Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Additional Information
- Health
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security Status
Normal Precautions
Latest Travel Alert
Citizens planning travel abroad should take into account the ongoing risk of testing positive for COVID-19 while abroad and are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID-19 cover. Before departure and during travel, citizens are advised to monitor our Travel Advice, follow us on Twitter, and register with their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Travel to Malta
There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Malta from Ireland. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19.
Travel requirements are a policy decision of the Maltese authorities, and anyone considering travel to Malta should check the latest information from the local authorities regarding requirements for international passengers arriving in the country. Please refer to www.traveltomalta.gov.mt and Re-open EU for further information.
Within Malta, some restrictions remain in place and are also subject to change at short notice. Please see www.traveltomalta.gov.mt and Malta COVID-19 Guide - Visit Malta for further information.
General Travel Advice
In relation to potential terrorist attacks in European cities, Irish citizens are advised to follow the advice of police and local authorities and to exercise increased vigilance, especially if attending large public gatherings or other crowded locations. Attacks could occur at any time and could target tourist attractions, restaurants, transport hubs or other public areas.
You can contact the emergency services in Malta by dialling 112.
Additional advice and information on COVID-19 can be found as follows:
COVID-19 Public Health Helpline: 111. +35621324086
MTA TOURISM COVID-19 Helpline Tel: +356 2169 2447
Email: covid19.health@gov.mt and tourismcovid-19helpline@visitmalta.com
Malta Tourism Authority Covid-19 Information Page
Malta Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate
Visitmalta - The official tourism website for Malta, Gozo and Comino. (mta.com.mt)
Malta International Airport
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Terrorism
Although the threat from terrorism in Malta is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.
Crime
Crime is low in Malta but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft are becoming more common in the main tourist areas. Opportunistic crime does take place particularly in areas where large groups socialise in the evenings so make sure you take sensible precautions.
Reporting a crime
If you’re a victim of a crime while in Malta, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy if you need help.
Driving
If you want to drive in Malta, bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance. Keep to the speed limit. In Malta traffic drives on the left hand side of the road as in Ireland.
Road improvement projects and construction work are currently widespread and can cause significant delays and travel disruption. It is also worth bearing in mind that some roads in Malta are in poor condition, and that local standards of driving can be poor. In addition, pedestrians should take particular care especially in urban areas. In 2018, Malta experienced an average of 3.8 deaths per million inhabitants compared to the Irish average of 3.1 road deaths per million inhabitants (source: European Commission).
Hiring a vehicle
If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices.
Illegal drugs
There are strict penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs and convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and prison terms. Possession of relatively small quantities of drugs such as ecstasy can attract a mandatory prison sentence.
Language
The majority of Maltese people speak English.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Health
Health
Health
Travel Insurance
We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.
Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.
Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.
Emergency expenses
Your policy should cover:
- All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
- Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.
- 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
- Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
- Lost and stolen possessions.
- Cancellation and curtailment.
- Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports)
Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.
Vaccinations
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Malta.
European Health Insurance Card
As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.
Apply for your EHIC and find out more information.
The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Please note that if you require assistance in the case of emergency while the Embassy is closed, contact the Duty Officer on 00356 99058895.
Embassy of Ireland
Whitehall Mansions
Ta’ Xbiex Seafront
Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1026
Malta
Tel: +356 21 334 744
Fax: +356 21 334 755
Monday to Friday 08:20-12:30 and 13:30-16:30