Safety and security

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Malta is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

Crime is low in Malta but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft are becoming more common in the main tourist areas. Opportunistic crime does take place particularly in areas where large groups socialise in the evenings so make sure you take sensible precautions.

Reporting a crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Malta, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy if you need help.

Driving

If you want to drive in Malta, bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance. Keep to the speed limit. In Malta traffic drives on the left hand side of the road as in Ireland.

Road improvement projects and construction work are currently widespread and can cause significant delays and travel disruption. It is also worth bearing in mind that some roads in Malta are in poor condition, and that local standards of driving can be poor. In addition, pedestrians should take particular care especially in urban areas. In 2018, Malta experienced an average of 3.8 deaths per million inhabitants compared to the Irish average of 3.1 road deaths per million inhabitants (source: European Commission).

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

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 in 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.

Language

The majority of Maltese people speak English.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Malta.

Climate

The Maltese climate is generally very warm and sunny. However, it does rain between the end of October and the end of February and occasional heavy flooding is possible.

Health

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports)

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Malta.

European Health Insurance Card

As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.

Apply for your EHIC and find out more information.

The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.