Malta

Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a geographic and cultural link between Europe and North Africa. Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, and became a full member of the Schengen Area in 2008. Tourist facilities of all categories are widely available. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Malta for additional information on U.S. - Malta relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Malta, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Malta flows on the left, requiring attentiveness and caution from U.S. visitors accustomed to driving on the right. Additionally, Maltese drivers may drive more aggressively and with less caution than visitors are used to seeing in the United States. Roads flood easily and are often narrow, winding and congested, with poor visibility around curves. Traffic arteries are prone to bottlenecks and accidents. Buses are the primary means of public transportation. Taxis are safe but expensive and are not metered; it is a good practice to agree with the driver in advance on the charge.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Malta’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Malta’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Malta’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

No indigenous terrorist or extremist groups are known to be active in Malta and no foreign terrorist organization has carried out an attack against U.S. interests in Malta in recent years. Due to its geographic location and status as a Schengen Zone country, Malta could be used as a possible staging point for terrorists desiring to enter other EU countries or as a refuge for terrorists attempting to evade detection. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain alert and aware of their immediate surroundings and exercise caution when out and about in Malta.

To stay connected: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Malta on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking these useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: While most incidents of reported crime in Malta are crimes of opportunity for immediate gain, violent crime does occur. The most commonly reported crimes are simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft. In general, criminals in Malta have avoided using violence in order to achieve their objective. However, while armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are not as common as in some major U.S. cities, they do occur. Practice the same good, common-sense personal security precautions that are part of everyday life in urban areas within the United States, particularly when spending time in areas frequented by tourists. Secure your valuables and be aware of pickpockets and purse snatchers; such criminals focus on areas and establishments frequented by tourists. You should be careful in the Paceville nightclub area, where excessive drinking and poor crowd control can lead to violence, including some that appears to be racially motivated. Theft of unattended personal property and car stereos from vehicles is also a common problem. Panhandling is almost non-existent in Malta. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Malta’s crime victim assistance agency, APPOGG, can be reached by calling their support line (Tel: 179) or visiting their website.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Malta is 112.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.