Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Malta from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Malta:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Malta's country code: +356
Dial +356 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +356 1 [number]. From mobile: + +356 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Malta
How to Call Abroad from Malta
To call another country from Malta: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Malta numbers is +356 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +356 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Malta
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Malta to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +356 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Malta.
Common Questions About Calling Malta
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +356 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Malta?
For a mobile: dial +356 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +356, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Malta from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +356 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Malta via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +356 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Malta?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +356 mean and where does it come from?
+356 is the international dialing code assigned to Malta by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Malta number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +356 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Malta
Malta uses UTC+2. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Malta from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–15:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
08:00–20:00
🇩🇪 Germany
09:00–21:00
🇫🇷 France
09:00–21:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
10:00–22:00
🇦🇪 UAE
11:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
10:00–22:00
🇮🇳 India
13:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Malta
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–356–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Malta
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Malta
Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Malta visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Malta offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Malta currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Malta?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Malta grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Malta on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Malta visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Malta on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Malta visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Malta on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Malta?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Malta on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Valletta (housed in Malta) Ta' Qali National Park, Attard ATD 4000 ☎ +356 2561 4000 Mon-Fri 7:30-16:30
💳 Tipping Culture
10% tip appreciated; sometimes included in bill.
🚄 Transport
No rail | Malta Public Transport bus network | Ferry between Malta & Gozo | Water taxis (dghajjes) | Taxis via app or rank
✈️ Airports
1 airport | Malta International Airport MLA (main) | No other airports | Ferry from Sicily & mainland Italy
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Malta is divided into 68 municipalities.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Malta. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Malta is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
No special vaccinations required for Malta. Routine vaccines should be up to date (MMR, DTaP, flu, COVID-19). Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine recommended for hikers in forested areas. EU travelers get reciprocal healthcare with EHIC/GHIC card.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Smart-casual is the norm in Malta. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Malta: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Malta?
Some of the most famous foods in Malta include: Stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), Pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta), Gbejniet (sheep's cheese), Ftira (Maltese bread), Bragioli (beef olives), Lampuki pie (fish pie), Ross il-Forn (baked rice), Kinnie (bitter orange drink), Imqaret (date pastries), Bigilla (broad bean dip).
What are the best places to visit in Malta?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Malta include: Valletta (UNESCO Capital & smallest EU capital), Megalithic Temples (UNESCO, world's oldest freestanding structures), Blue Lagoon Comino, Mdina Silent City, St. John's Co-Cathedral, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (UNESCO), Gozo Island & Azure Window site, Fort St. Angelo, Popeye Village, Marsaxlokk Fishing Village.
What are the main customs and traditions in Malta?
Notable customs and traditions in Malta include: Warm & expressive Mediterranean character, Greet with cheek kisses or handshake, Catholic tradition strong, English widely spoken (official language), Village festas are community events.
What is Malta famous for?
Malta is well known for: Maltese language (unique Semitic-Romance mix), Knight Hospitaller history, Festa (village patron saint festivals), Mediterranean cuisine & rabbit dishes, Diving in crystal-clear waters.
Where in the world is Malta located?
Malta is located in Europe.
What countries are near Malta?
Countries in the same region as Malta include: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
112 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Malta?
The capital of Malta is Valletta.
What currency is used in Malta?
Malta uses the EUR · € · Euro.
What is the dial code for Malta?
The international dial code for Malta is +356.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Malta. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Malta cost per day?
Daily costs in Malta range from $60 (budget) to $130 (mid-range) to $300 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Malta is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
How many municipalities does Malta have?
Malta has 68 municipalities.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService often included. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water is safe to drink throughout most of Malta.
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