Colombia and Malta are set to officially remove their indoor mask mandates in just a few days. The two countries look set to be the latest destinations around the world to remove their indoor mask mandates, joining the likes of Spain and Portugal who also eased their mask policies last week.
The move will undoubtedly make the idea of visiting Colombia and Malta much more appealing for some travelers, as the list of countries with a mask mandate still in effect continues to shrink.
Dropping the mask mandate looks to have come at just the right time, with a bumper summer of travel expected over the next few months, Here’s a look at both Colombia and Malta’s decision to drop their indoor mask mandate, including why the decision has been taken, when the new rules are set to come into effect and what the entry requirements are for both of these countries at present.
Colombia Removes Mask Mandate – Information For Travelers
Colombia’s decision to repeal its indoor mask mandate was announced by the country’s President Ivan Duque, on Monday. The change is set to come into effect from May 1st, and will see people in Colombia no longer having to wear a mask in places such as bars, restaurants and shops – but the change will only apply to municipalities that have more than 70% of their population fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
There are set to be exceptions to the rules, with masks still required to be worn in “care homes, hospitals and clinics, public transport and enclosed spaces at educational facilities,” according to the President. Colombia is also set to scrap its proof of vaccination requirement for entry into bars, restaurants, and large events from May 1st, as the country takes a huge stride back towards normality – a move that should see the country continue to grow in popularity.
In order to enter Colombia, travelers that are fully vaccinated will need to show proof, but will not need to take a test in order to enter – providing their vaccination occurred more than 14 days ago.
As of May 1, 2022, unvaccinated travelers will be allowed to once again enter Colombia providing they bring a 72-hour PCR or 48-hour antigen test.
Malta Drops Masks – What Travelers Should Know
According to Malta’s official tourism website, the country is set to drop the use of face masks – both indoors and outdoors – from May 2nd, making the experience of vacations in Malta almost the same as they were before the pandemic. As well as dropping the mask-wearing requirement, Malta is also set to remove the requirement for travelers to fill in a Passenger Locator Form prior to travel, with that change also coming from May 2nd.
Of course, like several other countries that have repealed their mask mandates, there are some circumstances in which travelers will still be required to wear masks in the country. These include on flights and in healthcare establishments, such as hospitals and care homes.
In order to be able to enter Malta at present, American and Canadian travelers must be able to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test result. This must be a PCR test, with the results obtained no more than 72 hours before arrival. Until May 2nd, a Passenger Locator Form will also need to be submitted prior to arriving in the country.
