Destination:
Malta

Overview

It has been said that the Maltese islands are the 'open air museum of the Mediterranean', offering 7,000 years or more of history to explore with numerous cultural, historical and megalithic sites unique in the world. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, and are steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, who used the island as their stronghold for defending Christendom.

The main island of Malta, covering just 95 square miles (246 sq km), is also a popular holiday destination because of its secluded bays and sandy beaches, washed by unpolluted clear blue waters. Set against the backdrop of the island's scenery and its honey-colored stone buildings, Malta is alluring and fascinating.

Malta and its little sister island, Gozo, are not stuck in a time warp, however. The islanders enjoy life to the full, and the calendar is filled with summertime 'festas' with fireworks and revelry in every little parish in honor of the village patron saints, as well as the major carnival in early spring every year. The capital, Valletta, besides offering some awesome Baroque buildings and fortifications as its main sightseeing attractions, is bustling and bursting with restaurants and cafes. The island's compact size is also a plus for visitors; it takes no more than an hour to drive between any two points on the main island, and there is very little open space. The dense population means that the island is virtually one large urban area, with buildings occupying every inch.

Malta lies about 60 miles (97km) south of Sicily and 160 miles (257km) north of Libya, a strategic position in the Mediterranean that has made the islands a crossroads of history. The last occupiers were the British, who granted Malta independence in 1964, but the biggest and most unique influence was left by the Knights of St John, to whom the island was donated in 1530; the Knights reigned supreme over the island for 270 years, building magnificent churches and monuments to themselves.

Malta has its mysteries too, in the form of 30 prehistoric sites boasting massive Neolithic temples, considered to be the oldest freestanding stone buildings known to man.

Basics

Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity
240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin square plugs are used.

Language
English and Maltese are the official languages.

Health
There are no health risks attached with travel to Malta, and water and food is safe for consumption. A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta and as a result British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Travellers coming from a recognized infected area require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Tipping
A gratuity of 10% is expected in hotels, and 10% in restaurants, if service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about 5-10% (including taxi drivers).

Safety
Malta is considered very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving conditions are poor so exercise caution.

Customs
The wearing of skimpy clothing away from the beaches should be avoided, and dress should be conservative to enter churches.

Business
Business in Malta tends to be conducted as elsewhere in Europe; formally and politely. Punctuality is important; dress should be formal with suit and tie the norm, unless weather is hot when one can forgo the jacket. Handshakes and the exchanging of business cards takes place on greeting. English is widely spoken and so a translator is unnecessary. Business hours can vary but are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.

Communications
The country code for Malta is +356, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).City/area codes are not required. Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms, and most hotels also offer fax and Internet access. Maltacom telecommunications offices also provide these services in the main towns, and coin and card operated telephone boxes can be found all over Malta and Gozo. The islands are covered by two comprehensive GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are to be found in all the main towns and tourist resorts.

Duty Free
Travellers arriving in Malta from non-EU countries do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 1 liter wine and 1 liter spirits, or other goods up to Lm75. Any large items or electrical equipment should be declared on entry (video cameras and televisions for example), and currency must also be declared. Prohibited items include firearms, pornography, meat, poultry and their by-products, plants and drugs.

Currency

The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008, but Maltese lira will continue to be accepted until 31 January 2008. Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands, as well as foreign exchange machines in the tourist areas. Banks generally open mornings Monday to Saturday, but exchange bureaux at the international airport are open 24 hours a day. Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign currency, but currency and travelers checks can be changed into lira at banks and tourist offices. Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.

EUR 1 =

US$ 1.29

£ 0.79

C$ 1.59

A$ 1.93

R 10.71

EUR 1.00

NZ$ 2.16

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
There are no health risks attached with travel to Malta, and water and food is safe for consumption. A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta and as a result British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Travellers coming from a recognized infected area require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Visa

Americans
United States citizens require a passport, but no visa, for a stay of up to three months.

UK nationals
British citizens must have a passport, but a visa is not required. British passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject with right of abode in the UK do not require a visa for stays of up to three months.

Canadians
Canadians require a passport, but no visa, for a stay of up to three months.

Australians
Australian citizens require a passport, but no visa, for a stay of up to three months.

South Africans
South Africans must have a passport and visa.

Irish nationals
Irish nationals require a passport, but a visa is not required.

New Zealanders
New Zealanders require a passport but a visa is not necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note
All visitors (except members of EEA and Switzerland) must hold return or onward tickets, all documents required for their next destination, and sufficient funds for maintenance during the period of their stay. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Malta Tourism
Malta Tourist Office, Valetta: +356 2123 7747 or www.visitmalta.com

Foreign Embassies in Malta
United States Embassy, Valletta: +356 2561 4000.
British High Commission, Valletta: +356 2323 2234.
Canadian Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 (0)6 854 442911.
Australian High Commission, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 8201.
South African Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): + 39 (0)6 852 541.
Embassy of Ireland, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 4744.
New Zealand Consulate, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 (0)6 441 7171.

Malta Embassies
Embassy of Malta, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 462 3611.
Malta High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7292 4800.

High Commission for Malta, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 1724.
Malta Honorary Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 706 3052.
Embassy of Malta, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 2340.
Consulate of Malta, Wellington: +64 (0)4 970 2509.