Maltese (official), English (official)

Roman Catholic 98%

Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a cultural stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa. Malta became a member of the European Union with nine other new member states on May 1, 2004. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Continued sluggishness in the European economy is holding back exports, tourism, and overall growth.

Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritme elements)

Malta is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Malta for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen Fact sheet . For further information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers should contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008, tel (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City, tel (212) 725-2345. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Malta. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

Airports:  1, Airports w/paved runways:  1

Luqa – Malta International Airport (MLA/LMML)
Luqa Airport, Malta, Luqa, LQA 05, MALTA
Tel: +356 (0)2124 9600, +356 (0)2169 7800
Fax: +356 (0)2124 9563
Website:  www.maltairport.com
Customs, hours:  24 hours
Tel: +356 (0)2369 6117, +356 (0)2369 6420

No indigenous terrorist or extremist groups are known to be active in Malta, and no foreign terrorist organization has carried out an attack against US interests in Malta in recent years. Malta has a low rate of violent crime. Property crime is also relatively low but on the rise in recent years. All visitors to Malta should practice the same good, common sense personal security practices that are part of everyday life in urban areas within the US, particularly when spending time in areas frequented by tourists.

Infant MR total:  3.86 deaths/ 1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 79.01  (male 76.83/female 81.31)

Required: None, but please note- A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the Azores, Madeira, and Malta if you are coming from countries in South America or sub-Saharan Africa where yellow fever is endemic.

Recommended: Hep A & B,
Booster:  MMR, DPT, poliovirus

Legionnaries disease, caused by the Legionella bacterium, is sporadic; some outbreaks have involved tourists at resort hotels. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout Western Europe and can contaminate food or water.

Medical care is available through public and private hospitals. The quality of medical care in Malta is excellent. Private hospitals generally offer a higher standard of service than the public hospitals, and the majority of the best doctors practice in private medical facilities.

Country Calling Code:  +356

Internet Country Code:  .mt