Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Malta. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(356) 2561-4000; US Embassy Malta, Ta'Qali National Park Street, Attard ATD 4000, Malta; ACSMalta@state.gov; https://mt.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
356
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Maltese, English
Major Religions
Roman Catholic more than 90%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Valletta (includes Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Church of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck); Island of Gozo; towns of Mdina and Rabat; Megalithic Temples of Malta (includes Tarxien Temples); Saint Julian's Harbor; Island of Comino (includes Blue Lagoon)
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, motorsports, watersports
Cultural Practices
Among new acquaintances, it is very common to refer to someone by their title and surname. First name use is typically reserved until greater familiarity is attained.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip between 5-10% at restaurants. However, if a service charge is already included, then a tip is not necessary. Tip porters/bellhops 1-2 euros per bag. A small tip for housekeeping is also greatly appreciated and should be about 2-3 euros per day.
Souvenirs
Religious icons/statues and prayer beads, gold and silver jewelry and filigree work, blown glass, hand woven lace, pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Stuffat tal-fenek (Maltese rabbit stew) — a slow-cooked rabbit dish; typically the tomato-based sauce is served with pasta as a first course and the rabbit with vegetables is served as a main course
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2022
