Malta will now require proof of vaccination before tourists can enter the country, the Maltese government has confirmed.
From Wednesday (July 14), visitors to the Mediterranean island must present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate recognised by Maltese health authorities.
This includes certificates issued by Malta, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.
Currently, the EU's green passport certifies people who are vaccinated, have a negative PCR test result or have recovered from Covid-19.
However, the Maltese government has stated that will only recognise those from visitors who are fully vaccinated.
The move comes in a bid to stem the latest rise in coronavirus infections.
"Malta will be the first EU country taking this step," said health minister Chris Fearne, who confirmed that children aged five to 12 only need to present a negative PCR test, while those under five are exempt.
Malta, which has a population of just over half a million, had 46 active cases on July 1 but the number rose to 252 on Friday.
The government says 90% of new cases are among unvaccinated people.
Currently, 79% of Maltese adults are fully vaccinated.
