Valletta, Malta: Verdala International School: 2020-2021 Fact Sheet
![Malta [Shutterstock]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210105020345im_/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Malta-2109x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
November 16, 2020
September 21, 2020
September 2, 2020
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Malta Relations
Malta and the United States established full diplomatic relations upon Malta’s independence in 1964. The government enjoys close relations with the United States and is a close partner on regional issues involving North Africa and Europe. Malta currently hosts the U.S.-cosponsored International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law and has been an active partner in combatting transnational crime in the Mediterranean, most recently through the U.S.-Malta partnership on the Central Mediterranean Security Initiative. During the period of unrest in Libya that began in February 2011, Malta played an important role in supporting evacuation of third-country nationals, including Americans.
U.S. Assistance to Malta
The United States currently provides International Military Education & Training (IMET) and Section 333 Authority to Build Capacity funding to Malta.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States has been supportive of Malta’s campaign to attract private investment, and U.S. companies operate in Malta. These include major hotels, light manufacturing and repair facilities, commercial banknote printing facilities, healthcare management, pharmaceutical and medical supply firms, and offices servicing local and regional operations. To boost trade relations, the United States and Malta signed a double taxation agreement in 2008, which came into force in 2011. Malta joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008. This program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free for tourist and business purposes for stays under 90 days.
![Malta Flag: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210105020345im_/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/mt-lgflag.gif){kind=small}