Includes information on business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time, business hours and holidays, acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, temporary entry of materials and personal belongings,etc.
Last Published: 2/13/2019
Business Customs

In general, good business practices applicable in the United States also apply to doing business in Malta.  Business people in Malta appreciate prompt replies to their inquiries and expect acknowledgment of all correspondence.  Conservative business attire is recommendable at all times.  Business appointments are required, and punctuality by visitors is expected for meetings.

Maltese buyers appreciate quality and service but are also interested in delivery times and prices.  Care must be taken to honor delivery dates and provide prompt after-sales service.

While Maltese is the first official language in Malta, English is also an official language and therefore widely spoken and understood.  The Maltese transact virtually all business in English.


Currency

Malta’s official currency is the Euro (€).

Health

Good quality health care is widely available in Malta.  A new state-of-the-art public hospital opened in 2007.  The GoM maintains health centers in almost every town.  There are also several private clinics.  Both Malta’s general hospital and the private facilities are equipped with modern diagnostic equipment.  Both the government hospital and private clinics handle general hospitalization, emergency care, and most routine surgery.  The majority of Malta’s medical and dental specialists are English-speaking, most of whom were trained in Western Europe or the United States.  Even support staff such as nurses are able to communicate in English.

Language

Maltese is the first official language of Malta.  English is the second official language and is widely spoken and understood.  English is the business language in Malta.

Local Time, Business Hours, & Holidays

The time in Malta is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 6 hours ahead of the East Coast of the United States (Eastern Standard Time).

Government offices open from 7:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday through Friday, from October to mid-June.  Between mid-June and September, government working hours are reduced to 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  Private sector companies generally follow the government’s work schedule but do not operate on half-days in the summer.  Banks are open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am through 2:00 pm, and 8:30 am through 3:30 pm on Friday.  On Saturday, banking hours are 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, but some branches are closed during the summer.  Commerce and industry business hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8:00 am through 1:00 pm.  Many retail establishments are closed on Sundays.  However, several establishments located in tourist areas (or those that sell primarily tourist-related items) do open on Sundays and public holidays.

The following is a list of holidays observed by Malta during calendar year 2017
DAY & DATEHOLIDAY
Sunday, January 1New Year’s Day
Friday, February 10Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Sunday, March 19Feast of St. Joseph’s
Friday, March 31Freedom Day
Friday, April 14Good Friday
Monday, May 1Labor Day
Wednesday, June 7Sette Giugno
Thursday, June 29Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul
Tuesday, August 15Feast of the Assumption
Friday, September 8Feast of our Lady of Victories
Thursday, September 21Independence Day
Friday, December 8Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday, December 13Republic Day
Monday, December 25Christmas Day

Telecommunications/Electric

Go, formerly a state monopoly, is the primary fixed line telecommunication provider in Malta.  International telecommunication costs to and from Malta compare favorably with those in any large U.S. city.  Telephone calls to the U.S. are chargeable at around $.045 per minute (via VOIP service). Businessmen may charge telephone calls to the U.S. to international telephone cards such as AT&T, MCI, and Sprint.  One has the opportunity to buy international and local calling cards locally.  The international rates compare favorably with U.S. rates.  By dialing 800-901-10 followed by 1-800-837-2396, you may carryout international directory (AT&T direct) inquiries.  The country code for Malta is 356; there are no city codes.

The cellular network throughout Malta is excellent.  One needs a tri-band or quad-band GSM (unlocked) cell phone to be able to make cell calls from Malta to the U.S. and vice versa.  One can rent or purchase GSM cell phones locally.


Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

The temporary entry of materials and personal belongings to Malta are exempt from customs duty.  The items that would be eligible for such treatment are: personal property belonging to individuals coming from countries situated outside the European community; goods imported on the occasion of a marriage; personal property acquired by inheritance; school outfits, scholastic materials and other scholastic household effects under certain conditions; imports of negligible value; capital goods and other equipment imported on the transfer of activities; importation of certain agricultural products and products intended for agricultural use; therapeutic substances, medicines, laboratory animals and biological or chemical substances; goods for charitable or philanthropic organizations; importation in the context of certain aspects of international relations; goods for the promotion of trade (e.g. goods used or consumed at a trade fair or similar event); goods imported for examination, analysis or test purposes; tourist information literature; documents and publications of foreign governments and publications of official international bodies; and coffins, funerary urns and ornamental funerary articles, etc.

Transportation

Malta has a modern and improving transportation infrastructure. 

Malta Freeport is a major maritime transshipment logistics center in the Mediterranean.  It offers regular networking to around 100 ports worldwide.

Malta International Airport is a modern facility that handles 2.5 million passengers per year.

Direct scheduled flights are available to over 40 major centers in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East via Air Malta, the flag carrier, and other air carriers.

