What to do if I have Covid-19 symptoms while in Malta?

Should you experience common Covid-19 symptoms while in Malta (fever, dry cough, tiredness) you can call 111 or +356 2169 2447 (tourist helpfline) for assistance. You may be advised to get tested at one of the testing centres and adjust your travel arrangements until a result is obtained. Local GPs may request you to get tested prior to a clinic visit, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

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Coronavirus, Covid-19 and Malta: The latest travel information

Looking to get away on holiday but want to know what the situation regarding the coronavirus and Covid-19 in Malta is before you book?

This page is regularly updated with the last info regarding Covid-19 measures and what the local authorities are recommending.

Last updated: 23 July 2020

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended as a guide for people travelling to Malta. This is not an official Malta government-run website. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy information, please refer to the provided references to official sources for the most up-to-date information surrounding Covid-19.

The current situation regarding Covid-19 in Malta

Local active coronavirus cases stand at just 6 at time of writing
The country is not in lockdown and most legally-enforced measures have been lifted
Masks do not need to be worn in open spaces, but do need to be worn on public transport and when entering shops
Local hotels and restaurants are still guided by the authorities with measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those in full compliance have been provided with a large circular sticker issued together with a certificate by the Malta Tourism Authority. In reality that means that the vast majority of establishments are in line with regulations, in a bid to earn your trust as a tourist.
Local helpline: Dial 111 (NOT 112 – unless in case of emergency) or +356 2132 4086. For tourists specifically, this helpline is available: +356 2169 2447.

Flights and incoming travel from other countries

Flights form the following countries are allowed entry to Malta, as from the 15th of July:

European countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
Outside of Europe: Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.

What to expect at Malta International Airport

Extensive measures have been taken by Malta International Airport (official Covid-19 information page) to ensure safety of passengers. More information in the below video
Arriving passengers are obliged to pass through gates equipped with temperature monitoring systems, but no swabs are taken, nor are test certificates required upon entry.
Passengers arriving from all destinations are obliged to fill in two forms: a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and a Passenger Locator Form (used for contact tracing in case you may have been exposed to the coronavirus during travel by a fellow passenger)

Official guidelines aside, what’s Malta really like right now?

Although social distancing and masks are still recommended by the authorities, the local population doesn’t adhere to these guidelines as closely as they did at the height of Covid-19 cases so far unfortunately.
Out in the open, most people don’t keep conscious distance from one another and while many still wear masks in shops, not everyone does.
Most shops and restaurants are equipped to deal with the situation, but while personnel generally stick to the regulations well, smaller details like empty alcohol rub dispensers are common.

My tips to help you navigate the Covid-19 situation in Malta

Assume others won’t keep their distance and anticipate
Always carry a mask and hand sanitiser and/or wipes yourself
If you’re particularly nervous about being in crowded areas, avoid staying in the most popular tourist destinations: Buġibba, Qawra, Sliema, St. Julian’s and Valletta. Instead, consider Mellieħa or Gozo, or one of the smaller villages in Malta.

Official sources for the most recent information

The Ministry of Health – official Covid-19 information
The Ministry of Health – Facebook page (with daily case updates around 12:30pm CET)

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