What you need before travelling to Malta to study English comes down to: ID, course booking, accommodation, flights and, if applicable, a visa. If you're an EU citizen, you don't need a visa. In this guide we give you a complete checklist with tables and practical tips so you don't forget anything. Links to English courses in Malta, accommodation and free advice.
Quick checklist: do you have everything?
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ID or passport | Yes | Valid; if EU, ID is enough |
| Visa | Depends | No if you're an EU citizen |
| Course booking | Yes | Email confirmation |
| Accommodation booked | Yes | Or at least the first few nights |
| Flights | Yes | Book early for better prices |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Covers medical and cancellation |
| European health card | If applicable | For medical care in Malta |
| Plug adapter | Yes | Malta uses type G (UK style) |
1. Identity documents
| Document | Who needs it? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ID | EU citizens | Enough to enter Malta |
| Passport | Non-EU / long trips | Check validity (min. 6 months) |
| European health card | EU citizens | Medical care in Malta |
| Course booking confirmation | Everyone | School or agency sends by email |
Keep a digital copy of everything on your phone or in the cloud, in case you lose the originals.
2. Visa
| Situation | Visa needed? |
|---|---|
| EU citizen | No |
| Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, Liechtenstein | No (Schengen agreements) |
| Other countries | Depends on country of origin; check with embassy or school |
Schools in Malta often help with documentation for a student visa if you need one. Check several weeks in advance; processing can take time.
3. Course booking: what you need to know
Before travelling make sure you have:
| Information | Got it? |
|---|---|
| Confirmation from school or agency | ✓ |
| Course start and end dates | ✓ |
| School address | ✓ |
| What the course includes (materials, certificate) | ✓ |
| Class schedule (morning/afternoon) | ✓ |
See English courses in Malta to compare options. For personalised help, request free advice.
4. Accommodation
| Option | When to book |
|---|---|
| Through the school | When booking the course; usually simpler |
| On your own | In advance; see accommodation in Malta for recommended platforms |
Book or confirm accommodation before you arrive. Arriving without a place to stay on day one can be stressful.
5. Flights and arrival
- Book early for better prices; flexible dates are usually cheaper.
- Malta Airport (MLA): the only one on the island; well connected to Europe.
- From Spain: direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and other cities.
- Transport to centre: taxi, bus or transfer; airport is about 8 km from Valletta.
6. Travel insurance
| Covers | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Medical assistance | Highly recommended |
| Cancellation | Useful if you book far in advance |
| Theft or lost luggage | Optional |
Even if not required, travel insurance gives peace of mind. Check your policy terms before leaving.
7. Money and banks
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Malta uses the euro |
| Cash | Bring some for when you arrive; ATMs and cards work well |
| Bank account | If staying several months, you can open one locally |
| Fees | Check if your bank charges for foreign payments |
8. What to pack
| Essential | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Light clothes (Mediterranean climate) | Sunscreen |
| Plug adapter (type G) | Documents and bookings printed or on your phone |
| Medications if you use them | Beach bag, sunglasses |
Malta has over 300 days of sun a year. In summer it's hot; in winter, mild. You don't need heavy coats except in the coldest months.
9. First days in Malta
| Task | Tip |
|---|---|
| Locate school and accommodation | Do the walk on day one so you don't get lost |
| Try the transport | Bus is the most common. If your course lasts 3+ months, apply for the free Tallinja card at publictransport.com.mt and travel free on all buses |
| Connect wifi / buy SIM | To stay reachable and use maps |
| Read guides | Why study English in Malta and how to choose the best school |
If you want help preparing everything (course, accommodation, dates), request your free advice here. You can also browse our English courses in Malta and contact us if you have questions.