Malta is a major cruise ship destination with an average of 316 cruise ship visits yearly and an estimated 626,000 visitors in 2016.  In 2005, the government refurbished the cruise ship terminal in the historic Grand Harbor as part of the Valletta Waterfront project – a $30 million venture.

Inland transportation is normally by bus, private car, or taxi.  Buses are frequent, safe, and inexpensive.  There are many car rental agencies around Malta.  As in the United Kingdom, steering wheels are on the right and traffic drives on the left.  Traffic is normally heavy during rush hours.  A taxi service from the Malta International Airport offers trips to all localities on a fixed rate basis; it is advisable that one books and pays at the taxi office in the arrival lounge of the airport.  A regular ferry service operates between Malta and its sister island, Gozo.


Travel Advisory

Current travel advisory information for Malta is available on the Department of State’s website.

Visa Requirements
 

Every U.S. traveler entering Malta must have a valid U.S. passport.  No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Malta for fewer than 90 days, but a visa is required for longer stays.  On arrival in Malta, immigration officers will normally ask American citizens how long they intend to stay in Malta.  U.S. citizens planning to work in Malta must first obtain a work visa from the Immigration Section of the Police Department in Malta.  For further information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Maltese Embassy at 2017 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008; tel: (202) 462-3611 or (202) 462-3612 or fax (202) 387-5470; e-mail: maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City; tel (212) 725-2345.

Malta joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on December 30, 2008.  Maltese citizens need to meet the following conditions to be eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program:
The visit is less than 90 days;

  • The visit is for tourism or business;
  • The traveler holds a valid biometric passport;
  • The traveler registers for and receives an approved travel authorization, or ESTA, by entering their travel details at esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta prior to commencing travel;
  • The traveler has a valid return ticket; and
  • If arriving by air or sea, the traveler will arrive on a regularly scheduled carrier.

Maltese citizens who do not have a biometric passport may continue to travel to the United States if they are in possession of a valid U.S. visa.  Maltese citizens may apply for a U.S. visa at the American Embassy, Ta’Qali National Park, Attard, Malta, but they should first follow the instructions for visa applicants found on the U.S. Embassy website (see below).  U.S. companies that require Maltese citizens to travel to the United States for business purposes should advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following links:
State Department Visa Website
Consular/Visa Section, U.S. Embassy, Valletta, Malta


Web Resources

Go (mobile services provider)
Health Department
Market Research Library
State Department Visa Website  
Melita Wifi


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Business Customs

Good business practices applicable in the United States also apply to doing business in Malta.  Maltese buyers appreciate quality in quality products, prompt service and support, and competitive prices.  Businesspersons in Malta appreciate prompt replies to their inquiries and expect acknowledgment of all correspondence.  Conservative business attire is recommendable at all times.  Business appointments are required, and punctuality by visitors is expected for meetings.  Although Maltese and English are both official languages in Malta, the Maltese conduct virtually all business in English.

Travel Advisory

Current travel advisory information for Malta is available on the Department of State’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Malta.html

Visa Requirements

Every U.S. traveler entering Malta must have a valid U.S. passport.  No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Malta for fewer than 90 days, but a visa is required for longer stays.  On arrival in Malta, immigration officers will normally ask American citizens how long they intend to stay in Malta.  U.S. citizens planning to work in Malta must first obtain a work visa from the Identity Malta.  For further information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Maltese Embassy at 2017 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008; tel: (202) 462-3611 or (202) 462-3612 or fax (202) 387-5470; e-mail: maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City; tel (212) 725-2345.

Malta joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on December 30, 2008.  Maltese citizens need to meet the following conditions to be eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program:

-    The visit is less than 90 days;
-    The visit is for tourism or business;
-    The traveler holds a valid biometric passport;
-    The traveler registers for and receives an approved travel authorization, or ESTA, by entering their travel details at     esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta prior to commencing travel;
-    The traveler has a valid return ticket; and 
-    If arriving by air or sea, the traveler will arrive on a regularly scheduled carrier.

Maltese citizens who do not have a biometric passport may continue to travel to the United States if they are in possession of a valid U.S. visa.  Maltese citizens may apply for a U.S. visa at the American Embassy, Ta’Qali National Park, Attard, Malta, but they should first follow the instructions for visa applicants found on the U.S. Embassy website.  U.S. companies that require Maltese citizens to travel to the United States for business purposes should advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following links: 

State Department Visa Website:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
Consular/Visa Section, U.S. Embassy, Valletta, Malta:  https://mt.usembassy.gov/visas/

Currency

Malta’s official currency is the Euro (€).

