Malta

It has been said that the Maltese islands are the 'open air museum of the Mediterranean', offering 7,000 years or more of history to explore with numerous cultural, historical and megalithic sites unique in the world. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, and are steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, who used the island as their stronghold for defending Christendom.

The main island of Malta, covering just 95 square miles (246 sq km), is also a popular holiday destination because of its secluded bays and sandy beaches, washed by unpolluted clear blue waters. Set against the backdrop of the island's scenery and its honey-coloured stone buildings, Malta is alluring and fascinating.

Malta and its little sister island, Gozo, are not stuck in a time warp, however. The islanders enjoy life to the full, and the calendar is filled with summertime 'festas' with fireworks and revelry in every little parish in honour of the village patron saints, as well as the major carnival in early spring every year. The capital, Valletta, besides offering some awesome Baroque buildings and fortifications as its main sightseeing attractions, is bustling and bursting with restaurants and cafes. The island's compact size is also a plus for visitors; it takes no more than an hour to drive between any two points on the main island, and there is very little open space. The dense population means that the island is virtually one large urban area, with buildings occupying every inch.

Malta lies about 60 miles (97km) south of Sicily and 160 miles (257km) north of Libya, a strategic position in the Mediterranean that has made the islands a crossroads of history. The last occupiers were the British, who granted Malta independence in 1964, but the biggest and most unique influence was left by the Knights of St John, to whom the island was donated in 1530; the Knights reigned supreme over the island for 270 years, building magnificent churches and monuments to themselves.

Malta has its mysteries too, in the form of 30 prehistoric sites boasting massive Neolithic temples, considered to be the oldest freestanding stone buildings known to man.

Climate

Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In summer temperatures can reach 84ºF (30ºC), but the heat tends to be tempered by sea breezes. In spring and autumn a hot wind, known as the Xlokk, sometimes brings high temperatures and humidity. There is little rainfall, and it occurs only in winter.

Money

The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008. (Maltese lira are no longer accepted.) Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands, as well as foreign exchange machines in the tourist areas. Banks generally open mornings Monday to Saturday, but exchange bureaux at the international airport are open 24 hours a day. Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign currency, but currency and travellers cheques can be changed into lira at banks and tourist offices. Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Malta must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. For visitors who are visa-exempt, extensions of stay are possible, by reporting to the Police Headquarters in Malta, no later than one week prior to the expiration of the period of visa exemption. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days, for holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. A visa is required.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Malta. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.

Health

There are no health risks attached with travel to Malta, and water and food is safe for consumption. A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta and as a result British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Travellers coming from a recognised infected area require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Malta, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 462 3611.
• Malta High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7292 4800.
• High Commission for Malta, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (02) 6290 1724.
• Malta Honorary Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 706 3052.
• Embassy of Malta, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 2340.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Valletta: +356 2561 4000.
• British High Commission, Ta'Xbiex: +356 2323 0000.
• Canadian Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 (0)6 85 444 1.
• Australian High Commission, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 8201.
• South African Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): + 39 (0)6 852 541.
• Embassy of Ireland, Ta' Xbiex: +356 2133 4744.
• New Zealand Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Malta): +39 (0)6 853 7501.