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General Map

General map of Malta

Medical Summary

The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).

General Information

Malta is an advanced economy classified as high income. Located in the central Mediterranean Sea (south of Italy and east of Tunisia), the climate is classified as dry summer.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

See also: Library article for Yellow Fever

Although yellow fever does not occur in Malta, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

  • Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 9 months coming from countries with risk of YF transmission. This also applies to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) longer than 12 hours in risk countries.

Other Vaccines

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, or rabies. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria

See also: Library article for Malaria

The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)

No statement given.

CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)

Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.

Other Concerns

Travelers' Diarrhea

See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea

Minimal risk (comparable to that in other industrialized countries) exists throughout the country. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally good, and health concerns related to food and beverage consumption are minimal. Risk for viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus) may be elevated based on season, traveler itinerary, and/or level of community transmission.

Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.

Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Leishmaniasis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.

Other Disease and Health Risks

Additional concerns include air pollution, leptospirosis, marine hazards.

Consular Advice

The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.

Terrorism Risk

Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout Europe. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses, public places and events, including those frequented by tourists, and transportation systems.

Crime

Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery, sexual assault, and assault) exists throughout the country.

Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, especially on public transportation between Valletta and the town of St. Julian's (particularly from May to September) and in St. Julian's; in areas frequented by tourists, particularly stores and markets in Valletta and the village of Marsaxlokk (South Eastern District); on beaches; in Paceville nightlife area; in Sliema. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles is common.

Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted, especially in Paceville nightlife area.

Water Safety

Hazardous water conditions (including currents, tides, and undertows) may occur. Heed posted warnings and avoid beaches that are not patrolled. Do not swim alone or after dark, and do not walk on any beach after dark.

Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.

Transportation Safety

Low risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is less than 7 per 100,000 population, the lowest risk category.

Speed laws are poorly enforced.

Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.

Airline Safety

The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.

Consular Information

Selected Embassies or Consulates in Malta

  • United States: [+356] 2561-4000; mt.usembassy.gov
  • Canada: [+356] 2552-3233; travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates/malta
  • United Kingdom: [+356] 2323-0000; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-malta
  • Australia: [+356] 2133-8201; www.malta.embassy.gov.au

Malta's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries

  • In the U.S.: foreignaffairs.gov.mt
  • In Canada: foreignaffairs.gov.mt
  • In the U.K.: foreignaffairs.gov.mt
  • In Australia: foreignaffairs.gov.mt

Visa/HIV Testing

HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.