Foreign nationals can expect to be denied bail while a court case is ongoing, which can result in lengthy periods of pre-trial detention ranging from several months to several years. Judicial Proceedings for Criminal Offenses in Malta: Trials typically last five to seven years and are characterized by lengthy and sometimes unpredictable delays between hearings. For example, once you have contacted a lawyer, you lose your right to remain silent. Malta’s laws on the rights of arrestees are different from the United States.Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malta are severe.passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.Ĭriminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not occur on a regular basis. The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Malta is 112. Malta’s crime victim assistance agency, Appogg, can be reached by calling its support line (dial 179) or by visiting its website. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the Embassy for assistance. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights homeĭomestic Violence: U.S.Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.Provide a list of local attorneys who meet minimal embassy vetting standards.Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Criminals have drugged some travelers at bars and robbed and assaulted them. Nightclubs: You should be careful in the Paceville nightclub area, where excessive drinking, large crowds, and interaction with heavy-handed bouncers can lead to violence, including some that appears to be racially-motivated. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. Theft of unattended property is a very common problem.Secure your valuables, and be aware of pick-pockets and purse snatchers.Criminals focus on areas and establishments frequented by tourists. While armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are not as common as in some major U.S. Malta’s open borders with members of the Schengen zone allow the possibility of individual terrorists entering/exiting the country undetected.ĬRIME: The most commonly reported crimes are simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Ĭredible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Europe. Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Crime and Safety Report for Malta.Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Malta. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Malta due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. Reconsider travel to Malta due to COVID-19.