Guidance

Malta legal and prison systems

Updated 22 April 2025

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Malta

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer.  Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.         

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Malta and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made. 

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas. 

The British High Commission in Malta
Whitehall Mansions
Ta’ Xbiex Seafront
Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1026
Malta

General Consular Tel: (00356) 2323 0000

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Malta, notification by the authorities to the consulate normally takes place within 48 hours after arrest.

Once we are notified, we aim to contact you as soon as possible

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. See also Malta-list-of-lawyers
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing. 

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Malta.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers Malta-list-of-lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Malta

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Malta for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

The process for visiting a prisoner depends on whether the inmate is sentenced or still on remand.

If the inmate is sentenced the inmate should advise the visitor of the permitted visiting times (these are subject to change and dependant on the inmates circumstances), the inmate should then advise Inmate Services regarding the visit.

To contact the Corradino Correctional Facility at Paola, tel: (00 356) 21691428.

To contact the Young Offenders Unit Rehabilitation Services (YOURS) at Mtahleb, tel: (00 356) 21455535 or 21451646/7.

If the inmate is on remand you should contact the prosecuting police inspector and make an appointment with him to issue a visit permit. Ensure you take your passport or identity card with you. Then take the permit to the “one stop shop” at the Malta Law courts for signature. You will then be given a slip of paper with the visiting hours. When all is done, present yourself at the appropriate visiting area at the prison.

Visitors must identify themselves when they arrive at the prison by showing an identification document containing a photograph (e.g. passport). This is held by the prison and returned at the end of the visit. Visitors will be searched before entering the prison and are not permitted any electrical items.

What to expect when you visit

Corradino Correctional Facility

You may meet with your visitor face to face around a table once a week for 60 minutes. Visiting can take place 7 days a week. You will need to notify the prison prior to an intended contact visit.

Youth Offenders Unit (Y.O.U.R.S)

If you have been sentenced, you may have a contact visit on Sundays. You may meet with your visitor face to face around a table once a week for 90 minutes

What you can take on your visit

All bags and parcels will be searched before entry and authorities have the right to withhold items they deem to be unacceptable (amongst others, food, weapons, knives, alcohol, drugs).

You may receive underwear and articles of clothing, no black shirts, hoodies or camouflage patterned clothing.

Visits: consular staff

We aim to visit you once in prison after sentencing.  We might also visit on request if certain issues arise.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you but if it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

The British High Commission in Malta
Whitehall Mansions
Ta’ Xbiex Seafront
Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1026
Malta

Emergency trips outside of prison

Emergency trips outside of prison are not allowed for foreign prisoners

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When someone is arrested, they are informed and may be detained at a local police station before being transferred to the Floriana General Headquarters Police Lockup in the first instance. Where there is no space, they may be transferred to the main prison, Corradino Correctional Facility.

Translators are not required as English is an official language and used by police alongside Maltese.

Arrested persons in Malta have the right to legal representation being present at every stage of the legal process except when being initially interrogated by the police. However, the accused has a right to consult a lawyer by phone and discuss their situation before interrogation. If they cannot afford a lawyer, one can be provided. Legal aid is available in Malta for those who cannot afford representation.

It is possible that you will remain in custody until your trial. There is no set time for this, and the length of time may relate to the seriousness or complexity of the case. Your lawyer is best placed to advise you on matters to do with bail and time spent in custody.

Once detained, you will have a cell which could be shared. You will not have access to your belongings if they are being considered as evidence. Your passport and other identification will be retained by the authorities.

Detainees are able to contact either the consulate or a legal representative.

Detainees requiring medical attention will be taken to the prison hospital and treated accordingly.

The right to remain silent is available until the detainee consults with their lawyer.

Appearing at court

The detainee will be asked to confirm their identity and respond to the charges against them. Detainees can request that the proceedings take place in English, however this must be done at the start of proceedings, and they should discuss this with their lawyer to ensure the request is heard.

Read more information about the Malta judicial system in Chapter 3.

Initial arrival at the prison

Prisoners are confined to their cells from 8pm to 8am and from 12:30pm to 2pm.  The ‘lista’ roll call is at 8am, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm, and 7:30pm. 

