Can I travel to Malta this summer and what are the rules?

Malta has retained its place on England’s travel “green list” in the government’s latest update on international travel restrictions.

The Southern European island country was first put on the green list on 30 June, and is among 24 other countries with the fewest travel restrictions for arrivals to England.

The new changes announced on Wednesday, which come into force at 4am on Sunday 8 August, saw seven more countries being added to the green list, while others were moved into the red list.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are committed to opening up international travel safely, taking advantage of the gains we’ve made through our successful vaccination programme, helping connect families, friends and businesses around the world.

“While we must continue to be cautious, today’s changes reopen a range of different holiday destinations across the globe, which is good news for both the sector and travelling public.”

Here’s everything you need to know if you want to head to Malta for a summer holiday.

Malta joined the UK’s green list on 30 June.

Yes, but with hefty caveats.

The Maltese authorities require all arrivals from the UK to present proof of full vaccination. You must have received the last jab at least 14 days prior to arrival.

Malta will only accept specific forms of proof depending on where you live. Travellers living in England will be able to show the NHS Covid Pass in both digital and letter form as proof of vaccination status.

Residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can show their NHS letter as proof of vaccination, but Malta will not accept digital versions.

If you received your jabs in the EU, the EU digital Covid Certificates will be accepted.

Children aged five-11 can travel if they accompany vaccinated adults with proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of arrival in Malta; children under five do not need a test. Those aged 12 and over will need proof of vaccination to enter - a negative PCR test for over 12s will not be accepted.

The move follows concerns over the soaring rates of the Delta virus variant in Britain.

Everyone must complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form. You must show both forms to airline officials on departure and health officials stationed at the Terminal Temperature Screening Points when you arrive in Malta.

Unless you are a Maltese citizen, or a child under 12, it would appear so.

“As from the 30 June, only fully vaccinated persons can travel to Malta from the United Kingdom,” reads the Visit Malta website.

Passengers on public transport, including the Gozo ferry, must wear face masks.

Masks are mandatory in all public spaces, indoor and outdoor, for all those aged three and over, with fines levied for non-compliance. From 1 July a maximum of two people may remove their masks in outside public spaces if they have been vaccinated and they have an official vaccination certificate.

Museums and tourist sites, non-essential shops and services such as hairdressers all reopened in April.

Restaurants and snack bars are open, limited to six people per table. Cinemas and theatres are also open, while bars, discos and nightclubs remain closed and boat parties are prohibited.

Those heading to the UK from green list countries, such as Malta, must present a negative Covid test (lateral flow, rapid antigen or PCR) before departure. On arrival into the UK there is no mandatory quarantine, but travellers must take a PCR test within two days of entering the country.