Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
Malta Register Travel insurance Destinations
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: Safety and security - Update on preventative measures and restrictions
Print format
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Malta - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Malta.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place.
You must wear a face covering in all public spaces.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid gatherings in public and private spaces
- Be aware of any travel restrictions
COVID-19 response - Government of Malta
Crime
Although violent crime is rare, personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, do occur.
Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, occurs.
Thieves particularly target public transportation and areas frequented by tourists, such as stores and markets in Valletta and Marsaxlokk, beaches, and the nightclub areas of Paceville, in San Ġiljan and in Sliema.
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Keep valuables and luggage out of sight in vehicles and on beaches
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Water activities
Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.
Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.
Hunting season
Specific dates for the hunting season are determined by the government in the lead-up to the season. It generally runs from the spring until the fall.
Hunting areas, which are rarely marked, often overlap with camping areas.
Be vigilant if you visit a rural area during hunting season, as accidents involving stray bullets have occurred.
Road safety
Traffic drives on the left.
Narrow, winding, congested and sometimes poorly maintained roads may pose hazards.
Drivers do not respect traffic laws and do not follow safe driving practices.
- The Highway Code of Malta- Transport Malta
- More about driving in Malta - European Commission
Public transportation
Travel by taxi is safe.
Taxi fares are regulated and mandatory. They may be paid at authorized taxi booths or calculated using a taxi meter.
Taxis and Electric Mini Cabs - Transport Malta
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry and transit requirements
Malta has implemented special entry requirements for its territory. We have obtained the information below from the Maltese authorities. This information may change at any time. It is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate foreign diplomatic office and to ask if you will be allowed entry, based on your individual circumstances and your itinerary.
The information provided is based on travel from Canada. Keep in mind that your transit points could affect your ability to enter the country.
Residents of Canada may be allowed entry if they meet the additional requirements below.
Public Health Travel Declaration form:
You must fill out a Public Health Travel Declaration form before your arrival to Malta.
Public Health Travel Declaration form - Government of Malta
PCR tests:
You must present to local authorities a negative PCR test result, obtained less than 72 hours before your arrival.
Local authorities may impose additional requirements without notice and your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Monitor the media for the latest information.
Useful links:
- Travel to Malta - Government of Malta
- Entry requirements to EU countries - Re-open EU
- Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada - Global Affairs Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Maltese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Schengen area
Malta is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Temporary border controls
The government of Malta has introduced internal border controls. Canadians wishing to enter Malta will be required to pass through immigration controls, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing facilities
Consult the following links to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test:
Local COVID-19 testing facilities - Government of Malta
Medical facilities are good.
Payment, even for emergency services, may be requested in advance when private insurance cannot be confirmed.
In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to another European country may be necessary.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
The judicial process is particularly lengthy in Malta and unpredictable delays sometimes occur. Foreigners are typically denied bail and can expect lengthy detention periods while awaiting trial.
Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons
Canada and Malta are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Malta to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Maltese authorities.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Malta.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Malta, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Driving
You should carry an international driving permit.
However, you can drive on a valid Canadian driver’s licence when travelling as a tourist for short stays.
- The Highway Code of Malta - Government of Malta
- More about driving in Malta - European Commission
- More about the International Driving Permit
Money
The currency of Malta is the euro (EUR).
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies.
This includes the sum of cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets.
This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country.
Cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Seismic activity
Malta is located in an active seismic zone. However, earthquakes are rare.
Weather alerts - Malta international airport
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Valletta - Consulate of Canada
Rome - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the consulate of Canada in Malta, in Valletta, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.