Yahoo Finance Malta to demand proof of vaccination from UK travellers
Malta has announced that “only fully vaccinated persons” will be admitted from the UK from 30 June – the same day the Mediterranean nation joins the British government’s travel “green list”.
Children under 12 are exempt from the ruling, but those aged 5 to 11 must undergo a PCR test in the 72 hours before arrival in Malta.
In an online update on Saturday 26 June, Visit Malta said: “Currently, only the Maltese vaccination certificate is a valid certificate accepted by the Maltese authorities.
“As from 1 July, the UK (two dose certificate) and the EU digital Covid vaccine certificate will be accepted as well.”
It is understood the NHS app will be accepted as certification.
The Independent is trying to establish what rules will be in place for British travellers who are due to arrive in Malta on 30 June.
In its announcement, the tourist authority emphasised: “Those aged 12+ can only travel with a full vaccination certificate.”
The decision will cause great concern for families with children aged 12 or over planning to visit Malta. At present the minimum age in the UK for Covid vaccination is 18, and around one in three of those aged 18-24 have had a single jab.
If the rule remains in place through the summer, it will mean that many families will have to abandon plans to holiday in Malta.
Malta is following in the footsteps of a number of EU countries, including Italy and Poland, in increasing restrictions on British travellers.
In a joint statement issued by the office of the deputy prime minister, ministry of health and ministry of tourism and consumer protection, the Maltese government said: “This decision was taken on the basis of an epidemiological study of the situation of variant cases reported in the United Kingdom.”
The measure is being introduced to “protect the health of Maltese residents, and of all those who visit our country”, the statement added.
The news emerged shortly it was confirmed that Malta would be the only new unconditional addition to the green list of locations from which quarantine is not required on return to the UK.
Fifteen other destinations, including Madeira, Spain’s Balearic Islands and a number of Caribbean islands, were moved from the “amber list” to the “green watchlist,” meaning the quarantine requirement is removed but could be reimposed at short notice.
In addition, Israel was also put on the watchlist.
The latest review to the UK’s “traffic light” lists for international travel was released on 24 June.
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