Malta
About Malta
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | English; Maltese |
| Capital | Valletta |
The Republic of Malta is an island nation archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy, with an area of 122 square miles. The Maltese archipelago consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. The government is a parliamentary republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. The population is about 415,200 people.
The island of Malta was first colonized by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians between 1000 and 600 BCE. Over the centuries, the country was ruled by Arabs and Normans. From 1814, Malta was part of the British empire and was an important naval base for the Allies. In 1964, Malta gained independence, and in 1974, became the Republic of Malta.
Malta has become a popular tourist destination and a destination for medical tourism. Travellers are attracted by the beaches, warm climate, opportunities for surfing and diving, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Recommended Vaccinations For Malta
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If indicated on epidemiological grounds, infants under 9 months of age are subject to isolation or surveillance if coming from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine
Travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats (such as adventure travellers and cavers), as well as travellers with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wild life professionals and researchers), should consider the rabies vaccination.
Recommended Medications For Malta
There are no recommendations for Malta at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Malta
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in Malta.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B in Malta.
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If indicated on epidemiological grounds, infants under 9 months of age are subject to isolation or surveillance if coming from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies
**Rabies has not been reported in Malta and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**
Safety & Security in Malta
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in Malta, and most travellers have no trouble. Violent crime is rare. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur. Be particularly cautious on public transportation, around markets and stores in Valletta and Marsaxlokk, beaches, and the nightclub areas of Paceville in St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan) and Sliema. Exercise caution on buses, especially the 12, 13, 14 and 15 services from Sliema, St. Julian’s and Paceville to Valletta. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night.
There have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed at bars. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. The lack of crowd control and excessive drinking has led to violent incidents, some racially motivated, in the Paceville nightclub area.
Traffic drives on the left. Roads may be in poor condition, and drivers may not follow standard rules of the road.
Selling, using or possessing illegal drugs in Malta can bring severe penalties.
There are no laws against same-sex relationships or behaviour in Malta.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
In any country, avoid public demonstrations or protests. These situations can escalate and turn violent quickly and unexpectedly.
