Malta: First EU Nation To Reach Herd Immunity, Reopens Tourism
Malta became the first country in the European Union to reach herd immunity on May 24, 2021. On their official tourism site, the government of Malta announced that 70% of residents have now received at least the first shot, with 42% of the population now being fully vaccinated. With 70% being a globally recognized figure for herd immunity, Malta is confident to reopen more layers of tourism, just in time for the summer holidays.
The VisitMalta portal posted “Malta’s National Vaccination Programme, has led to a sharp decrease in new COVID-19 cases registered daily, with the number of daily deaths also coming to a halt for the last 17 days, and subsequently also registering a daily decrease in COVID-19 Active Cases.”
Below we have all the information about Malta’s official reopening for tourism, who can go, what exceptions are being made for vaccinated tourists, and even how you can get paid by the government of Malta for visiting this summer.
Malta’s June 2021 Tourism Restart
Starting on June 1, 2021, Malta is welcoming more types of tourists to visit, including easier entry rules for travelers who are fully vaccinated.
Malta’s current rules for entry include different requirements from passengers coming from countries classified as Green, Amber, and Red. Passengers from Green countries only have a form to fill out, Amber countries have the form and a 72-hour PCR test, and Red countries are restricted to returning residents only.
With their official tourism re-launch on June 1st, Malta has stated they will allow fully vaccinated passengers from Amber countries to enter without PCR testing. Fully vaccinated means at least 14 days have elapsed since the final dose of vaccine brands approved by the EU commission.
The current list of Amber countries as of May 26 includes:
- 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
On June 1st, passengers from the above-listed nations will be able to choose how they want to enter Malta. They can either show a negative 72-hour PCR test or show they’ve been fully vaccinated.
The Amber list may change for the June 1st reopening and will be published here as soon as it’s released.
Will the USA be permitted entry starting June 1st?
Since the USA has a similarly high vaccination rate amongst its population, there is speculation it may be included on Malta’s approved list for fully vaccinated passengers after June 1, 2021.
The EU has also stated that American tourists, especially fully vaccinated ones, are expected to be welcomed back by member states in June.
Entry into Malta based on location
What makes Malta a little different from other EU nations is they don’t require the passenger to be a resident of the above safe countries, they just need to have been physically present in one for the past 14-days. For example, an American tourist who has been present in Portugal for 14 days can enter Malta under the Amber rules, even if the USA is not on the Amber list at that time.
Since American tourists are now welcome in nearby EU nations like Greece, Italy, and Croatia, a stop in Malta will be an attractive option for those looking to see more of Europe this summer.
What’s Open in Malta?
On May 24, a week before the official tourism reopening, Malta extended hours for restaurants until midnight, and reopened pools and gyms.
Starting June 1, the use of masks at pools and beaches will no longer be enforced by law and will be recommended, but ultimately up to the individual.
June 7 things relax even more with bars, cinemas and casinos reopening and larger groups allowed together in public and at restaurants.
On July 1st, the wearing of masks outdoors for vaccinated people will no longer be required.
It’s True, Malta Is Paying Tourists To Visit
From June 1st to December 31st, the Tourism Board of Malta announced they would be offering an incentive for foreign tourists to book accommodations throughout the nation. For any 3-day booking or more, tourists will receive a cash voucher to use on the hotel property, including restaurants, spa, and other services. The amounts are:
- €100 per person on every booking in a 5-star hotel
- €75 per person on every booking in a 4-star hotel
- €50 per person on every booking in a 3-star hotel
Source: https://bit.ly/3bVs0AP