If you experience serious harassment, threats or violence you should report this to the Senior Division Officer immediately and the British High Commission as soon as possible. It is our responsibility to take up allegations of mistreatment against a British national. However, we will only raise concerns with the prison administration if you request that we do so.

You can make phone calls from 8:15am to 11:30am and 2:15pm to 7pm.  You can receive one international call a day. You can receive a pin number for phone calls which can be topped up at a cost to the inmate.

You can make an overseas call once per day and can call a lawyer at anytime through inmate services.

All prisoners are examined by the prison doctor on arrival.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Accommodation

Each cell has a toilet and a washbasin. Hot water is supplied. Washing of clothes is possible at washing machines located in each division. Clothes lines and dryers are also available.

Food and diet

Food is reasonable, nutritious and regular in prison. There is a weekly prison market where you can buy chocolates, biscuits, toiletries and other comforts.

Diets can be modified to suit medical or religious requirements.

Hygiene

There is normally a shower in each cell. Basic toiletries are provided by the prison; however, additional items may be purchased through the prison market.

Work and study

Opportunities for work and study are available but limited, especially for short term sentences. Prisoners can submit their request to be considered to the Inmate Services department. Work is available after serving 3 months

Contact and languages

Prisoners can mix and communicate within the general prison population.

Access to phones is available and phone pins are provided by the prison. Internet access is not available.

The prison does have a library stocked with both Maltese and English language books which are largely provided by donation.

Prisoners may order books/magazines/newspapers from the prison market.

Prisoners are allowed to watch and own a television, available from the prison market.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

An equipped gym is available.

Climate

The climate is very different to that of the UK being very hot and humid in summer. The humidity also results in cold winters, though the temperature never falls below 0 Celsius.

Religion

Prisoners can practice their religious beliefs and there are rooms designated for either self-directed or guided religious worship.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prisoners are given a handbook highlighting protocols and rules within the prison. Breaking of the rules may result in criminal prosecution, curtailing of privileges or being less favoured for work or study opportunities.

Drug trafficking between inmates in prisons can ultimately lead to an increase in the length of time served. Regular testing is underway in the prison.

Reports regarding the safety of prisoners are rare. However, complaints regarding mistreatment should be made to the Inmate Services department of the prison. Cases are initially heard by Prison Director to attempt resolution. Where no satisfaction is found you should consult your lawyer and inform the British High Commission.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on the country where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, Malta is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

While you are in detention, Malta is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.  Healthcare is comparable to that of most European countries.

The prison has a health department with doctor and dentist available. Health complaints are seen quickly, and any serious treatment may be undertaken at the local hospital.

Healthcare is free.

Prisoner may access private healthcare at their own expense by arrangement with Inmate Services.

Mental health is taken seriously and referral to mental health services is available.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor.  We can also liaise with your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records and this is in your vital interests.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

All letters are opened and checked by prison staff. Friends and family can send mail and parcels direct to the prison. Prisoners wishing to send mail would need to purchase stationery and stamps from the prison market. You may receive an unlimited number of letters, but you can send just one letter a day.

Telephone calls

You can make phone calls from 08:15 to 11:30 and 14:15 to 19:00.  You can receive one international call a day. You can receive a pin number for phone calls which can be topped up at a cost to the inmate.

You can make an overseas call once per day and can call a lawyer at anytime through inmate services.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

In the first instance, Prisoners should consider raising any concerns or complaints about mistreatment with the Inmate Services department.

Chapter 3: The Malta judicial system

Overview

Is the system the same as the UK?

No, although on the face of it there are many similarities. For example, prisoners are presumed innocent until proven guilty; they have a right to legal representation, fair trial and appeal.

Remember that you should never sign anything you cannot read. If you find yourself under pressure to sign, ask to speak to the British High Commission. The accused must be arraigned in Court within 48 hours.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

Arrested persons in Malta have the right to legal representation being present at every stage of the legal process except when being initially interrogated by the police. However, the accused has a right to consult a lawyer by phone and discuss their situation with them for up to 1 hour before interrogation.

Once detained, you will have a cell which could be shared with a bed, sink and toilet.  You may not have access to your belongings if considered as evidence. Your passport and other identification will be retained by the authorities.

The women’s prison is located next to the men’s prison.

