Malta

Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crime occurs in Malta.

Crime happens in areas visited by travellers, including:

• nightclubs

• beaches

• markets

• hotels

• rented apartments

Thieves target people using ATMs. Theft from parked cars occurs.

Pickpocketing also happens on main bus routes, especially the 13, 14, 15 and 16 services from Sliema, St. Julian's and Paceville to Valletta.

To stay safe from petty crime:

• pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on buses

• avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night

• use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres.

• keep luggage and personal possessions out of sight in parked cars

Poor crowd control and excessive drinking in and around nightclubs can lead to violence.

To stay safe in and around nightclubs:

• stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

• avoid confrontations

• never accept food or drinks from strangers

• never leave your drink unattended

More information:

• Partying safely

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Malta, they can still happen.

Terrorists have attacked European cities in recent years.

European security services have also stopped planned terrorist attacks.

Terrorist targets have included:

• public transport

• transport hubs

• places visited by travellers

To stay safe from terrorism:

• be alert in public places

• be careful when visiting possible terrorist targets

• check the news for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the instructions of local authorities

Report any suspicious activity or items to police.

If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations in Malta are rare.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To stay safe, avoid:

• crowds

• protests

• demonstrations

Monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest.

Follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Severe weather can affect your travel plans.

Monitor local media for updates.

If you plan to visit an area affected by severe weather:

• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider

• check the condition of your facilities with your local tour operator

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malta. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Health risks in Malta are similar to those in Australia.

To protect yourself:

• check the media and other sources for new health risks

• follow the advice of local health authorities

Measles

Malta is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Extreme weather

Various factors including traffic congestion, fireworks residue, construction and dust storms from North Africa can cause high pollution levels. This increases the risk of breathing problems. If you have a heart or lung condition, you may be affected.

To protect yourself from air pollution:

• seek medical advice

• follow advice from local authorities about reducing exposure

• check an air quality index

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities and care in Malta is generally good.

However, if you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to the United Kingdom or another European country for treatment.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Treatment can be expensive, too.

There are decompression chambers at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital.

Reciprocal health care agreement

Malta and Australia have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

The agreement covers you for up to 6 months after you arrive in Malta.

It gives you access to government medical facilities and care but does not provide for ongoing treatment of existing health conditions.

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement does not replace the need for private travel insurance with good medical cover.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Malta recognises dual nationality.

There are no military or civil service obligations for dual citizens.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Malta is a part of the Schengen area.

You can enter Malta without a visa in some circumstances. In other circumstances, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the High Commission of Malta for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Identity Malta

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency of Malta is the Euro.

You need to declare all amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Malta and any non-European Union (EU) country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare your money, or you give incorrect information, you will be fined.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Hunting season

Hunting with firearms is common in rural Malta.

Hunting areas are rarely marked and can overlap with:

• camping areas

• country walkways

• other public areas

The spring hunting season is in April. The government announces the exact dates in March each year.

The autumn hunting season usually runs from 1 September to 31 January.

During hunting season, hunting is allowed during set times of the day, which can change each year. However, hunting may occur outside these times and in undesignated locations.

To stay safe if you visit a rural area during a hunting season:

• be alert to the presence of hunters

• seek local advice on how to avoid incidents

Road travel

Road travel is hazardous because of poor local driving standards and road conditions.

Locals regularly don't use indicators, and often ignore road markings, pedestrian crossings, stop or give way signs and traffic lights.

Roads can be:

• narrow

• congested

• susceptible to flash flooding in heavy rain

Many roads don't have footpaths.

More information

• Driving or riding

Traffic accidents

If you're involved in a minor rear-end collision and no one is injured, you don't need to contact the police or local wardens.

If you're involved in any other accident, you must contact the local wardens on (+356) 2132 0202.

Don't move your vehicle until wardens have recorded the details of the accident.

If you're involved in a traffic accident that causes injury, you must contact the police on (+356) 2122 4001 or call them on 112.

More information

• Transport Malta

• Maltese traffic

• Driving or riding

Driving permit

You don't need an International Driving Permit, you can use your Australian driver's licence to drive in Malta for one year from your arrival.

If you're planning to live in Malta, you can exchange your Australian licence for a Maltese licence.

More information:

• Transport Malta

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Taxis don't have meters. Set fares will be advertised for certain destinations or you'll need to agree on the fare with the driver in advance.

Buses

The public bus system that services main cities is generally reliable.

Some routes may be very crowded, and some buses aren't able to pick up passengers at all stops.

Pickpocketing occurs on buses, particularly on popular tourist routes.

Passenger ferries

Passenger ferries operate between:

• Valletta and Sliema

• Valletta and Cospicua

A car and passenger ferry operates regularly between Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo.

More information:

• Malta public transport

• Gozo ferries

• Travelling by boat

Sea travel

Many cruise ships stop in Malta.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malta's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

The Visit Malta tourism office may also be able to provide advice. You can contact them directly at one of their offices or call them on their 'freephone' service 80 072 230 (local calls only).

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Malta.

Australian High Commission, Malta

Ta' Xbiex Terrace

Ta' Xbiex

Telephone: (+356) 2133 8201

Facsimile: (+356) 2134 4059

Email consular.malta@dfat.gov.au

Website: malta.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australian High Commission, Malta

Twitter: AusHCMalta

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia