New vaccination requirement bans Americans from visiting Malta
Malta will become the first European Union country to require proof of vaccination for travelers starting this Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne announced on Friday.
Starting July 14, all visitors to Malta age 13 and up must present proof of full vaccination to enter the country, the Associated Press first reported on Saturday. If accompanied by vaccinated adults, travelers between the ages of five and 12 must show a negative PCR test to comply with the new restrictions, which exclude those under the age of five.
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Malta will accept COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued by the Maltese government, the National Health Service in the U.K. or the EU Digital COVID Certificate. CDC-issued vaccination certificates are not currently being accepted for entry into Malta, per the U.S. Embassy in Malta. Malta had been previously accepting U.S. travelers from 38 states who presented a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
"This decision is being taken to protect the health of Maltese and Gozitans and to continue to safeguard a summer of work, which is crucial for the livelihood of thousands of Maltese and Gozitan families," Fearne said in a statement. "This decision is also being taken because we still have a part of the Maltese and Gozitan population that is not vaccinated."
Related: Reopening Europe: When can you visit again? A country-by-country guide
Fearne attributed the spike in new COVID-19 cases to unvaccinated foreign visitors.
"The last few days have shown very clearly that the vaccine is working, so much so that despite the increase in the number of positive people with Covid-19, the majority of people were of foreign nationality and an absolute majority (over 90%) were not vaccinated," he said, and also noted that nearly 83% of Maltese adults have had at least one dose and 77% are fully vaccinated.
Malta had reported more than 31,000 cases of COVID-19 as of Friday. Both the U.S. State Department’s and CDC's advisory remain at their lowest level.
"We need to be vaccinated to protect ourselves and those around us," Fearne said on July 5, noting that those recently admitted to Mater Dei Hospital due to COVID-19 were unvaccinated. “That is why the health authorities stress that vaccination is the only solution to protect the Maltese people and Gozitans and return to normalcy."
Earlier on Monday, the Maltese Ministry of Health announced that Fearne would be self-isolating after a family member tested positive for COVID-19.
Read more: The world’s largest cruise line is finally restarting operations in Europe
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees