About Malta

About Malta

When organising a trip, there are always doubts related to the weather, language, entry requirements or business hours. In this section of the guide, you'll find some general information about Malta to answer your burning questions.

Necessary documentation

Become familiar with the necessary documents to travel to Malta based on your nationality and see whether or not you need a passport, ID card or Visa.
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Weather

Malta is an archipelago with a mediterranean climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. Learn about the weather in Malta and the best time to visit!
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Language

Maltese, English or Italian. Discover the three most spoken languages in Malta and learn some useful expressions and words in the official languages.
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Holidays

Before travelling it's always good to know your destination's public holidays. Avoid unpleasant surprises and find out about the public holidays in Malta.
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Prices

How much does a meal cost in Malta? How expensive is public transport? Is Malta cheap or expensive? Find out the prices of the main products in Malta.
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Business hours

Find out the opening and closing times of supermarkets, shops, museums and bars on the island and organise your trip according to Malta's business hours.
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History of Malta

History of Malta

Discover the history of Malta, an island which has been molded by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Knights, Britons and other communities who have left their mark.
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Malta's Geography

Malta's Geography

The Republic of Malta is made up of eleven islands, of which only two are inhabited. Discover the geography of Malta and the charm of Gozo and Comino.
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The Knights of the Order of Malta

The Knights of the Order of Malta

Learn about the passionate history of the Knights of St. John, who arrived to Malta in 1530 and altered the history of the country. Discover who they were!
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General information

Malta by the numbers

The Republic of Malta is made up of 11 islands, the most famous being Malta, Gozo and Comino. The country has a population of over 500,000 inhabitants, spread over an area of 316 square kilometres (122 square miles), making Malta the second most densely populated country in the European Union, after the Vatican.

Geography

The archipelago of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy, east of Tunisia and north of Libya. Malta's geography and strategic location have meant that the country has been invaded numerous times throughout its history.

Time zone

The official time in Malta is GMT+1, i.e. 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland.

Electricity and plug sockets

Due to its British influence, Maltese plugs have three pins, so, depending on where you're from, you may need an adapter for your electrical appliances. Although there's always the possibility of asking for one at the hotel, we recommend bringing one with you to be on the safe side.

Driving

Another area where British heritage lives on is in the way people drive. If you're planning to hire a car in Malta, keep in mind that people drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like in the UK.

Health care

  • With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card​ (GHIC), you can access free medical care in Malta. This card is free and you can get it from your local health centre with an ID card, or online. They last from 2-5 years, depending on your nationality.

  • If you're from the UK, you can apply for a GHIC online here.

  • If you're not from the EU, you also have the option to buy budget-friendly travel health insurance via the following link:

    Currency

    As in most European Union countries, the official currency of Malta is the Euro (€).

    Useful phone numbers

    • Police: 191
    • Emergencies: 112
    • Ambulances: 196
    • Malta country code: +356
    • British Embassy in Malta: +356 2323 0000
    • American Embassy in Malta: +356 2561 4000
    • Irish Embassy in Malta: +356 2133 4744
    • Australian Embassy in Malta: +356 2133 8201