Entry Requirements and Visas
Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means entry requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland do not need visas and can stay up to 90 days with just a valid ID card or passport. Visitors from outside the EU, including Americans, must fill out a landing card, which is available on board some arriving flights or in the entrance hall of the airport. As of January 2020, American travelers report having their passports stamped into the Schengen Area and being waved straight through to baggage claim.
Visas granted by any Schengen member country are valid throughout the Schengen area. Note that temporary immigration controls may occasionally occur in connection with important events or crises, and identity checks may be performed before boarding international flights, ferries, or trains even between Schengen countries.
Money and Costs
Malta uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency, having joined the eurozone monetary union in 2008. For practical budgeting, public bus transportation is affordable—a one-way adult ticket costs approximately €2.00 in summer and €1.50 in winter as of February 2020. Most public parking lots are free, though parking attendants may request voluntary tips they call "donations"—these are entirely optional, and you are under no obligation to pay.
Airport transfers are reasonably priced. Official taxis have fixed rates to destinations, which should be posted on a board in the arrivals halls. Alternatively, buses to various locations on the island depart from outside the terminal building and take 30-70 minutes to reach destinations like Valletta or Sliema depending on traffic.
Staying Safe
Malta is generally considered safe for visitors. However, exercise caution when visiting Paceville at night, as the area can become rowdy, particularly due to sailors on shore leave and groups of young European travelers enjoying weekend breaks.
Be aware that people of color have been known to experience racial discrimination on Malta. Additionally, parking attendants may attempt to pressure you for tips by claiming they are mandatory—remember that tipping is entirely voluntary and you are free to decline without fear of vehicle damage.
Emergency contacts: Dial 112 for ambulance, fire, or police. The main hospitals are Mater Dei (telephone: +356 2545 0000) and Gozo General Hospital in Gozo (+356 2156 1600).
Health
The primary health concern for visitors is the intense sun during spring and summer months. Apply sunblock liberally and consistently to avoid severe sunburn, as the Mediterranean sun can scorch unsuspecting tourists quickly.
Tap water is safe to drink, though it has a slightly salty taste because much of it is obtained through desalination. Public toilets are widely available throughout the country and are usually clean, though toilet paper is not always provided.
Staying Connected
Malta has three mobile phone networks: EPIC, GO Mobile, and Melita Mobile. All three networks participate in international roaming agreements with providers worldwide. If you have an unlocked smartphone, you can purchase a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges.
Additionally, all three networks offer eSIMs that can be purchased before your arrival, and other providers offer Malta-only and pan-EU eSIM options suitable for use on the islands.
Wi-Fi is widely available at no cost. Hotels, hostels, cafés, and restaurants commonly offer free Wi-Fi connections, and there are designated "Free Wi-Fi" zones around the island. The ferry from Malta to Gozo also provides free Wi-Fi service.
International dialing code: +356
Local Customs and Etiquette
Maltese people are generally friendly, generous, and helpful, though somewhat reserved. They tend to speak more loudly than mainland Europeans, so they may sound like they are shouting even when speaking at normal volume—this is simply their natural communication style.
Malta is a strictly Roman Catholic country, and while tourist carousing is tolerated to some extent, it is not viewed favorably outside of the St. Julian's and Paceville areas. Show respect for the local culture and religion by dressing appropriately when visiting churches: men should remove hats and sunglasses, and both men and women should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered. Some popular churches provide shawls and skirts for inappropriately dressed visitors. Note that you may be refused entry to a church if a mass has already begun, so arrive promptly if you wish to visit.