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Malta has reopened its borders to American tourists – but only on a state-by-state basis.<\/p>\n
The Mediterranean island country announced as of June 17 that 38 U.S. states and territories to its "Amber list." <\/p>\n
Travel to and from the U.S. is limited to 38 states – excluding Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. Citizens of both D.C. and Puerto Rico are also permitted to visit Malta.<\/p>\n
But travelers from approved states still must follow a few precautions before their vacations.<\/p>\n
Passengers arriving from countries on the Amber list are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flights. The test must have been taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Malta. Travelers who do not submit a test must quarantine for 14 days. <\/p>\n
Vaccination status does not permit travelers to bypass the mandatory test at this time.<\/p>\n
The announcement is "another step forward for Malta's Tourism Sector, which is breathing life again, after COVID-19 restrictive measures were relaxed, slowly and gradually, keeping everyone's health and safety as a topmost priority, together with ensuring that Malta still has all the right ingredients for everyone to Feel Free Again," Johann Buttigieg, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure.<\/em> "Malta looks forward to welcoming back Americans, one of our strongest inbound markets."<\/p>\n Malta has earned status as the first country in the European Union to achieve herd immunity status against COVID-19 back in May. About 70% of Malta's adult population has received at least one vaccine and more than 50% are now fully vaccinated. The country is still operating with slight pandemic restrictions, including limited numbers of people at restaurant tables and a midnight closing at clubs.<\/p>\n Malta is one of the European countries trying to lure back tourists this summer. The country has launched a scheme to pay visitors who book at least a three-night stay at three- to five-star hotels. Visitors can earn up to $238 for booking three nights at a five-star hotel and those who visit the island of Gozo can earn an additional 10% incentive on top of that.<\/p>\n