Here’s the latest travel advice for Malta as government implements quarantine rules
Malta has joined Spain, France and Belgium on the UK’s quarantine list, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its guidelines for the popular tourist destination to ‘all but essential travel’.
But can you still go there and how long will you have to self-isolate on your return? Here’s what you need to know.
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Hide AdWhat is the travel advice for Malta?
The FCO travel advice for Malta has now changed to ‘all but essential travel’, which could invalidate your travel insurance if you do decide to go.
However, those already on holiday in Malta are not being advised to cut their trips short.
Instead, the FCO is advising visitors to follow the advice of the local authorities, and this includes any new measures they introduce to control the virus.
People who have travelled to Malta from the UK are advised to contact their tour operator or airline if they have any questions about the return journey.
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Hide AdWhy has the travel advice changed?
There has been an increase in cases of coronavirus in Malta, with reported cases per 100,000 up by 105 per cent since Friday 7 August.
The FCO’s travel advice has also changed for France, the Netherlands, Monaco, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Aruba, with all of these countries, including Malta, being removed from the UK’s travel corridor list.
Do I have to self-isolate on my return from Malta?
Malta is no longer included on the government’s travel corridor list, meaning that any travellers returning from the country to the UK will have to quarantine on return.
The 14-day isolation requirement begins at 04:00 BST from Saturday 15 August onwards, and comes after a rise in cases of coronavirus in the country.
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Hide AdThe Department for Transport said the implementation of quarantine for Malta, France, the Netherlands, Monaco, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Aruba follows a "significant change" in the risk of contracting Covid-19.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that quarantine was needed because "we've absolutely worked so hard to keep our numbers down here."
"We can't afford to re-import those cases from elsewhere,” added Mr Shapps.
What are the entry requirements for Malta?
The FCO explains that entry into Malta is subject to requirements.
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Hide AdIf arriving from the UK, you will not be required to self-isolate, but there will be temperature checks on arrival.
All arriving passengers must also have completed a paper copy of both a public health and a passenger locator form. These are available at the Malta Airport website or you can enquire with your airline.
Passenger ferries have also resumed, but cruise ships are not being allowed to dock at Valletta.
Will flights and holidays to Malta still go ahead?
TUI UK has now cancelled all holidays to Malta, up to and including Monday 31 August 2020.
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Hide AdCustomers will be able to cancel and receive a full cash refund, or they can amend their holiday and receive a booking incentive instead.
Jet2, Ryanair and easyJet have not yet announced if they will be cancelling any flights or holidays to Malta.