Malta - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Visitors to Malta should note the importance of the Roman Catholic Church (more than 90% of Maltese are Roman Catholic) and that modesty in dress is expected, particularly the covering of the shoulders and legs. Beachwear is for beaches only.

Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in some public buildings and in all cinemas.

Penalties for drug possession and trafficking are strict and can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.

Shaking hands is the usual greeting.

Business dress should be smart and modest for both men and women. Appointments for business meetings are customary and punctuality is expected; business cards should be presented. Many of Malta’s luxury hotels have state-of-the-art conference facilities. Business hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1230 and 1330–1700.

Immigration and customs: All European Union nationals and residents of the Commonwealth do not require visas to enter the country as a tourist for up to three months. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their nationality and identity. Other nationals need a passport valid for three months after departure.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from an infected area.

New regulations controlling the amount of cash leaving or entering the EU have been in force since June 2007. Anyone leaving or entering Malta will have to declare if they are carrying more than €10,000.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. There are several car-hire companies and visitors are required to have an international driving permit. The speed limit is 80kph on highways and 50kph in residential areas.

A helicopter service connects Malta and Gozo; there is also a ferry service which takes around 15 minutes. Additionally, visitors can take a passenger ferry to Comino, although this service only operates between March and November.

Taxis are white and visitors are advised to agree a price before travelling. There are good bus services in Valletta and Victoria (Gozo).

Travel health: EU citizens will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will entitle them to emergency treatment. Other nationals should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance.

Mains water is normally chlorinated. Visitors are advised to drink bottled water for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is pasteurised.

Money: Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines are available at various locations on the islands and some exchange bureaux are often open 24 hours. American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, and there are ATMs on the islands. Travellers cheques can be exchanged in the normal authorised institutions. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0830–1230, Sat 0830–1130.

There were 1,171,344 tourist arrivals in 2005.