports Terminal Temperature Screening Points upon arrival. To avoid further delays in your journey please complete these forms before departure.
Proof of vaccination
Well, we've had at least two changes already here today!
Today at 2:17pm Health Minister Chris Fearne stated that Malta would be accepting the UK digital vaccine certificates from 1 July.
THIS IS FALSE! ONLY THE PAPER VACCINE CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS ACCEPTABLE - Information valid as of 5pm 30 June for arrivals from 01 July.
Bilateral talks are continuing and there is hope a digital solution will be available soon although we have no timeline yet for it.
Until then, paper rules my lovelies!
The paper certificate differs from the PDF version in that it has a 2D barcode rather than a QR code (QR codes are easily replicated and can be used fraudulently)
There is a HUGE benefit of using the paper certificate as opposed to the PDF version which can be downloaded from the NHS app.
The paper version does not have an expiry date, the PDF download is only valid for a limited time.
You can request a letter 2 weeks after having your 2nd dose of the vaccine, and you should receive it within 5 working days.
You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery or have an NHS login for this.
There are two ways to request a paper copy of your letter,
By calling 119 if you are travelling within 4 weeks
Or online here
If you live in Scotland, Malta will accept your NHS letter to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status.
Returning to the UK
Malta is now on the Uk's green list, therefore there is no longer a need to quarantine on your return and lesser tests are now required.
Even better news, the islands are NOT on the green watch list which means traffic light changes will not happen suddenly like they did for Portugal.
Return requirements are,
Book a PCR test for Day 2 after your return (before leaving to go on holiday as you need to add the test info into your return passenger locator form) You do not need to quarantine unless your day-two test is positive, or NHS Test & Trace says you have travelled with someone who tested positive. There are numerous suppliers of Day 2 tests, including Dante Labs at just £49.
To be able to fly home, you need to provide proof of a negative result from a test taken in the 3 days before your return flight departs. This could be a PCR, antigen/lateral flow or LAMP Covid-19 test. Your test result can be provided as a printed document, an email or text message you can show on your phone.
There are various testing centres across the islands, including a a rapid antigen testing facility at Malta International Airport’s Multi-Storey Car Park, Park East, on Level 0. The test price is just EUR35. You can book your slot here
Complete the passenger locator form any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. You’ll need to show your form when you check in to travel or board your plane, or at immigration upon arrival in the UK. This is a digital form and can be stored on your phone or tablet.
Remember to charge your phone or tablet before heading to the airport to avoid delays.
Finally, Malta's roadmap to freedom has been updated too, you can read the latest version here,
Hopefully, we have seen the last of the amendments, but if anything changes, I will of course update accordingly!
Take care and speak soon
Tracy 😘
Another clear blog post from you Tracy. A concept that the governments of the UK and Malta find quite difficult to do. 😉😀