Malta

Hunting season

Hunting with firearms is common in rural Malta.

Hunting areas are rarely marked and can overlap with:

• camping areas

• country walkways

• other public areas

The spring hunting season is in April. The government announces the exact dates in March each year.

The autumn hunting season usually runs from 1 September to 31 January.

During hunting season, hunting is allowed during set times of the day, which can change each year. However, hunting may occur outside these times and in undesignated locations.

To stay safe if you visit a rural area during a hunting season:

Road travel

Road travel is hazardous because of poor local driving standards and road conditions.

Locals regularly don’t use indicators, and often ignore road markings, pedestrian crossings, stop or give way signs and traffic lights.

Roads can be:

Many roads don’t have footpaths.

More information

Traffic accidents

If you’re involved in a minor rear-end collision and no one is injured, you don’t need to contact the police or local wardens.

If you’re involved in any other accident, you must contact the local wardens on (+356) 2132 0202.

Don’t move your vehicle until wardens have recorded the details of the accident.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident that causes injury, you must contact the police on (+356) 2122 4001 or call them on 112.

More information

Driving permit

You don’t need an International Driving Permit, you can use your Australian driver’s licence to drive in Malta for one year from your arrival.

If you’re planning to live in Malta, you can exchange your Australian licence for a Maltese licence.

More information:

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Taxis don’t have meters. Set fares will be advertised for certain destinations or you’ll need to agree on the fare with the driver in advance.

Buses

The public bus system that services main cities is generally reliable.

Some routes may be very crowded, and some buses aren’t able to pick up passengers at all stops.

Pickpocketing occurs on buses, particularly on popular tourist routes.

Passenger ferries

Passenger ferries operate between:

• Valletta and Sliema

• Valletta and Cospicua

A car and passenger ferry operates regularly between Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo.

More information:

Sea travel

Many cruise ships stop in Malta.

More information:

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malta’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government