Malta reverses course and reopens to Americans
Editor's Note
As of Monday, July 19, vaccinated Americans can now travel to the country of Malta, with the assurance that their CDC-issued vaccination card will be accepted without issue, the Malta Tourism Authority announced yesterday.
The news comes amid confusion among travelers hoping to get to Europe this summer, concerned about whether their CDC white card will be compliant in Europe, where the EU Digital COVID Certificate is not yet available to Americans.
Although Malta became the first European Union country to require proof of vaccination for travelers age 13 and up on July 14, the country only accepted COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued by the Maltese government, the U.K.'s National Health Service or the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Related: New vaccination requirement bans Americans from visiting Malta
"As of Monday, July 19, 2021, Malta will recognize the United States CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with an EMA-approved vaccine (full course and 14 days post last dose) as a valid vaccination certificate," the Malta Tourism agency announced on Monday.
Starting Aug. 1, American travelers will need to verify their CDC card through the VeriFLY app by uploading vaccine information and other required travel documentation to activate their "Trip to Malta" pass.
Vaccines currently accepted by the Maltese superintendent of public health are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
Read more: Travelers from 38 US states are allowed to visit Malta starting June 17
As of July 1, travel from the U.S. remains limited to 38 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. If you are from the following U.S. states, you are not eligible to travel to Malta right now: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming
Unvaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the country but must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine, per the Maltese government.
Malta had reported more than 32,000 cases of COVID-19 as of July 19. Although the CDC's advisory remains at its lowest level, the U.S. Department of State is urging travelers to reconsider travel to the country due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.