Telecommunications/Electronics

Go, formerly a state monopoly, is the primary fixed line telecommunication provider in Malta.  International telecommunication costs to and from Malta compare favorably with those in any large U.S. city. Businesspersons may use international telephone cards for calls to the United States.  One has the opportunity to buy international and local calling cards locally.  The international rates compare favorably with U.S. rates.  By dialing 800-901-10 followed by 1-800-837-2396, you may carry out international directory (AT&T direct) inquiries.   The country code for Malta is 356; there are no city codes.
The cellular network throughout Malta is excellent.  One needs a tri-band or quad-band GSM (unlocked) cell phone to make cell calls from Malta to the U.S. and vice versa.  One can rent or purchase GSM cell phones locally.  One also can arrange with a U.S. carrier to offer global calls before traveling to Malta.  A number of commercial applications also exist to provide for free international calling over wifi.  

Transportation

Malta has a modern and improving transportation infrastructure.  

  • Malta Freeport is a major maritime transshipment logistics center in the Mediterranean.  It offers regular networking to around 100 ports worldwide (www.freeport.com.mt).
  • Malta International Airport is a modern facility that handles 2.5 million passengers per year (www.maltairport.com).
  • Direct scheduled flights are available to over 40 major centers in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East via Air Malta, the flag carrier (airmalta.com), and other airlines.
  • Malta is a major cruise ship destination with an average of 342 cruise ship visits yearly and an estimated 670,135 visitors in 2017 (www.vallettawaterfront.com).
  • The government has been resurfacing and expanding roads in Malta over the past several years.  Some projects remain in process.  
  •  Inland transportation is normally by bus, private car, or taxi.  Buses are safe and inexpensive.  Car rental agencies are all around Malta.  As in the United Kingdom, steering wheels are on the right and traffic drives on the left.  Traffic normally is heavy during rush hours.  A taxi service from the Malta International Airport offers trips to all localities on a fixed rate basis; we recommend that individuals book and prepay for a trip at the taxi office in the arrival lounge of the airport.  A regular ferry service operates between Malta and its sister island, Gozo (www.gozochannel.com).

Language

Maltese and English both are official languages of Malta.  The Maltese conduct virtually all business conducted in English, although some tradesmen are less fluent in English.

Health 

While medical services are widely available, free care under Malta’s nationalized health system is not available for U.S. citizens who are not residents of Malta.  Medical services are good and medical standards compare with those in the United States.  The Embassy Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors, which can be found on the Embassy web site at https://mt.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/doctors/.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. 

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas. 

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

The time in Malta is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 6 hours ahead of the East Coast of the United States (Eastern Standard Time).

Government offices open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, from October to mid-June.  Between mid-June and September, government working hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Private sector companies generally follow the government’s work schedule but do not operate on half-days in the summer.  Banks are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday.  On Saturday, banking hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., but some branches do not have Saturday banking hours during the summer.  Commerce and industry hours are from 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.  In general, shops in Malta open at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.  Some shops open on Sundays and, during the Christmas period, more shops tend to open on Sundays and public holidays, and some even increase their opening hours to as late as 10 p.m.  However, many retail establishments are closed on Sundays, especially in rural areas.   

The following is a list of holidays observed by Malta during calendar year 2018

DAY & DATE                               HOLIDAY    
Monday, January 1New Year’s Day
Saturday, February 10Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Monday, March 19Feast of St. Joseph’s
Friday, March 30Good Friday
Saturday, March 31Freedom Day
Tuesday, May 1Labor Day
Thursday, June 7Sette Giugno
Friday, June 29Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul
Wednesday, August 15Feast of the Assumption
Saturday, September 8Feast of our Lady of Victories
Friday, September 21Independence Day
Saturday, December 8Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Thursday, December 13Republic Day
Tuesday, December 25Christmas Day

 

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

The temporary entry of certain materials and personal belongings to Malta are exempt from customs duty.  Items that would be eligible for such treatment are:  personal property belonging to individuals coming from countries situated outside the European community; goods imported on the occasion of a marriage; personal property acquired by inheritance; school outfits, scholastic materials and other scholastic household effects under certain conditions; imports of negligible value; capital goods and other equipment imported on the transfer of activities; importation of certain agricultural products and products intended for agricultural use; therapeutic substances, medicines, laboratory animals and biological or chemical substances; goods for charitable or philanthropic organizations; importation in the context of certain aspects of international relations; goods for the promotion of trade (e.g. goods used or consumed at a trade fair or similar event); goods imported for examination, analysis or test purposes; tourist information literature; documents and publications of foreign governments and publications of official international bodies; and coffins, funerary urns and ornamental funerary articles, etc. 

Travel Related Web Resources

Go (mobile services provider)
Vodafone Malta
Health Department
Market Research Library
State Department Visa Website  
Melita Wifi

 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.