The Republic of Malta will tighten its entry requirements with effect from January 17, 2022. From this day onwards, vaccination certificates that show “only” two doses are only valid for three months. Subsequently, a refresher must be proven. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will bloom.

For holidaymakers, this means that a dose of Johnson & Johnson or two other vaccines from EU countries will only entitle them to quarantine-free entry - coming from the Red Zone - for three months. If you have received three vaccinations, the “green passport” is valid for nine months from the last bite.

It should also be noted that Malta has many non-EU countries on the so-called “Dark Red List”. If you come from these countries you have to apply for a permit to enter the country and then you have to go into quarantine. Secretion can flourish from the “red list” states if one is not fully vaccinated. If home quarantine is not possible at the place of residence, this is chargeable and expensive to spend in special quarantine hotels.

Malta's Health Minister Chris Fearne justifies the latest tightening, among other things, with the Omikron variant. The first cases have occurred in the smallest member of the European Union. Local media speculate, without providing any further evidence, that these may have been introduced by small children who are exempt from all vaccination and testing requirements.