Malta

Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur.

Crime happens in areas visited by travellers, including:

• nightclubs
• beaches
• markets
• hotels
• rented accommodation

Thieves target people using ATMs. Theft from parked cars and buses can occur.

To stay safe from petty crime:

• pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on buses
• use ATMs in shops and shopping centres where possible.
• 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

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Demonstrations 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:

• Protests 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.

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

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

The standard of medical facilities and care 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 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 at public facilities.

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 coverage.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drug laws

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Malta recognises dual nationality.

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

More information:

• Dual nationals

Malta is a part of the Schengen area. You can enter Malta without a visa in some circumstances. You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Malta, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training.

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

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

More information:

• Identità Malta

The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports.

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The official currency of Malta is the Euro.

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

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

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 yearly. 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. Roads can be narrow, congested and susceptible to flash flooding in heavy rain.

Locals regularly don't use indicators and often ignore road markings, pedestrian crossings, and stop or giveaway signs.

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: +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 at +356 2122 4001 or call them on 112.

More information:

• Transport Malta
• Driving or riding

Driving permit

• You can use your Australian driver's licence to drive for one year from arrival (digital driver's licences may not be accepted). If you plan to live in Malta for more than one year, you must exchange your Australian licence for a Maltese licence.

More information:

• Transport Malta

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to see 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. White taxis at taxi stands can either be pre-paid at a taxi booth or the driver will use a meter. Taxis are regulated.

Some taxi companies can be booked via an app, which guarantees the upfront cost. There are times when the fares will differ, if the drive takes considerably longer due to heavy traffic or if they have to wait for you. Taxis 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.

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 are free if you have the Tallinja card, which can be purchased from various outlets throughout Malta and Gozo. The Tallinja smartphone app provides GPS tracking and information on bus timetables and routes.

More information:

• Getting around overseas

Sea travel

There are ferries connecting:

• Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Sliema
• Valletta and Cospicua
• Valletta and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Pozzallo, Sicily, Italy

Weather conditions can lead to cancellations or delays, particularly on ferry lines to and from Gozo.

Malta is a common destination for cruise ships.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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
Email consular.malta@dfat.gov.au
Website: malta.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Malta
X: 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