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 and buses occurs.

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 as drink spiking can occur

More information:

• Partying safely

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

Cyber security when travelling overseas

While there haven't been any 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 (112).

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 but can occur in response to political developments.

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 thousands 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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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 copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Pollution

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 but can be expensive.

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. 

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

Contraceptives are available on prescription.

The morning-after pill is not readily available.

Abortion is illegal in Malta except where a woman’s life is at immediate risk or her health is in grave jeopardy which can lead to death. 

Reciprocal health care agreement

Malta and Australia have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

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

It gives you access to government medical facilities and care but doesn't provide for ongoing treatment of existing health conditions. The agreement does not cover treatment in private health facilities.

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

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

Entry to and departure from Malta

Review entry requirements to the EU and Schengen Area as they can change frequently.

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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTI travellers

The official currency of Malta is the Euro.

You need to declare if you are travelling with 10,000 euros or more if you're entering, transiting through or exiting Malta. This covers all forms of currency.

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

Local restrictions

Face masks are required in clinical areas of health and care facilities.

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 plan 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

There are several taxi (or equivalent) services in Malta.

Taxis from the airport are regulated and have set prices. However, white taxis at taxi stands often don't use the meter and can be quite expensive. You'll need to agree on the fare with the driver in advance.

Some taxi companies can be booked via an app, which guarantees the cost up front. Taxis usually don't have credit card facilities. However, you can pay either cash or via credit card through the app when booking. Uber, Bolt and eCabs are the primary providers and are quick and cost-effective.

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 can occur on buses, particularly on popular tourist routes.

All buses in Malta are cashless. Multi-trip cards are available from various outlets throughout Malta and Gozo. The Tallinja smartphone app provides GPS tracking and information on bus timetables and routes.

Passenger ferries

Passenger ferries operate between:

• Valletta and Sliema
• Valletta and Cospicua
• Valletta and Gozo.

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

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 (Mater Dei in Msida or Victoria Hospital, Gozo).

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.

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