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DOCUMENTS
All visitors entering Malta need a valid passport, except for nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, for whom a valid national ID card is acceptable for stays of up to 3 months.
CLIMATE
In winter the climate is mild with a temperature of around 15°C. In summer the temperature rises to over 30°C with the sea temperature reading around 25°C. For a large part of the year The Maltese Islands enjoy clear blue skies and a high intensity of sunlight. There is always bright sun and warm weather in spring and in summer. To check the weather forecast visit http://www.maltaweather.com/.
GETTING TO MALTA
All flights arrive and depart from Malta International Airport. Mainland Europe as well as North Africa and the Middle East has got the best possible access to Malta. Air Malta flights operate daily from London, Frankfurt, Rome, Zurich, Catania (Sicily) and Tripoli (Libya) and several direct weekly flights from Milan, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Moscow, Tunis, Cairo and Dubai. Other carriers with service to Malta include Ryannair, Alitalia, KLM, Lufthansa, Swissair and Tunisavia and many others. For flight information visit http://www.airmalta.com & www.maltairport.com.
GETTING AROUND
The public transport is an extremely cheap way to move around, ranging from Euro 0.50c to Euro 1.25 per ride. The main bus terminus in Valletta is just outside the City Gate and another one is found in Victoria, Gozo. The route number is shown on the front of each bus. Bus tickets are purchased directly from the bus driver on board the bus. Also special tickets (1 day - 7 days), which allow unrestricted travel, can be purchased from the main terminals.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, travel and car hire agencies.
Traveller's Cheques & Eurocheques: All the main brands of traveller's cheques can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks and bureaux de change. There are also 24-hour exchange machines at banks in the main tourist towns where one can feed in foreign banknotes and get Maltese currency back automatically.
ATMs: These are easily found in all the main towns in Malta where you can withdraw Euro cash using a credit card and PIN. (Note that this incurs a 'handling charge' of around 2% of the amount withdrawn).
USEFUL EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Government Information Line - 153
For All Emergencies – 112
CLOTHING
For the summer months light cotton is ideal (and obviously swim wear!). Long sleeve jumpers and a jacket are just right for the winter months. Comfortable and non-slip shoes are a must for country walks. If you plan to visit churches you will need long trousers or a long skirt and something to cover your shoulders with.
STAYING HEALTHY
As you get closer to the tropics, the effect of the sun is much stronger. Any ill effects from the sun can be avoided by not overdoing the sunbathing when you first arrive and by applying a sufficient sunscreen. You should also be aware of the effects of the heat exhaustion, especially when you just arrive. Avoid over-exertion and drink plenty of water. You should drink only bottled water.
HEALTH CARE
There are two state hospitals, Mater Dei in Malta and the Gozo General Hospital in Gozo and state policlinics in every district. A number of private hospitals can also be found.
If you have NO medical insurance use the state hospital (Mater Dei) or any Public Health Centre. Unless students are in possession of the relevant form for entitlement to free medical assistance, all services must be paid for.
EU Citizens should possess an E111, which entitles you to free treatment, and a certificate from the Head of School confirming that you are registered at Linguatime. If EU Members do not possess an E111 then the hospital bill is to be paid and the refund can be then claimed from the respective Member State.
If you have a VALID health insurance policy, you shall be liable to pay the hospital fee and claim a refund from your insurance
Private Hospitals
A number of private hospitals can also be found around the island. Use these only if you have medical insurance cover.
Always make sure that you have enough cash on you, or a credit card, to be able to cover the hospital fee. Remember that your insurance company will only refund the money when you’re back in your home country.
Should you require medical assistance, the school doctor may be contacted. This service is not free. If you suffer from a medical condition, please notify the school prior to your arrival.
We advise you to either check that your insurance policy is valid in Malta or take out a new policy prior to your arrival.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2010
January 1st - New Year's Day
February 10th - Feast of St.Paul's Shipwreck
March 19th - Feast of St.Joseph
March 31st - Freedom Day
May 1st - Worker's Day
June 7th - Sette Giugno
June 29th - Feast of St Peter and St Paul
August 15th - Feast of the Assumption
September 8th - Feast of Our Lady of Victories
September 21st - Independence Day
December 8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 13th - Republic Day
December 25th - Christmas Day
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