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Malta Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Malta

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments.

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Can I travel to Malta from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta.

Can I travel to Malta if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Malta without restrictions.

Can I travel to Malta without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Malta without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Malta?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Malta.

Can I travel to Malta without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Malta?

Mask usage in Malta is not required in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Malta?

Restaurants in Malta are open. Bars in Malta are .

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Malta Is Officially Reopen to All Vaccinated American Travelers

Americans with approved vaccines are welcome in this idyllic EU country.

As of Monday, Malta is now reopen to fully vaccinated Americans .

The Mediterranean island, which was the first EU country to reach herd immunity with nearly 70% of their population vaccinated, had previously allowed Americans in on a state-by-state basis. Travel to and from the U.S. was originally limited to 38 states — excluding Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.

Now, travelers who are vaccinated simply need to prove that they've received an EMA-approved vaccine, which include Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca/Oxford. American travelers must wait 14 days after their completed vaccine course before traveling to Malta.

However, from August 1, 2021 forward, American's vaccination cards will need to be verified through a CDC-approved app in order to be accepted as a valid vaccine certificate.

The country's reopening is "another step forward for Malta's Tourism Sector, which is breathing life again, after COVID-19 restrictive measures were relaxed, slowly and gradually, keeping everyone's health and safety as a topmost priority, together with ensuring that Malta still has all the right ingredients for everyone to Feel Free Again," Johann Buttigieg, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure.

Malta is one of the European countries trying to lure back tourists this summer and fall. The country has launched a scheme to pay visitors who book at least a three-night stay at three- to five-star hotels. Visitors can earn up to $238 for booking three nights at a five-star hotel and those who visit the island of Gozo can earn an additional 10% incentive on top of that.

Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure, currently based in Brooklyn. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram , or at caileyrizzo.com .

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Can I travel to Malta? Rules and restrictions explained

By Abigail Malbon

What do the travel rules mean when going to Malta from the UK, and is Malta open to visitors? Here’s what we know.

What are the travel restrictions when returning from Malta?

Since March 2022, Brits returning to England do not need to take any tests, quarantine or fill out a passenger locator form , regardless of vaccination status. There are no legal Covid-related requirements concerning international travel to Wales, although the government still advises would-be travellers to remain cautious, taking a lateral flow test before visiting vulnerable family members or if they feel unwell. 

Scotland and Northern Ireland's travel rules for people arriving from abroad also ended at 4am on Friday 18 March 2022. 

What are the entry requirements for Malta?

UK citizens and residents over 12 should present proof of full vaccination to enter the country. Travellers must have received their second vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Malta. The NHS Covid Pass letter or the digital app version is accepted as proof. To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have had the primary schedule of jabs, with the most recent dose administered in the past three months, or had a primary schedule plus a booster which was administered in the past nine months.

Children between the ages of five and 11 can travel while accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or legal guardians. Children must show evidence of a negative PCR test, dated within 72 hours before arrival. Children under five do not need a test. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide evidence of a PCR test dated within 72 hours before arrival, and quarantine for 14 days on arrival at an officially-designated quarantine hotel.

Since May 2022, visitors have not been required to fill out Malta's equivalent of a passenger locator form ahead of entering the country, and travellers will not be required to wear a face mask when accessing the majority of public places and events.

Remember: things could potentially change quickly if Covid cases rise in Malta. For now, if you're planning a trip, we recommend booking with a flexible policy and investing in travel insurance with Covid cover for extra peace of mind.

Where to go : Valletta is home to some of the most in-demand hotels in Europe. Options include the newly opened Iniala Harbour House , created from four historic townhouses overlooking the Grand Harbour, and the equally grand Cugó Gran Macina , whose rooftop swimming pool has spectacular views over the ancient city. Alternatively, stay in one of the smaller hotels on St Ursula Street in Valletta's old town, such as Palazzo Consiglia.

What to do : After months without travel, you might just want to soak up the feeling of being on a warm beach again, and Malta is an ideal place to simply stretch out on the sand. Alternatively, see below for 10 more editors' tips on what to do in the country.

Like this? Now read:

10 amazing things to do in Malta

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Malta travel rules: What are the latest restrictions for holidaymakers?

A normal summer season beckons for malta, with all remaining covid-19 restrictions due to be lifted on 25 july, article bookmarked.

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In just under a week, Malta will lift its remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions, meaning that this summer should be business as usual on the tiny Mediterranean island nation.

About time too, as Malta’s beautiful coves and historic architecture make for a fantastic beach break that culture vultures will also love.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Do I need proof of vaccination or a test to visit Malta?

As of 12.00am on 25 July, there will be no Covid-related restrictions on entering Malta.

Until then however, all passengers over the age of 12 years are required to show either proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, or proof of having recovered from Covid-19 within the last 180 days.

Vaccination must have taken place between 14 and 270 days prior to the date of arrival. If more than 270 days have elapsed since vaccination, travellers must show proof of having received a booster jab.

You can use the UK Covid Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record when entering Malta.

Anyone entering Malta without proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test must quarantine for a minimum of seven and a maximum of 10 days, with a test to release on day seven.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from these rules.

Do I need to fill in a passenger locator form for Malta?

No, travellers are not required to complete a Passenger Locator Form for entry to Malta. This rule was lifted on 2 May.

Very few countries now require the health tracking forms, previously a staple of pandemic-era travel.

Most European countries ended their Covid health forms during spring 2022.

Destinations which have retained some sort of digital form or health app include the Maldives, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Korea.

Do I need to wear a mask while on holiday in Malta?

Malta suspended its nationwide mask mandate on 2 May.

Masks were still mandatory on flights until 16 May.

The only situations were they are now necessary are in hospitals and care homes.

Has Brexit changed the rules for visiting Malta?

The rule changes that could trip you up on a visit to Malta in 2022 are more likely to be Brexit-related than Covid-related. Since the UK left the European Union, there are new rules regarding length and frequency of visits to countries in the Schengen Area (including Malta), as well as rules around passport stamps and validity.

To visit an EU country post-Brexit, your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the “date of issue”)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the “expiry date”)

There is also now a time limit on how long and how often you can visit Malta, visa free. The Foreign Office advises: “You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

“To stay longer, to work or study, for business or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Maltese government’s entry requirements.”

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Dernière mise à jour le : 28 mars 2024 - Information toujours valide le : 8 avril 2024

Dernière Minute

Sécurité, entrée / séjour, santé, infos utiles, voyages d’affaires.

Date de publication : 28 mars 2024

Urgence Attentat – Vigilance renforcée pour les ressortissants français à l’étranger

Publié le 26/03/2024

Compte tenu du relèvement, sur l’ensemble du territoire national, de la posture du plan Vigipirate au niveau Urgence attentat, une vigilance renforcée est recommandée à l’ensemble de nos ressortissants résidant ou de passage à l’étranger.

Risques encourus et recommandations associées

Délinquance.

Des pickpockets sont susceptibles d’agir dans les transports et certains lieux publics à forte présence touristique (Paceville notamment). Des vols avec effraction dans les chambres d’hôtel ou les appartements de tourisme ont également été rapportés.

Plusieurs plaintes pour agressions sexuelles ont été recensées.

Risque sismique

Malte est située sur la faille de Pantelleria et à proximité de zones d’activité volcanique (sud de l’Italie, Sicile notamment). L’archipel maltais est occasionnellement soumis à des secousses telluriques, généralement de faible intensité (moins de 5 sur l’échelle de Richter).

En cas de tremblement de terre lors d’un séjour touristique, il est recommandé d’entrer immédiatement en contact avec sa famille ou ses proches afin de les rassurer, ou, en cas de problème de communication avec l’extérieur, avec l’ambassade de France. Ne pas oublier que les communications sont, dans ce type de circonstances, rapidement saturées. En cas de séisme, il est recommandé de s’éloigner des zones côtières (risque de raz-de-marée).

Consulter la fiche Séismes .

Zones de vigilance

L’ensemble du territoire est en vigilance normale.

Une vigilance particulière est recommandée dans le quartier de Paceville, au nord de la ville de Saint Julians, qui concentre l’activité nocturne de l’île, dans les bus de la ligne 1 (13, 14, 15, 16) qui le desservent et sur les bateaux de tourisme, en particulier lors de croisières festives et/ou nocturnes.

En cas de tempête

Les recommandations d’usage s’imposent :

• Ne pas se tenir près du rivage, y compris sur les promenades en bord de mer dans les villes côtières ;
• Ne pas circuler sur des routes bordées d’arbres (chutes d’arbres fréquentes en cas de vents violents) ;
• Consulter le site internet du ferry reliant Gozo à Cirkewwa (Malte) ainsi que celui reliant directement la Valette à Gozo pour s’assurer qu’il n’est pas prévu de perturbations du service en cas de mauvais temps

Recommandations générales

Il est recommandé de :

• laisser ses documents de voyage dans un endroit sûr et de ne sortir qu’avec des photocopies ;
• ne pas porter sur soi d’importantes sommes d’argent ;
• ne pas laisser d’effets personnels sans surveillance dans les lieux les plus fréquentés (en particulier les magasins et marchés de La Valette ou de Marsaxlokk, les plages, bars et boîtes de nuit de Sliema, Saint Julians et Paceville ou dans les voitures en stationnement) ;
• disposer d’une assurance couvrant les risques de vol.

Activités sportives à risque

Chaque année, plusieurs cas de noyade sont signalés à Malte, notamment dans la zone très fréquentée du Blue Lagoon, chenal situé entre les îles de Comino et Cominetto et dans lequel s’engouffrent de forts courants tournants. Il est recommandé de s’assurer que la baignade est surveillée et de consulter les drapeaux de sécurité :

• vert : eaux calmes ;
• jaune : risque modéré ;
• rouge : risques élevés, forts courants ;
• bleu/violet : présence d’organismes toxiques.

Navigation de plaisance

L’état de la mer, comme partout en Méditerranée, peut changer très rapidement. Il est donc indispensable de se renseigner sur les conditions météorologiques avant chaque sortie.

Plongée

Il est recommandé de ne pratiquer la plongée sous-marine qu’en compagnie de moniteurs certifiés, après avoir vérifié la fiabilité des équipements utilisés.

Formalités d’entrée

Malte étant membre de l’Union européenne, les ressortissants français peuvent y entrer librement, munis d’un passeport ou d’une carte nationale d’identité en cours de validité.

Dans l’hypothèse d’un séjour de plus de trois mois, les ressortissants français (sauf étudiants en stage conventionné) doivent demander un permis de résidence temporaire ou permanent, selon le cas. De plus amples informations peuvent être obtenues sur le site (en anglais) du ministère maltais des Affaires étrangères .

Voyager à Malte avec un titre de séjour français

Les étrangers titulaires d’un titre de séjour français qui se rendent à Malte doivent également présenter un passeport en cours de validité au risque de se voir refuser de réembarquer lors de leur retour en France.

Extension de la validité des CNI

Les cartes nationales d’identité françaises (CNI) délivrées à des majeurs entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013 sont encore valables 5 ans après la date de fin de validité indiquée au verso, mais aucune modification matérielle de la carte plastifiée n’atteste de cette prorogation. Les autorités maltaises ont accepté officiellement cette prorogation. Toutefois, de façon à éviter tout désagrément pendant son voyage, il est fortement recommandé de privilégier l’utilisation d’un passeport valide à celle d’une CNI portant une date de fin de validité dépassée, même si elle est considérée par les autorités françaises comme étant toujours en cours de validité. En cas de voyage uniquement avec une CNI, télécharger et imprimer la notice multilingue (PDF - 82,5 Ko) expliquant ces nouvelles règles.

Mesures liées au Covid

Toutes les mesures de restrictions sanitaires pour l’entrée sur le territoire ont été levées.

Il est recommandé de suivre les consignes des autorités locales (notamment sur le site du ministère de la Santé , en anglais) et de consulter le site internet de l’ambassade de France à Malte.

Il est aussi recommandé de souscrire une assurance voyage, notamment liée à la Covid 19.

Le port du masque peut être exigé dans les structures de santé. Il peut également être recommandé de porter un masque dans des lieux exigus, notamment dans les transports. En outre, les lieux recevant du public, comme les commerces, demeurent libres de demander à leurs clients de porter un masque.

Un séjour à l’étranger implique pour tout voyageur de prendre certaines précautions de santé. La rubrique ci-dessous indique les informations essentielles. Elles ne dispensent toutefois pas le voyageur d’une consultation chez son médecin traitant et/ou dans un centre hospitalier spécialisé dans la médecine des voyages (ceci suffisamment longtemps avant le départ pour permettre le rappel de vaccins).

Avant le départ

Frais d’hospitalisation et dépenses de santé.

Afin de pouvoir bénéficier d’une prise en charge par la Sécurité sociale, les Français de passage doivent être munis d’une carte européenne d’assurance maladie, à demander à leur caisse locale au moins 15 jours avant le départ. Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site de l’assurance maladie en ligne .

S’ils ne peuvent la présenter dans les structures de soins maltaises, il leur faudra alors régler immédiatement l’intégralité des frais.

Pour faire face à des dépenses parfois très élevées, il est fortement recommandé de disposer d’un contrat d’assistance ou d’une assurance permettant de couvrir tous les frais médicaux et de rapatriement sanitaire. Ces frais ne pourront en aucun cas être pris en charge par l’ambassade de France sur place.

Recommandations pour votre santé

Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé. Constituer une pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter que les médicaments nécessaires. Pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Infos pratiques .

Si son état de santé nécessite un suivi particulier pendant le séjour (soins infirmiers, examens médicaux, dialyse), s’assurer que les actes médicaux nécessaires peuvent être pratiqués à Malte et que ses dépenses sont couvertes.

Vaccinations

Il est recommandé d’être à jour des vaccinations diphtérie-tétanos-poliomyélite (DTP) et rougeole-oreillons-rubéole (ROR).

Risques sanitaires

Infection par le virus vih – ist.

Concernant les infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST), il est recommandé de prendre toutes les précautions d’usage en la matière et d’éviter les comportements à risque.

Quelques règles simples

Veiller à la sécurité routière (port de la ceinture de sécurité, port du casque à deux-roues).

Se préserver des contaminations digestives ou de contact

• se laver les mains régulièrement avec des solutions de lavage hydro-alcooliques, surtout avant et après les repas et le passage aux toilettes ;
• veiller à la qualité des aliments et à leur bonne cuisson.
• Institut Pasteur
• Santé publique France
• Organisation mondiale de la Santé

Le français est peu parlé à Malte et n’est que rarement compris. Le maltais et l’anglais sont les deux langues officielles du pays.

Législation locale

Incivilités.

L’attention des voyageurs est attirée sur le fait que la police maltaise se montre particulièrement sévère en cas d’incivilités ou d’altercations sur le territoire maltais, avec mise en garde à vue, comparution immédiate devant un juge et le prononcé de fortes amendes et/ou de peines de prison.

Stupéfiants

La détention, la consommation et la vente de stupéfiants, quelle que soit leur nature, même en quantités réduites, sont interdites et passibles d’une amende et d’une peine de prison à Malte.

Infrastructure routière

Les règles de circulation automobile (conduite à gauche) et les usages incitent à un surcroît de vigilance de la part des automobilistes et des piétons (pour lesquels la traversée des voies hors passages protégés est déconseillée).

En cas d’accident, il est recommandé de ne pas déplacer le véhicule et d’attendre l’arrivée de la police.

Location de voitures

La location de véhicules sur place est relativement aisée. Il est cependant recommandé de consulter avec soin toutes les rubriques du contrat de location, notamment celles concernant les dépôts de garantie et le règlement d’éventuelles contraventions, de vérifier l’état extérieur et intérieur du véhicule et de faire annoter sur le contrat les observations nécessaires. Des escroqueries ont été constatées au moment de la restitution des véhicules (non-restitution de caution, principalement).

Transport aérien

Vérifier que les horaires, dates de départ et d’arrivée ne sont pas modifiés pendant son séjour. Il est recommandé d’imprimer en avance les cartes d’embarquement (certaines compagnies font payer ce service à l’aéroport).

Us et coutumes

Il convient de porter une tenue appropriée en ville, sur les plages, et en particulier lors de la visite des lieux de culte.

Séjours linguistiques

Il est conseillé aux parents qui envoient leurs enfants effectuer un stage linguistique à Malte de s’assurer que les institutions et écoles de langue mettent en place un encadrement suffisant en soirée et en fin de semaine, afin d’éviter tout incident. Un contact direct, fréquent et régulier est recommandé entre parents et accompagnateurs et/ou familles d’accueil pour s’assurer que le séjour se déroule dans de bonnes conditions, a fortiori s’il s’agit de mineurs.

Location saisonnière

Il convient d’être vigilant en ce qui concerne les contrats de location saisonnière, notamment les dépôts et retours de caution et le règlement de charges annexes. Un contrat en bonne et due forme est préférable à un accord informel de particulier à particulier. Les escroqueries locatives sont fréquentes, en particulier en cas de pré-paiement par internet.

Visa d’affaires

Les ressortissants français sont admis sur le territoire maltais sur présentation d’une carte nationale d’identité ou d’un passeport en cours de validité.

Pour plus d’informations, consulter la rubrique Entrée/séjour de la présente fiche.

Données économiques

Consulter la fiche repères économiques Malte .

Contacts utiles

Service économique.

Les Services économiques auprès des ambassades sont des services extérieurs de la direction générale du Trésor . Ils ont pour missions l’analyse et la veille économique et financière, sur une base macroéconomique, l’animation des relations économiques, financières et commerciales bilatérales avec les pays de leur compétence, et le soutien public au développement international des entreprises.

Malte relève du Service économique régional de Rome :

Service économique régional de Rome Adresse : Piazza Farnese, 48 00186 Rome - Italie Tél. : +39 06 68 19 15 01 Télécopie : +39 06 68 97 027 Courriel : rome chez dgtresor.gouv.fr

Les conseillers du commerce extérieur de la France (CCEF) forment un réseau actif de plus de 4 000 membres dans 146 pays , au service de la présence française dans le monde. Ils mettent leur expérience pour conseiller les pouvoirs publics, parrainer les entreprises, former les jeunes aux métiers de l’international et promouvoir l’attractivité de la France pour les investissements internationaux.

Site internet : Comité national des conseillers du commerce extérieur de la France

Les Chambres de commerce et d’industrie (CCI) françaises à l’international sont des associations indépendantes de droit local qui regroupent des entreprises françaises et étrangères . Elles constituent un réseau mondial de relations et de contacts d’affaires de plus de 32 000 entreprises françaises et étrangères dans 83 pays.

Chambre de commerce française de Malte (MFCC) JPR Buildings Triq taż-Żwejt San Gwann SGN 3000 Malta Tél. : +356 79 63 22 63 Courriel : info chez mfccmalta.com Site Internet

Chambre de Commerce

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry The Exchange Buildings Republic Street Valletta VLT 1117 Malta Tél. : +356 2123 3873 Télécopie : +356 2124 5223 Courriel : info chez maltachamber.org.mt

Malta Enterprise Corporation

Agence de développement nationale, responsable de promouvoir et de faciliter l’investissement international dans les îles maltaises.

Malta Enterprise Corporation Malta Industrial Parks Ltd Gwardamangia Hill Pietà MEC 0001 Tél. : +356 2542 0000 Courriel : info chez maltaenterprise.com

Malte et le FMI

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Malta Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to Malta

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to malta, find stays in malta, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, united arab emirates, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Malta from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta.

Can I travel to Malta if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Malta without restrictions.

Can I travel to Malta without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Malta without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Malta?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Malta.

Can I travel to Malta without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Malta?

Mask usage in Malta is not required in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Malta?

Restaurants in Malta are open. Bars in Malta are .

Malta tightens restrictions as COVID-19 cases spike

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China to make macro policies more consistent, state media reports, citing premier

China's Premier Li Qiang said during a Monday symposium with economic experts and businessmen that China will make macro policies more consistent and pay attention to precise policy implementation, state media reported.

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Malta Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, malta - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Malta.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malta.

If you decide to travel to Malta:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Malta.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Malta travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: March 13, 2024 14:07 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, malta - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Malta

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, occurs. Thieves could target tourists, particularly in crowded public areas such as:

• markets, particularly those of Valletta and Marsaxlokk
• public transportation hubs and facilities, particularly the main bus routes between Valletta Paceville, San Ġiljan and Sliema (lines 13, 14, 15, 16)
• hotel lobbies
• bars and nightclub areas of Paceville, San Ġiljan and Sliema
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist sites and attractions

While travelling:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• at the beach, bring only the essentials and keep valuables out of sight
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• don’t leave any luggage or valuables in the vehicle, even in the trunk
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers

Violent crime

Although violent crime is rare, physical attacks, including sexual assault and rape, do occur.

Be particularly vigilant in nightlife areas such as Paceville, where excessive alcohol consumption and large crowds can sometimes lead to disagreements and confrontations.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unsecured websites
• Use sound judgment when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet
• Never click on suspicious links asking for your banking information in an email or text message

Rentals agencies

There are reports of apartment rental scams and difficulties when seeking reimbursement for a security deposit. When dealing with apartment or car rental agencies:

• only rent from reputable companies
• read the rental contract thoroughly
• request an inventory of the furniture
• take photos as proof of pre-existing damage and ensure they are mentioned on the contract
• avoid providing full prepayment

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Valletta.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Many beaches in Malta are supervised and enforce excellent safety procedures.

The main warning flags used in Malta are:

• Green: calm waters, you can swim
• Yellow: agitated waters, swim with caution
• Red: dangerous waters, don’t swim
• Blue/violet: contaminated waters or presence of dangerous species, don’t swim

Tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides.

Coral, urchin, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along the coasts can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on.

• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Ask local authorities about the presence of dangerous species and immediately seek medical assistance if you get hurt
• Wear reef shoes to protect yourself against stone and coral cuts or urchin stings
• Keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the capacity of your boat
• know and respect the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all activities on the water
• keep a safe distance from areas reserved for certain activities such as snorkeling
• carry a marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Hunting season

Specific dates for the hunting season are determined by the government in the lead-up to the season. It generally runs from the spring until the fall.

If you travel to rural areas during this period:

• make yourself aware of hunting areas
• remain in designated camping areas
• don't wander onto private property where hunting is legally permitted

Road safety

Traffic drives on the left.

Road conditions vary across the country. Narrow, winding, congested and sometimes poorly maintained roads may pose hazards. Heavy rains regularly cause flash-flooding.

Drivers may not respect traffic laws or follow safe driving practices. They may not always yield to pedestrians or bicycles. While illegal, double parking is common.

Public transportation

A bus system connects the main cities. Buses are reliable but are sometimes overcrowded, particularly during summer months. You can use the Tallinja official app to confirm the routes and schedules.

There are ferries connecting:

• Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Sliema
• Valletta and Cospicua
• Valletta and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Pozzallo, Sicily, Italy

Weather conditions can lead to cancellations or delays, particularly on ferry lines to and from Gozo.

• Pay attention to pre-departure notices from your carrier
• Always reconfirm departure schedule before heading to the port

Taxis are generally safe and widely available. Ridesharing services are also available.

Taxi fares are regulated and mandatory. They may be prepaid at authorized taxi booths or calculated using a taxi meter.

Useful links

• Schedules and routes - Malta public transport
• Tallinja app - Malta public transport
• Gozo channel ferry - Gozo Channel
• Taxis and Electric Mini Cabs - Transport Malta

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Maltese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Malta is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Visa and immigration services - Identity Malta

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health services are excellent.

Payment, even for emergency services, may be requested in advance when private insurance cannot be confirmed.

In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to another European country may be necessary if the treatment required is not offered in Malta.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Judicial proceedings

Judicial proceedings are usually lengthy in Malta due to long pretrial investigative periods. If you are involved in judicial proceedings in Malta, be aware that:

• you may be subject to lengthy detention periods before your trial
• you may be denied bail
• obtaining free legal aid can be complex and slow down the process
• unpredictable delays may occur before trial and between hearings

Things to Know About Justice in Malta - Ministry for Justice

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Malta are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Malta to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Malta authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Malta.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Malta, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Malta.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malta, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Maltese court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malta to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated.

You must register your drone to use it in the European Union. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

• Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency
• Use of drones - Transport Malta

Beach etiquette

Certain activities, items and behaviours are prohibited on Malta’s beaches. Make sure you are aware of the regulations.

If you fail to comply, you may be fined.

Code of Conduct for Malta’s Beaches - VisitMalta

You may drive up to one year with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. However, you should still carry an international driving permit.

• The Highway Code of Malta - Government of Malta
• More about driving in Malta  - European Commission
• More about the International Driving Permit

The currency of Malta is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains and seasonal storms can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Weather alerts - Malta international airport
• Civil protection department - Government of Malta

Earthquakes

Malta is located in an active seismic zone. However, earthquakes are rare.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Albania, Malta, San Marino

For emergency consular assistance, call the consulate of Canada in Malta, in Valletta, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Coronavirus

 Malta

Coronavirus cases:, total coronavirus cases in malta.

• logarithmic

Daily New Cases in Malta

Active cases in malta, total coronavirus deaths in malta, daily new deaths in malta, latest news, march 26 (gmt).

• 2 new cases in Malta   [ source ]
• 8 new cases in Malta   [ source ]
• 5 new cases and 2 new deaths in Malta   [ source ]
• 13 new cases and 1 new death in Malta   [ source ]
• 13 new cases in Malta   [ source ]
• 23 new cases in Malta   [ source ]
• 22 new cases in Malta   [ source ]

Cerberus says its investment in Steward hospitals yielded an $800 million profit

Buyout firm tells senators its $246 million purchase price was its only cash outlay.

Cerberus Capital Management, which more than a decade ago snapped up the Massachusetts hospital system that became Steward Health Care, confirmed that its investment yielded a profit of about $800 million.

The size of Cerberus’s profit, on the eve of a Senate subcommittee hearing in Boston on the role of for-profit health care, serves as a stark contrast to Steward’s current situation in Massachusetts. Facing a severe cash shortage that has resulted in many of its suppliers not being paid, Steward is trying to sell its eight remaining hospitals in the state and has already struck a deal to sell off its physicians group network.

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Cerberus paid $246 million in 2010 for Caritas Christi Health Care, a chain of six nonprofit Catholic hospitals. A spokesperson for Cerberus confirmed to the Globe that the buyout firm more than tripled its investment.

The chain was converted into a for-profit system and rebranded as Steward, launching a national expansion and moving its headquarters to Dallas. Cerberus sold its interest in Steward in 2020.

In response to questions from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, meanwhile, Cerberus indicated for the first time that the 2010 investment was its only cash outlay in Steward. Additional funding for the hospitals — including for upgrades required by the state attorney general — came from Steward’s balance sheet, the firm said.

“Cerberus total profit was about $800 million,” a spokesperson for the New York private equity firm told the Globe this week. “Hundreds of millions were reinvested into [Steward] from company cash flow.”

The Globe asked about the financial return after the firm answered a battery of questions from Warren, Markey, and House members of the Massachusetts delegation, but didn’t specify to the lawmakers how much money was returned to Cerberus and its investors.

In his statement, the Cerberus spokesperson noted, “Cerberus held the investment for nearly 11 years. It was not a short-term hold.” Private equity firms often are criticized for seeking a fast return on investments by cashing out of portfolio companies in three to six years.

Buyout firms typically seek to more than triple their investments within five years, said David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group, a Boston management consulting firm. By that standard, the Cerberus stake in Steward generated “an OK return,” he said, while noting private equity partners may also collect hefty management fees during the time they hold their investments.

“Was this an outsized return?” Williams said. “The answer is no. This would be an average investment over a 10-year period. This investment was not a home run.”

Still, the divergent fortunes between Cerberus and Steward are sure to come up when a subcommittee of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee convenes at the State House on Wednesday.

The subcommittee, chaired by Markey, has titled its public hearing “When Health Care Becomes Wealth Care: How Corporate Greed Puts Patient Care and Health Workers at Risk.”

At the center of what Warren and Markey called Steward’s “whole dirty saga” is a controversial sale and leaseback agreement struck in 2016 with Medical Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust.

That deal brought in $1.25 billion, which enabled Cerberus to recoup its investment while giving the Alabama-based real estate trust an equity stake in Steward, and “generated a significant dividend” for Cerberus investors, according to the firm’s response to the senators. But it saddled Steward hospitals with multimillion-dollar rent obligations.

Four years later, in 2020, Steward and Cerberus crafted a deal that transferred a controlling interest in Steward to a hospital management group led by Steward chief executive Ralph de la Torre in exchange for a $350 million promissory note. The following year, MPT loaned the new owners the money to buy out Cerberus. Steward, for its part, has said it spent about $400 million to retire debt in 2016, and more than $400 million on hospital upgrades.

Warren and Markey issued a joint statement Tuesday maintaining Cerberus worked with de la Torre to “create complicated financial schemes that put health providers in impossible positions” while undermining access to quality care.

The senators sent a letter to de la Torre on March 7 demanding detailed financial information on Steward’s transactions but said they have yet to receive a response. They’ve also invited de la Torre to answer questions at Wednesday’s hearing, but on Tuesday said he’s declined to testify.

Financially troubled Steward now operates more than 30 hospitals nationally, including eight in eastern Massachusetts: St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan in Brockton, Holy Family in Methuen and Haverhill, Morton Hospital in Taunton, Nashoba Valley in Ayer, Norwood Hospital, and St. Anne’s in Fall River. It closed a rehabilitation hospital in Stoughton in March.

“Cerberus looted Steward, failed to invest in Massachusetts facilities, and it appears that the company walked away with a profit of at least $800 million, leaving Steward with massive, ongoing lease payments to Medical Properties Trust that are a major source of the hospitals’ financial distress,” the senators’ statement said.

The senators said the Cerberus response to their questions was incomplete, because it did not disclose how much the firm itself and its executives extracted from its Steward investment. That, in turn, has led Warren and Markey to question whether the firm may be understating its return from Steward.

“Cerberus’s answers still don’t provide a clear answer for how much Cerberus made off of the people of Massachusetts,” the senators said.

In its response to the senators, Cerberus took issue with their contention the firm “literally stripped out and sold the property from underneath these hospitals, creating hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for private equity executives, while leaving the facilities with long-term liabilities” fueling the financial crisis.

Cerberus said that characterization “incorrectly insinuates” that profits went only to Cerberus employees and partners. It said investors, including pension funds representing teachers, firefighters, police, and municipal workers, were the primary beneficiaries. Cerberus also said Steward “hospitals were in far better shape financially and operationally when we sold our interests four years ago” to de la Torre and his partners.

While many of the financial transactions it detailed were previously known, the Cerberus response to the senators provided new context to the deal making that transformed Steward over the past decade.

Cerberus acknowledged its fund invested no additional capital in Steward hospitals between the MPT sales-leaseback deal in 2016 and its transfer of ownership in 2020. It also confirmed capital improvements to Massachusetts hospitals between 2010 and 2016 were funded from Steward’s balance sheet or from borrowing, not by Cerberus.

As part of its purchase agreement, approved by the state’s then-attorney general Martha Coakley, Cerberus agreed that at least $400 million would be invested in hospital infrastructure, facilities, technology, and operations over four years. The attorney general confirmed in a 2015 report that the firm had complied with its commitments.

Cerberus told the senators its capital commitments to the original six hospitals were exceeded within its first two years of ownership. As the Steward systems expanded, it said about $880 million was invested in various facilities between 2010 and 2016.

The senators faulted Cerberus for failing to specify how much profit its partners and executives personally collected from Steward. Cerberus indicated some proceeds from the sales-leaseback deal were retained for future investment in its funds, while some were distributed to investors. Because the firm doesn’t disclose how its deals are structured, it’s not clear what share went to Cerberus principals.

“We need to find out who at Cerberus received these huge profits — and claw them back from the private equity executives responsible for this mess,” Warren and Markey said in their statement.

Robert Weisman can be reached at [email protected] .

‘Shocking’ increase in children denied aid in conflicts

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All warring parties must allow safe, swift and unfettered humanitarian access and protect civilian infrastructure, top UN officials told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Painting a grim landscape of the world’s war zones,  Virginia Gamba , the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, briefed ambassadors, citing grave concerns, from war-torn Gaza to gang-ravaged Haiti, where famine looms amid rampant violence and displacement.

Denying aid access has long-lasting effects on children’s wellbeing and development, she said.

Grave violations of international law

“Let me be very clear,” she said. “The Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child contain key provisions requiring the facilitation of humanitarian relief to children in need. 

“The denial of humanitarian access to children and attacks against humanitarian workers assisting children are also prohibited under international humanitarian law.”

The UN’s engagement with combatants to end and prevent violations against children is critical, she said.

Unfortunately, data gathered for her forthcoming 2024 report shows “ we are on target to witness a shocking increase of the incidents of the denial of humanitarian access globally,” she said, adding that “the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law continues to increase.”

“Without compliance by parties to conflict to allow safe, full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance, children’s survival, wellbeing and development are in jeopardy, and our calls are mere echoes in this Chamber ,” she told the Council. 

“We cannot prevent denial of humanitarian access to children unless we understand it and reinforce our capacity to monitor and prevent its occurrence. We must get on with the job.”

Gaza: Children facing ‘staggering’ conditions

Also briefing the Council, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban, said that as conflicts proliferate around the world, grave violations against children continue, including in Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar.

“The denial of humanitarian access is a particularly pervasive, multifaceted and complex grave violation,” he said. “ These actions have devastating humanitarian consequences for children.”

Recalling his visit to Gaza in January, he said he witnessed a “staggering decline in conditions of children” amid widespread destruction, a “quasi blockage on the north of Gaza” and repeated denials for or delays in granted access of humanitarian convoys.

Killing aid workers ‘trying to feed starving people’

“Attacks on humanitarian workers have also gravely affected humanitarian access with the highest UN staff death toll in our history, our UNRWA colleagues in particular, and new attacks this week with the death of our World Central Kitchen colleagues, killing humanitarian workers trying to feed starving people,” Mr. Chaiban said.

As a result of these constraints, children cannot access age-appropriate nutritious food or medical services and have less than two to three litres of water per day, he said. 

“The consequences have been clear,” he warned. “In March, we reported that one in three children under two years of age in the northern Gaza Strip suffer from acute malnutrition, a figure that has more than doubled in the last two months .”

Dozens of children in the northern Gaza Strip have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks and half the population is facing catastrophic food insecurity, he stressed.

Sudan: ‘World’s worst child displacement crisis’

In Sudan, the world’s worst child displacement crisis, the violence and blatant disregard for permission to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance essential to protect children from the impact of conflict in Darfur, in Kordofan, in Khartoum and beyond has greatly intensified their suffering, he said.

“We are seeing record levels of admissions for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition  (SAM) – the deadliest form of malnutrition,” the UN deputy chief explained, “but insecurity is preventing patients and health workers from reaching hospitals and other health facilities.”

Assets and staff attacked

Assets and staff are still being attacked, and the health system remains overwhelmed resulting in severe shortage of medicines and supplies, including lifesaving items, due to the severe interruption of the supply management system.

“Our inability to consistently access vulnerable children means protection by presence is simply not possible and that risks of other grave violations may escalate without an attendant rise in our ability to monitor or respond,” he said.

He called on the Security Council to use its influence to prevent and end the denial of humanitarian access to children, protect humanitarian workers and allow aid agencies to safely reach those in most need, across frontlines and across borders.

Watch the Security Council President for April, Vanessa Frazier of Malta, speak to reporters after the briefing on children and armed conflict.

• Children and Armed Conflict

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Euro area annual inflation down to 2.4%.

Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 2.4% in March 2024, down from 2.6% in February according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Looking at the main components of euro area inflation, services is expected to have the highest annual rate in March (4.0%, stable compared with February), followed by food, alcohol & tobacco (2.7%, compared with 3.9% in February), non-energy industrial goods (1.1%, compared with 1.6% in February) and energy (-1.8%, compared with -3.7% in February).

Tables                                                                     

Notes for users, revisions and timetable.

The euro area inflation flash estimate is issued at the end of each reference month.

The complete set of harmonised indices of consumer prices (HICP) for the euro area, EU and Member States is released around the middle of the month following the reference month.

The next release with full data for March 2024 is scheduled for 17 April 2024.

Methods and definitions

Annual inflation is the change of the price level of consumer goods and services between the current month and the same month of the previous year. Monthly inflation is the change of the price level between the current month and the previous month.

Geographical information

The euro area consists of Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland.

The euro area data refer to the country composition at a specific point in time. Changes in the composition of the euro area are incorporated using a chain index formula.

For more information

Eurostat website section on inflation

Eurostat database section on inflation

Eurostat Statistics Explained article on inflation in the euro area

Eurostat metadata on inflation

Eurostat Euro indicators dashboard

Eurostat €-indicators release calendar

European Statistics Code of Practice

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