Music Festival Season in Malta 2019
News
30 April 2019With Summer just around the corner Malta is ready to host a number of popular music festivals. If you plan on attending any music festivals in Malta this year, we have some travel tips to help you enjoy the events and stay safe.
Know Before You Go: Travel Tips
- Get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling and check what it covers.
- Travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which can be applied for through the HSE.
- Keep your passport in a safe place: carry your passport card on you or a photocopy of your passport. If you haven't got a passport card, find out how to apply at https://www.dfa.ie/passportcard/
- Fill in the emergency contact details option on your passport.
- Keep your valuables in a safe place.
- Keep one of your bank cards and some cash separate from the rest of your valuables and avoid carrying too many valuables with you.
- Beware of pick pockets in crowds, restaurants, cafés, on public transport, near ATMs and never leave your bag or belongings out of sight or unattended.
- Let people know where you are and make sure you know where your friends are.
- Be aware of event access requirements from the event organisers and local authorities.
Tourist Information
Tourist information on Malta can be found on the official Visit Malta website.
Sun Protection
Malta can experience very high temperatures. Use sun cream, sun hats, drink plenty of water and remain in the shade where possible.
Security: General Information
You should exercise caution in large gatherings; be careful with your personal belongings, remain calm in crowds, respect the crowd restrictions at some locations and follow the instructions of the local authorities and the event organisers.
Please be aware that, while crime rates are low, pick pocketing is becoming more common in crowded and main tourist areas. Please also refer to the travel advice section of the Embassy of Ireland to Malta website. If you're a victim of a crime while in Malta, report it to the local police immediately.
Local Laws and Customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices.
Illegal drugs
There are strict penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs and convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and prison terms. Possession of relatively small quantities of drugs such as ecstasy can attract a mandatory prison sentence.
Lost/Stolen Passport
If your Irish passport is lost/stolen, you should first contact your airline or tour operator and check whether they will accept a police report or any other ID you may have in order to facilitate your return journey.
If required in an emergency, the Embassy of Ireland in Malta can issue you with an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) – see opening hours and contact details under 'Useful Contacts'. Please bring:
- police report
- 4 passport size photos
- a copy of your return travel itinerary
- a fee of €30 in cash
- any other additional ID you may have
- in certain circumstances, there may be additional requirements which the Embassy can advise of
If You Need Help
For an emergency in Malta dial 112 (police, ambulance or fire brigade). For consular assistance from the Embassy of Ireland in Malta, you can contact us on + 356 21 334 744.
Useful Contacts
Emergency Services Number
For calls to Police, Ambulance, or Fire Brigade Services: 112
Hospital in Malta
Mater Dei Hospital
Msida, MSd 2090
Malta
Tel: + 356 2545 0000
Embassy of Ireland, Malta
Embassy of Ireland
Whitehall Mansions
Ix-Xatt ta' Ta' Xbiex
XBX 1026
Tel: (+356) 21334744 (Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:30)
In case of an emergency outside of opening hours you will be directed to emergency out of hours contact information.
Web: Embassy of Ireland to Malta
Twitter: @IrishEmbMalta
Facebook: embassyofirelandinmalta
E-mail: Contact Us