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Flying to Malta now during the COVID-19 pandemic – Questions & Answers
Visiting Malta and the COVID-19 pandemic
Last updated on: 2.12.2020
Life in Malta has not changed a lot in the last months. However, the international situation caused by the COVID-10 pandemic has forced us to be more cautious when planning trips – whether on our own or with our family. This is why we have prepared the below guide – to help you organise your trip to the Maltese Islands as stress-free as possible. We hope we have covered all the questions you might have about your Working Holidays or English Course in Malta.
Please keep in mind that the procedures and laws described below tend to change very dynamically. We are doing our best to keep them up-to-date but please remember that the article should be treated as purely supporting information.
Before your departure to Malta
Can I fly to Malta now despite the pandemic?
Yes, it is possible. You can fly to Malta directly from any major European city. We strongly recommend using Skyscanner for finding the best connections. More information: Flights to Malta – how to get here?
Do I need a COVID-19 test to fly to Malta?
Every week the Maltese government updates its Amber List. If the airport you are flying from is on the list, you need a negative PCR test result (not older than 72 hours) – you will be asked for it at the Malta International Airport. The up-to-date Amber List can be found here: Visit Malta – Malta Tourism Authority – COVID-19.
If you do not have a COVID-19 test result with you, you can be asked to have one done at the airport, after landing in Malta (more details below, under: “After Arrival”).
I caught COVID-19 before departure to Malta, what now?
If you test positive for COVID-19 before departure from your country or if for any other reason you cannot travel to Malta, do not worry – you will not lose your money.
According to our Terms & Conditions, you can get a 100% refund on the paid sum, if you cancel your stay not later than 7 days before your scheduled arrival. More details can be found below, under “Cancellation / rescheduling policy”.
What documents do I need to have with me when flying to Malta?
Due to the COVID-19 related regulations, every passenger flying to Malta nowadays should fill out 3 forms (you can download them below). They will be given out by the flight attendants and at the airport. However, we strongly recommend printing them and filling them out while still at home so that after passing them to the respective personnel, you can quickly collect your luggage and leave the airport after landing.
What is the situation with COVID-19 in Malta now?
The Maltese government, in cooperation with the health service, has so far been successful in controlling the current situation on the island. Well-planned, strategic decisions of local authorities have also been highlighted by representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Malta is the 3rd country in the world in terms of the frequency of tests performed. You can find the up-to-date statistics on new COVID-19 cases in the Maltese Islands on this website: Malta COVID-19 Statistics Tracker.
For more information on the everyday life in Malta today, see the Life in Malta during the COVID-19 pandemic section below.
During your flight to Malta
What is it like to fly a plane during the pandemic?
As per the most recent guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), both airports and airlines have introduced updated safety measures. They include:
- passengers’ body temperature checks before boarding
- the obligatory use of face masks throughout the whole flight
- cashless payments during the in-flight service
Please keep in mind that the exact rules, like accepting visors, types of face masks / visors accepted or the max. temperature allowing for entering the plane, might differ, depending on the airline. Before departure, make sure you check all the information made available by your carrier.
Can I get COVID-19 on a plane?
According to the most recent research published in the US, the risk of catching the coronavirus while on the board of a plane, is extremely low. Read more: The odds of catching COVID-19 on a plane are slimmer than you think. Thanks to advanced air exchange and filtering, and regular disinfection of the facilities, planes are considered to be the safes mean of organised transport in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After arrival in Malta
Is quarantine mandatory in Malta?
No, people travelling to Malta from EU countries do not have to quarantine. Passengers flying from airports placed on the so called Amber List have to show – upon arrival – a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test (not older than 72 hours). The up-to-date Amber List can be found here: Amber List – Visit Malta – Malta Tourism Authority.
Can I do a COVID-19 test at the airport in Malta?
The standard procedure* for people arriving in Malta from Amber List countries (for which a negative test result is necessary), is the following:
- after departing the plane, you will be asked by a representative of the local authorities, if you can present a negative COVID-19 test result (not older than 72 hours)
- if you had done your test before flying our and you can show the negative result to the authorities, you are free to leave the airport
- if you had not done your test before flying out, a PCR (swab) test will be performed at the Malta International Airport, at no extra cost
- after around 25 minutes you will be informed about the result (verbally, you will not receive any written results)
- in case of a negative result, you are free to leave the airport and enjoy your stay in Malta.
*The above description refers to a typical, model situation and is based on the current regulations and individual experiences. Please remember that the local authorities can change their procedures at any time.
What if I get tested positive after arriving in Malta?
