A new vaccination mandate prevents Americans from traveling to Malta.

Malta is set to become the first country in the European Union to mandate proof of vaccination for travelers, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne on Friday.

From July 14 onward, all visitors aged 13 and older must show evidence of full vaccination to enter Malta, as first reported by the Associated Press on Saturday. Children between five and 12 years old, if accompanied by vaccinated adults, must present a negative PCR test, while those under five are exempt from these new rules.

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. Currently, CDC-issued vaccination certificates are not accepted for entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Malta. Previously, Malta welcomed U.S. travelers from 38 states who could show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Fearne stated, "This decision aims to protect the health of the Maltese and Gozitan people while ensuring a summer of work vital for the livelihoods of thousands of families in Malta and Gozo. It is also necessary due to a portion of the Maltese and Gozitan population that remains unvaccinated."

Fearne linked the rise in new COVID-19 cases to unvaccinated foreign travelers.

"Recent days have made it clear that the vaccine is effective. Even with a rise in positive COVID-19 cases, the majority of those infected were foreign nationals, with over 90% of them unvaccinated," he stated. He also highlighted that nearly 83% of adults in Malta have received at least one vaccine dose, and 77% are fully vaccinated.

As of Friday, Malta reported over 31,000 COVID-19 cases. The advisories from both the U.S. State Department and the CDC remain at their lowest levels.

"Vaccination is essential for our own safety and that of others," Fearne remarked on July 5, pointing out that the recent COVID-19 admissions at Mater Dei Hospital involved unvaccinated individuals. "This is why health authorities emphasize that vaccination is the key solution to safeguard the Maltese and Gozitan populations and to return to normal life."

Earlier on Monday, the Maltese Ministry of Health announced that Fearne would be self-isolating after a family member tested positive for COVID-19.