Malta

Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur in Malta.

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
• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• never leave your drink unattended, as drink spiking does 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 public Wi-Fi networks, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or 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

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

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 an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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 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 medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are 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

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 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.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may 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. 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:

• Identity Malta

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again 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.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Malta for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

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.

Malta follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• Have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive
• Have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

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 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 an '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.

Malta accepts passports with gender 'X'.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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.

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

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: (+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
• 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 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 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 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

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
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