Military action is underway in Ukraine. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.
The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to the nearest police station.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malta due to impacts of COVID-19.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Malta due to impacts of COVID-19.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crime occurs in Malta.
Crime happens in areas visited by travellers, including:
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:
Poor crowd control and excessive drinking in and around nightclubs can lead to violence.
To stay safe in and around nightclubs:
More information:
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:
To stay safe from terrorism:
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:
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:
Monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest.
Follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Severe weather can affect your travel plans.
Monitor local media for updates.
If you plan to visit an area affected by severe weather:
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 and COVID-19. 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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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 medication for your trip.
Carry a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Malta. The government has set up a dedicated hotline for COVID-19: call 111 if you have symptoms or concerns.
For information on Malta's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to advice by the Maltese Ministry of Health. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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:
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.
Abortion is illegal in Malta and the morning after pill is not readily available.
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Malta recognises dual nationality.
There are no military or civil service obligations for dual citizens.
More information:
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:
Check the Maltese government website for updates if you're planning to travel to Malta as changes can happen at short notice.
Review entry requirements to the EU and Schengen Area as they can change frequently.
For those 6 and over, Australian vaccination certificates, where the last dose was administered at least 14 days ago, a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test (up to 72 hours before departure) or a certificate of recovery (not older than 180 days) are recognised for entry into Malta. You'll need to show this at flight check-in prior to boarding.
Rapid Antigen Tests are only accepted if taken up to 24 hours before arrival and must be in the EU digital COVID certificate format. Results from self-testing are not accepted.
Random documentation checks are carried out at points of entry.
Contact your travel provider or your nearest embassy or consulate of Malta to confirm entry requirements.
Face masks are required in hospitals, medical clinics and care facilities.
Australian vaccination certificates (where the last dose was 14 days before), certificate of recovery (not older than 180 days) or a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test are recognised for entry into all public venues.
If you're staying in Malta:
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.
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 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.
Hunting with firearms is common in rural Malta.
Hunting areas are rarely marked and can overlap with:
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:
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:
Many roads don't have footpaths.
More information
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
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:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
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.
There are taxi companies that can be booked via 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 at the time of booking. Bolt and eCabs are the main providers and are quick and cost effective and operate like Uber.
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.
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 operate between:
A car and passenger ferry operates regularly between Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo.
More information:
Many cruise ships stop in Malta.
More information:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to the hospital (Mater Dei in Msida or Victoria Hospital, Gozo).
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.
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.
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
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.