Malta: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Malta is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the eurozone, so it shares the same short-stay visa rules as France, Italy, or Spain: the requirement depends on the traveler's passport. It's one of the few Schengen countries where English is an official language alongside Maltese, which makes communication easy for almost any visitor.
Malta's healthcare system is public and of good quality, with reciprocity for European Union citizens through the European Health Insurance Card. The emergency number is 112 throughout the archipelago.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Malta is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the eurozone; the visa requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: The public healthcare system is of good quality and reciprocal for European Union citizens; other visitors should have insurance.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport holders who need a Schengen visa must apply before traveling, with a flight reservation, accommodation, and travel insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR in medical expenses. Exempt nationalities can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, counting time spent across the entire Schengen Area.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the stay.
- Travel insurance with the minimum required coverage if your nationality needs a visa.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Public hospitals like Mater Dei in Malta treat emergencies for any visitor, but outside of European reciprocity, care is billed, and on the island of Gozo, hospital capacity is more limited.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Malta, with a certificate valid to support a Schengen visa application; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the euro (EUR). Ferries connect the main island with Gozo and Comino in just over half an hour, a common option for those visiting more than one island in the archipelago.
When to Travel
Summer (June to August) is high season, with intense heat and crowded beaches. Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures for walking through Valletta and Mdina, with fewer tourists.
Travel checklist for Malta
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Malta.
- Check the visa requirement for Malta based on your passport: Malta is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the eurozone; the visa requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The public healthcare system is of good quality and reciprocal for European Union citizens; other visitors should have insurance.
- Save Malta's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is English spoken in Malta?
Yes, English is an official language alongside Maltese, which makes communication easy in hospitals, hotels, and transport.
What's the emergency number in Malta?
112, valid throughout the archipelago for police, fire department, and ambulance.
Do I need a visa to enter Malta?
It depends on your passport. As a Schengen country, some nationalities enter without a visa and others must apply in advance.
What currency is used in Malta?
The euro (EUR), like most countries in the Schengen Area.