A positive COVID-19 test after arriving result means a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Malta. However, you do not need to worry about any unexpected costs – the medical expenses and assistance in case of COVID-19 are covered by the travel insurance included in our packages. More information: Travel Insurance in Case of COVID-19
Life in Malta now during the COVID-19 pandemic
Are face masks obligatory in Malta?
Yes, wearing a mask or a visor in public space is currently mandatory in Malta (except when jogging or riding a bicycle). The fine for not wearing one is 100 EUR.
What are the main restrictions?
The main rules you have to remember on a daily basis are:
- face masks are mandatory when in public space (indoors & outdoors)
- using hand sanitizers and washing your hands frequently are strongly encouraged
- social & physical distancing (1,5 m between 2 persons)
Are bars and restaurants open in Malta? What about the shops?
Life in Malta, also in terms of entertainment and free time activities, has not changed much. All the establishments listed below are open as usual:
- cafes
- restaurants (until 11 pm)
- shops
- shopping malls
- cinemas
- gyms
- fitness clubs
- playgrounds
- nurseries/kindergartens
- sport venues
Small bars or kiosks, e.g. by the beaches, have remained open but they cannot sell alcoholic beverages. Discos, clubs and night clubs are closed są zamknięte. There are no restrictions regarding movements of people.
What if I catch COVID-19 in Malta?
If you happen to get tested positive for COVID-19 while in Malta, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- you will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine
- you do not have to worry about extra costs of accommodation or food – our packages include travel insurance that covers medical expenses and assistance in case of COVID-19. More information: Travel Insurance in Case of COVID-19.
- you are not alone! We are in Malta and in case of emergency, you can always contact a Ready4Malta representative.
Important Emergency Numbers
If you suspect that you are suffering from COVID-19, you are not supposed to leave your residence and have to call the national COVID-19 helpline instead.
Important numbers in Malta:
- National COVID-19 Helpline: 111
- Groceries/medicines for people in quarantine: +356 21 411 411
- E-mail: quarantine.covid19@gov.mt
Your country’s embassy or consulate in Malta:
Based on the country you are from, we strongly recommend contacting also the respective embassy or consulate in Malta for any assistance you may need.
Do the language schools in Malta operate as usual?
Yes, the schools are working as usual, however, there are some thing you need to keep in mind when planning your English Course in Malta with Angielski-Malta.pl
- Wearing a mask or a visor is required at the premises. A visor is recommended to ensure proper communication.
- Some schools might carry out temperature checks upon entering
- The use of hand sanitizers (provided by the school) is strongly encouraged
- The schools are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis
- Every school has the right to apply and adjust their own safety policy – Angielski-Malta.pl has no influence on that
What are the COVID-19 rules in the Fitness4Malta Training Centre?
Please refer to our Info & T&C for the most up-to-date safety measurements and guidelines regarding the outdoor and indoor classes.
Cancellation Policy & Applicable Fees
Working Holidays in Malta with Ready4Malta
- up to 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – 100% refund of the amount paid so far
- less than 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – no refunds, the customer receives a voucher worth 100% of the amount paid so far, valid 12 months from the planned date of arrival in Malta
Fitness & Yoga Holidays in Malta with Fitness4Malta
- up to 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – 100% refund of the amount paid so far
- less than 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – no refunds, the customer receives a voucher worth 100% of the amount paid so far, valid 12 months from the planned date of arrival in Malta
English Course Holidays in Malta with Angielski-Malta.pl
- up to 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – 100% refund of the amount paid so far
- less than 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – no refunds, the customer receives a voucher worth 100% of the amount paid so far, valid 12 months from the planned date of arrival in Malta
Half- or Full-Day Tours of Malta with Ready4Malta
- up to 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – 100% refund of the amount paid so far
- less than 7 days before the date of arrival in Malta – no refunds, the customer receives a voucher worth 100% of the amount paid so far, valid 12 months from the planned date of arrival in Malta
Group and Corporate Travel with Ready4Malta
- Conditions are determined individually based on the contract signed between the parties.
Important - rescheduling your trip / voucher
Please note that if you change your date of stay in Malta (as part of postponing the trip or using the voucher), the total price of the package may change. This is due to differences in the price of accommodation, which in Malta fluctuates greatly depending on the season. Depending on the situation, the you will be required to pay the appropriate surcharge or you will be entitled to receiving a refund.
Remember - you are not alone!
When planning your Working Holidays, Fitness & Yoga Holiday or an English Course in Malta, remember – you will not be alone here! We are in Malta and if you need any emergency assistance, we will support you in the best way we can.
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