Important Information
Magical Malta Introduction
Your one-stop shop for all tourist information regarding visiting the Maltese archipelago.
Important Information
Transportation: Malta has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses that cover most parts of the islands.
You can purchase a Tallinja card (reusable bus card) for convenient travel. https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-card
Taxis are also available, and car rental services are popular for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
For connection to Gozo, there are two ferry services:
- One from Valletta which costs €7.50 per person per way and is a passenger-only ferry.
- The ferry from Cirkewwa is a car and passenger ferry, and costs €4.60 per person which is paid at the ferry terminal before returning to the island of Malta.
Check the entry requirements before your trip. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta
Citizens from the UK and Ireland can enter Malta visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, entry requirements can change, so it's crucial to verify the latest information.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Malta as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You may also need to show a return or onward ticket and show you have enough money for your stay.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local etiquette, such as greetings and gestures. Avoid boasting about your wealth. Modesty is important to the Maltese, and they do not appreciate people who put themselves above others. Swearing and blasphemy may be offensive to your Maltese counterpart. Take care not to use language that may offend them.
Many Maltese are open to any conversation topic. However, take care when discussing politics or sport, as it may lead to heated debates (especially England vs Italy!). If you decide to visit a church, be sure to dress appropriately as a sign of respect. Shoulders should be covered and hats should be removed upon entering.
Relax and indulge in their humour. Maltese enjoy conversing, telling stories, and telling light-hearted jokes.
Language
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English.
English is widely spoken throughout the islands, making communication with locals easy for English-speaking travelers.
Maltese as a language is a mixture of Italian, French, Arabic, and a little English (which is due to the multi-cultural history of the archipelago). Fun fact: Maltese is one of only two Semitic languages written in Latin script in the entire world!
Safety
Malta is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.
The standard voltage in Malta is 230V, and the plugs and sockets are of the three-pin type (Type G). If your electrical devices use a different plug type, consider bringing a travel adapter.
Currency
The currency of Malta is the Euro (EUR). Make sure to have some local currency with you for small expenses, as well as credit/debit cards, which are widely accepted. Currency exchanges can be found around all major towns/cities.
Top tip: Opening a Revolut account is a quick way to convert from GBP to Euros and can be done easily through the app with quite often a favourable exchange rate. Also, some shops will accept a Revolut transfer if they do not accept card and you find yourself with no cash available.