Malta | Europe

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, located 80 km south of Sicily, Italy. It consists of three inhabited islands-Malta, Gozo, and Comino-and serves as a strategic maritime hub between Europe and North Africa; the capital city is Valletta.

Visa & Entry Policy

Malta is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Starting in late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) prior to arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date and must have been issued within the last 10 years.

Language & Communication

The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is the national language, a Semitic tongue written in the Latin alphabet, while English is used for most administrative and commercial purposes. English proficiency is nearly universal (approx. 88% of the population). Italian is also widely understood and spoken by roughly 66% of the population.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Malta remains one of the most cash-centric economies in the Eurozone, with cash accounting for over 70% of point-of-sale transactions. While major retailers and tourist establishments in Valletta and Sliema accept cards, cash is mandatory for small vendors, street markets, and many independent cafes. The legal limit for cash payments is €10,000.

National Transport Grid

Public transport is dominated by an extensive bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. Personalized "Tallinja" cardholders and residents travel for free, while tourists pay via contactless card or cash on board. Ferry services connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities, and a frequent Ro-Ro ferry links Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo). There are no domestic flights or trains.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Epic, Melita, and GO. 5G coverage is nationwide, with Melita and Epic providing comprehensive service across both Malta and Gozo. 4G reliability is excellent, though signal strength can be obstructed by the thick limestone walls characteristic of traditional Maltese architecture.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is Mediterranean, featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Malta receives over 300 days of sunshine annually. The wettest months are November and December, while July and August are characterized by extreme heat and the "Sirocco" winds from Africa. The swimming season typically extends from May to late October.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Tap water is technically safe but has a high mineral content and distinct taste due to desalination; bottled water is standard for consumption. The universal emergency number is 112 for Police, Ambulance, and Fire. Mater Dei Hospital in Msida is the primary public medical facility.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Valletta & The Harbour Area: Primary hub is Valletta (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Northern Region: Primary hub is St. Paul's Bay (including Bugibba and Mellieħa).

Gozo: Primary hub is Victoria (Rabat).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €1.00 ($1.10 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (Cisk): €2.50 ($2.75 USD)

1 Sim Card (Prepaid Data): €15.00 ($16.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Malta is home to some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, the Megalithic Temples, which predate the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. According to legend, the island of Gozo is the site of Homer’s "Ogygia," where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years. Another enduring myth concerns the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis where folklore claims a group of schoolchildren vanished into secret, unending tunnels.