Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Mark Miceli FARRUGIA
Embassy: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612
Fax: [1] (202) 387-5470

Consulate(s) are in:
New York
249 E. 35th St.,
New York, NY 10016.
(212) 725-2345

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Douglas Kmiec
Embassy: 3rd Fl., Development House, St. Anne St., Floriana, Malta
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 535, Valletta
Telephone: [356] 2561-4000
Fax: [356] 2124-3229

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Malta

Embassy of Malta in Washington DC
U.S Embassy Web Site in Malta


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-MALTA RELATIONS

Malta and the United States established full diplomatic relations upon Malta's independence in 1964. The government seeks close relations with the United States, with an emphasis on increased trade and private investment. U.S. Navy ships visit on a semi-regular basis. During the period of rebellion in Libya that began in February 2011, Malta played an important role in supporting evacuation of third-country nationals, including Americans; coordinating humanitarian aid to the people of Libya; and providing general assistance to forces of nations involved in enforcement of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

U.S. Assistance to Malta

The U.S. foreign assistance to Malta currently provides International Military Education & Training (IMET) funding and has in the past included foreign military financing (FMF) grants and other defense assistance allowing for the acquisition of U.S. security related equipment, services and training. Under a refugee resettlement program, almost 1000 third-country migrants have been resettled in the U.S. from Malta.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States has been supportive of Malta's campaign to attract private investment, and a number of U.S. companies are operating in Malta. These include major hotels, light manufacturing and repair facilities, pharmaceutical and medical supply firms, and some offices servicing local and regional operations. In an effort to boost trade relations, the United States and Malta signed a double taxation agreement in 2008, which came into force in 2011. Malta joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008. This program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free for tourist and business purposes for stays under 90 days.

Malta's Membership in International Organizations

Malta became a member of the United Nations in 1964 following independence from the United Kingdom. Malta and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Malta is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and is also a member of the Schengen Agreement on the abolition of border checks and the Euro zone.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Malta is Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Malta maintains an embassy in the United States at 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202-462-3611).

More information about Malta is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Malta Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Malta Page
U.S. Embassy: Malta
History of U.S. Relations With Malta
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Malta check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving TBA
Currency (MTL) Maltese lira
Electrical 240 Volts
Telephones Country Code 356



Climate
Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer.

Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk – this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

Currency
The Maltese Pound (Lm) or Lira is divided into 100 cents. Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into Malta as long as it is declared on arrival. The maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into the country is of Lm 1000 per person. On departure, visitors can take out again all their foreign currency, but not more than Lm1000 in Maltese currency.

Banks & Currency Exchange: Banks are normally open between 08.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and up to 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

Exchange Bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands.

Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants can exchange currency. The exchange slip is required to change local currency back to foreign denominations on departure. Exchange rates offered by hotels, restaurants and shops are generally inferior to those available at banks.

Credit Cards: Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, Mastercard and Visa.

Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain.
Adapters are very easy to find.

Tipping
Gratuities are usually in the region of 10 – 15%, as in most European countries. As a rule of thumb: taxi drivers – not expected, but up to 10%; porters – 10c to 15c per piece of luggage; restaurants, unless a service charge is added to the bill, 10%.

Here is some more useful Tourist Information about Malta.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

TOBACCO......................200 Cigarettes or 250g of Tobacco

LIQUOR..........................2 Bottles

GIFTS.............................Up To a Value Not Exceeding Lm50

CAMERAS.......................1 Still Camera

CURRENCY......................Must Be Declared On Arrival

AGRICULTURE ITEMS......Refer to Consulate

NOTE: It is advisable to declare any larger or unusual items of electrical equipment brought into the island (such as video cameras, portable televisions or video recorders), as this will prevent duty being levied on these items when leaving the country.

PROHIBITED: Firearms and ammunition, counterfeit goods and unlicensed drugs. Certain plants and meat products require an import licence.



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