Malta
Phone Code
+356
Capital
Valletta
Population
520,000
Native Name
Malta
Region
Europe
Southern Europe
Timezone
Central European Time
UTC+01:00
On This Page
Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation south of Sicily, an EU member since 2004 and Schengen Area and Eurozone member. The world's tenth-smallest country, Malta consists of three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo, Comino) with strategic location between Europe and Africa. A former British colony (independent 1964), Malta is one of only two EU countries where English is an official language (with Ireland), making it highly accessible for English speakers. Valletta, the capital built by Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John) in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortified city. Malta has remarkably dense history - successively occupied by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights Hospitaller, French, and British. Visitors are drawn to Valletta's Baroque architecture and St. John's Co-Cathedral, Mdina medieval fortified city ('Silent City'), Blue Grotto sea caves, Gozo island's Azure Window (collapsed 2017) and Ġgantija temples (older than Stonehenge), Comino's Blue Lagoon, megalithic temples (UNESCO, world's oldest free-standing structures), Game of Thrones filming locations, English language schools, diving (wrecks and clear water), and Mediterranean beaches. Malta offers European culture, English accessibility, history, and year-round sunshine.
Visa Requirements for Malta
As a Schengen Area member, Malta follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport and stay indefinitely with full freedom of movement rights. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Maltese embassies or consulates (or any Schengen embassy), submitting completed applications, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Malta welcomes over 2.5 million visitors annually (5x its population). Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. Malta is popular for English language learning stays - students on long-term language courses need student visas. Malta's combination of EU membership, Schengen access, English language, and Mediterranean climate makes it attractive for both tourism and language education.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)
For tourism, business, or short stays for US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other Schengen visa-exempt nationalities.
EU/EEA/Swiss Entry
For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for any purpose including tourism, work, study, or residence.
Schengen Visa (Type C)
For short-term stays for tourism, business, cultural events, or language courses under 90 days for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.
National Visa (Type D) / Student Visa
For stays exceeding 90 days including long-term English language courses, work, or residence in Malta.
Important Travel Information
Travel Guide
Malta packs 7,000 years of history, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class diving, and a thriving English-language school industry into an archipelago smaller than the Isle of Wight. Valletta — the fortified Baroque capital built by the Knights Hospitaller — is one of the most concentrated historic cityscapes in Europe. Gozo offers rural tranquillity, megalithic temples older than the pyramids, and the Azure Window's successor reefs. Comino's Blue Lagoon is a turquoise postcard. The warm Mediterranean climate (300+ sunny days), English as an official language, and direct flights from most European capitals make Malta one of the most accessible island destinations on the continent.
Ways to Experience This Destination
The megalithic temples of Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, and Mnajdra are the world's oldest free-standing structures — over 5,500 years old, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Valletta's St. John's Co-Cathedral houses two Caravaggio masterpieces. Mdina, the medieval 'Silent City', offers fortress architecture and panoramic views. The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) preserve the Knights' earliest harbourside fortifications.
Malta, Gozo, and Comino rank among Europe's top diving destinations: crystal-clear water with 30+ metre visibility, spectacular wrecks (HMS Maori, MV Karwela, Um El Faroud), underwater caves, and reef walls. The Blue Hole on Gozo and the Blue Grotto on Malta's south coast are must-dives. Snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding round out the water-sports offering.
Malta is the third most popular destination for English language courses in Europe after the UK and Ireland — with the advantage of Mediterranean climate and significantly lower living costs. Over 40 accredited schools offer courses at all levels. Especially popular with Italian, Spanish, German, and French students seeking affordable English immersion in an EU country.
Comino's Blue Lagoon is Malta's signature swim spot — turquoise water over white sand. Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay on Malta, Ramla Bay on Gozo offer broader sandy beaches. Malta's coastline alternates between rocky coves, sand beaches, and cliffs. Ferries connect all three islands at frequent intervals.
Malta's cinematic backdrop has doubled for ancient Rome, King's Landing (Game of Thrones), Troy, and numerous Hollywood productions. Valletta, Fort Ricasoli, Mdina, and the Blue Grotto have appeared on screen repeatedly. Guided film-location tours are popular, and the Malta Film Studios at Rinella feature one of the world's largest water tanks for marine shoots.
Money & Currency
Euro (EUR)
Currency code: EUR
Practical Money Tips
Malta uses the euro (EUR)
Malta adopted the euro in 2008, replacing the Maltese lira. For visitors from Austria, Germany, and other eurozone countries, this means no currency exchange is needed — your home bank card and cash work directly. Non-eurozone visitors can exchange currency at banks, bureaux de change at Malta International Airport, and in Valletta and Sliema. Airport exchange rates are competitive but slightly less favourable than bank rates in town.
Cards widely accepted across the islands
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets across Malta and Gozo. Contactless payments are standard. Maestro and V-Pay cards (common Austrian Bankomatkarten) work at ATMs and many point-of-sale terminals. American Express has more limited acceptance. Small village shops, market vendors, water-taxi operators, and some bus-ticket kiosks may still prefer cash.
ATMs plentiful in urban areas
ATMs are widely available in Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, Bugibba, and other tourist areas on Malta, as well as in Victoria (Rabat) on Gozo. Bank of Valletta (BOV), HSBC Malta, APS Bank, and BNF Bank operate the main ATM networks. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus. On Comino there are no ATMs or card facilities — bring cash for the boat crossing and any purchases.
Keep some cash for small purchases and Comino
While Malta is increasingly cashless, small amounts of euro cash are useful for bus tickets (if not using the prepaid Tallinja card), water taxis, market stalls, tips, and the Comino day trip. Coins in 1 and 2 euro denominations are handy for parking meters and vending machines. Maltese-minted euro coins feature the Maltese cross — a popular souvenir.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
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Malta Embassies Worldwide
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Embassies in Malta
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