Malta

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for emergency services like ambulance, fire brigade, or the police.
• Dial 179 for Malta’s toll-free national helpline. This helpline is available on a 24/7 basis and offers immediate support, information about social services, and a referral service.
• Dial 2568-9700 for the domestic violence hotline and the victim support agency.
• Dial 1579 for Malta’s National Mental Health Helpline.
• Dial 1772 for the loneliness helpline.
• Dial 1777 for the gambling support helpline.
• Dial 153 for assistance to people with disabilities.
• Dial 116-006 for toll-free national support line for victims of crime.

Crime

Crime rates are very low in Malta. The most reported crimes are simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft. Armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are rare but do occur. Criminals focus on areas and establishments visited by tourists.

• Secure your valuables and be aware of pickpockets and purse snatchers.
• There have been thefts of unattended property.

Nightclubs

Be careful in the Paceville nightclub area.

• In the nightclub areas, excessive drinking, large crowds, and interaction with heavy-handed bouncers have been reported. These interactions lead to violence, some of which are racially-motivated.
• Criminal activity, including drugging travelers, robbery, and assaults have occurred at bars.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Malta. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or text messaging. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Emails and texts pretending to be from postal service or mail delivery systems
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy can

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Provide a list of medical resources and help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.
• Malta’s Victim Support Agency is the national contact point for victims, and offers information, emotional support, and legal advice. The free national support line for victims of crime is available at 116-006. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drone operators are required to register ·        their drones at Drones Tourists Visiting Malta - Transport Malta.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained, often for long periods of time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malta are severe.
• Malta’s laws on the rights of arrestees are governed by the European Union Convention on Human Rights.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Malta seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Judicial proceedings for criminal offenses

Trials typically last from 5 to 7 years. They often have unpredictable delays between hearings.

• Foreign nationals can expect to be denied bail while a court case is ongoing. This can result in long periods of pre-trial detention ranging from several months to years.
• Getting no-fee legal aid can be a slow and difficult process. This can delay already lengthy judicial proceedings.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Malta.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Malta prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and access to services or ease of movement.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure. Infrastructure such as sidewalks, if present, are narrow and poorly maintained. Curb cuts are not universal.
• Accessibility is common in public transportation such as buses and ferries.
• General public sentiment around disability is one of acceptance and support. Generally, people will assist when asked for help.
• The U.S. Embassy in Valletta’s website includes a list of service providers for travelers with disabilities.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Malta to non-citizens or those not contributing to social security in Malta (minimum 3 months of payments). If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available throughout Malta and operate at U.S. standards.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on our website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Private hospitals and doctors in Malta often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are available.
• Hospital-based care is available through government and private institutions.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Malta.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Prescription medications

• You should always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Malta and its Medicines Authority to ensure the medication is legal and registered for use in Malta.
• The Superintendent of Public Health provides visitors guidelines on traveling to Malta with controlled substances, especially narcotics.
• A doctor’s prescription is required to buy prescription medication in Malta. A pharmacist can only dispense prescriptions or suggest over the counter medications.
• Malta allows the importation of prescription medications if in small quantities and for personal use. If any ingredients in the prescription are considered a controlled substance you may need to provide further documentation or clearance from Malta’s health authority.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal in Malta. For additional information, visit the Government of Malta website Embryo Protection Authority.
• If you are considering traveling to Malta to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• ART is legal and available through public and private medical centers. Access to ART is available to same-sex couples and single women. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water. Tap water is generally not served in restaurants.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• From August to September and from May to June, winds from south of Malta can bring Saharan dust clouds, creating hazy conditions and raising the air quality index in Malta.
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Malta.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Roads flood easily. They are often narrow, winding, congested, and with poor visibility around curves.

Traffic laws 

• Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Maltese drivers may drive more aggressively and with less caution than visitors anticipate.

Taxis and ride-shares

• White taxis are generally safe but expensive and are metered.
• App-based rideshares are widely available. 

Public and commercial transportation

• Buses and ferries are the primary means of public transportation.
• Public transportation within tourist areas is generally safe.
• Public transportation routes can be unreliable outside of tourist areas.
• Visit the website of Malta’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Malta’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. 
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Malta should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate. It has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

• The islands experience abundant sunshine year-round, with average summer temperatures ranging from 60 to 90°F.
• Winter temperatures fall below 49°F. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding can occur.
• Malta has a rainy season from October to February. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates