Location
Malta is just over 3 hours direct flights from the UK and it is always a popular location with British travellers.
The island lies almost in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93km from Siciliy and 288km from the north of Africa. The main island has the nation's capital Valetta. For the north are the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. Comino is largely uninhabited.
Covid Travel Information
For British nationals, The Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office currently advises against all but essential international travel to Malta
From 22 December all passengers from the United Kingdom will be required to provide Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) negative test prior to travel. Passengers will also be subject to PCR test on arrival and a mandatory 14 day quarantine with a further PCR test between day 5-7.
Museums and tourist sites, shops, gyms, hairdressers, swimming pools, restaurants and bars have re-opened but with restrictions on the number of customers allowed entry, a requirement to wear a mask and an ability to maintain social distancing (1.5m).
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, you should contact the public health helpline on 111 and follow their instructions.
All arriving passengers must have completed a paper copy of both a public health and a passenger locator form. These are available at the Malta Airport website under the section "Passenger Declarations".
There will be a temperature checks at the airport, you will also have to fill in a form at arrival detailing where in the plan you were seated and where you will stay during your visit to Malta.
You have to complete this form online before you arrive in the UK from any country:
Form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel to the UK
You will have to self-isolate when you arrive in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, when you are travelling home from Malta.
Last Updated: 23 DEC 2020
Weather and Climate
Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers and cooler spring and autumn. Many dive centres close their doors for a few weeks over Winter. The days are long and sunny, with up to 12 hours of sunshine in the summer! From Jan - Apr the average water temp is 15-16C, raising to 26 in August. As the summer cools off, the average is around 20C.
Travel
Flight options
We are able to book a number of charter flight options from the UK to Malta. Flights operate from a number of regional airports. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Malta, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
As it is a direct service, there are no stop over options
Arrange before you go
Regular Entry Requirements
UK passport holders do not need a visa for Malta. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with your airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
Most flights to Malta are charter flights. This means seating is allocated at check in. For some carriers we are able to prebook leg room, window or aisle seats. Please speak to your travel consultant about availability and the current charges levied by your airline.
Check in
Depending on your airline, you may be able to complete check in online to print your boarding pass. If not, we will email your flight tickets to you in advance. You must print your ticket coupon.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will either be a rep to meet you or you will have full details of your where to meet your transfer (with a confirmation voucher) in your travel documentation.
If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Transfers are included in your holiday. You be advised in your travel documentation of how to find your transfer.
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. EU passport holders do not need to pay a departure tax.
Info
Tipping
Any local excursions are booked, paid for and taken at your own risk - please ensure you are fully insured for any land activities you wish to enjoy
Currency
You will need euros in Malta. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card in Malta.
Phone coverage
Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use
Plugs and electricity
3 pin round UK plug sockets are used in Malta - 220V
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally
Extras
Special trips (gozo, Comino, north Malta by boat) night dives and specific tek wreck dives can all be arranged and paid for locally
Souvenirs
The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site
Nitrox/Gas
15lt tanks are 1 euro per tank - 32% nitrox is 5 euros per fill
Payments
Deposits and Balances
A typical deposit is £400. If you add flights to your holiday full payment of your chosen flight option may also be required to confirm your ATOL bonded package.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel, within 24 months
5% off plus £100 bonus for repeat customers travelling with 12 months
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
Included
Our most popular package includes 7 nights in a standard room (2 people sharing) on a B&B basis
The standard dive package is 10 dives (5 days) AIR
Return airport transfers are included in your package
Excluded
International flights to Malta (MLA) are not included. Please ask for a competitive quote to add these to your holiday.
Additional diving and services are arranged and paid for at the dive centre at the end of your trip
Any local excursions are booked, paid for and taken at your own risk - please ensure you are fully insured for any land activities you wish to enjoy
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
The Madonna
Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 15m | Max Depth: 30mThis famous underwater marker is located just over the reef wall at 17 metres and is one of the attractions that nearly every visitor has on his tick list. Placed there many years ago as a good luck charm for divers this small statue watches over her underwater flock. This dive site has several tunnels and two nice swim troughs. Marine life includes barracuda, amberjacks, scorpion fish and then even trigger fish.