Time served on remand will be counted as part of your sentence.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. Malta-list-of-lawyers

How long you can be remanded in custody

It is possible that you will remain in custody until your trial. There is no set time for this, and the length of time may relate to the seriousness or complexity of the case. Your lawyer is best placed to advise you on matters to do with bail and time spent in custody.

After you are charged

The courts will inform you, your lawyer and the prison authorities of the charge/s against you. There will then begin a process of inquiry where evidence is collected to hold a trial.

Bail

Applications for bail may be made to the court by your lawyer. Your lawyer will be best placed to offer advice on this matter.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see: Find a lawyer for a list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general non-country specific information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

Normally, if you appoint a private lawyer, they will ask for a cash advance on estimated legal fees (which may be very high) before they will take your case on. The British High Commission cannot pay legal fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.

If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you can apply for a legal aid lawyer. The service is provided free of charge and all the lawyers speak English. It could be the case that given their heavy workload, legal aid lawyers can be difficult to contact. If you are not satisfied with a legal aid lawyer, you may formally request, in writing, for a change of lawyer.

As in any country, some lawyers are better than others (paying a large fee does not guarantee that you will get a good lawyer). Ex-prisoners advise talking to other inmates, as they often know which lawyers to avoid and what hidden costs there might be.

Trial

On your trial day you will be taken to the courtroom where your case is being handled. There will be a magistrate or judge in charge of your case along with the public prosecutor and your lawyer. If you don’t speak Maltese, your lawyer may request that the trial be conducted in English.

Sentences

Sentences vary greatly and will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer will be best placed to offer advice on the length of sentences and on the appeal process.

Appeals

The accused have the right to appeal their sentence to a High Court through their lawyers. However, the appeal process is very slow (sometimes a full year) and can lead to delays in finalising a sentence. This becomes a problem when a prisoner wants to apply for prison transfer to the UK.  It is worth seeking a second opinion before taking the decision to appeal a sentence.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

You will be informed by magistrate, at the time of sentencing, if you are eligible for early release.

Early release

Currently Inmate Services, within the prison, are available to answer queries regarding parole applications. Four months before an inmate is eligible for parole, Inmate Services will ask if you are interested in applying. However, if you would like to make enquiries earlier, you should ask the officer in the division who will inform the Parole Clerk. When an inmate applies for parole a Parole Officer will be appointed and the process will start for the inmate’s case to be heard before the Board.

When the inmate is notified of their eligibility for parole, they will be given assistance to complete a simple application form which will be submitted on their behalf.

Several members of the prison team will make assessments of the inmate and this information will be presented before the Parole Board. This will mean there is no need for the inmate to go before the parole board.

Factors in favour of an inmate’s parole application will include participation in educational or work programmes.

Non-eligible inmates fall into 5 groups:

• those given less than 1 year sentence
• those who fall under the Immigration Act, such as those without a status
• 3rd country nationals due to be deported
• those facing extradition
• those with life sentences

Clemency or pardon

The inmate may instruct their lawyer to apply for a Presidential pardon. These are not frequently given and are at the discretion of the President.

Transfer to another prison within Malta

There is only one prison in Malta.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

A prisoner transfer agreement does exist between the UK and the Malta however, you can make a request under the “Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons”.

To find out more about transfers to the UK:

In prison abroad: transfer to a UK prison

To transfer to the UK, you must:

• be a British citizen or have close family ties with the UK (normally through permanent residence in the UK)
• not be awaiting trial
• have exhausted all appeals against your conviction and/or the length of your sentence; or have waived your right to an appeal
• have at least 6 months of your sentence left to serve when you apply for transfer
• have no outstanding fines or other non-custodial penalties

The offence you were convicted for must also be a criminal offence in the part of the UK you wish to be transferred to: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The authorities in the sentencing country may refuse your request. Even if the sentencing country agrees to your transfer, the UK authorities may also refuse your request. Reasons for this might include if you have not lived in the UK for a number of years and you have no close family living there.

To request a transfer the Prisoner should contact Inmate Services to make a request for prison transfer under the “Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons”.

Release and deportation

Prisoners are notified of the date of release following sentencing. On the day of their release, their belongings are returned to them, and they are then free to leave the prison.

Where a prisoner has a European Arrest Warrant against them, arrangements are made to deport the prisoner to the state authority making the application.

Prisoners are normally deported upon release.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with for advice, temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Support organisations

Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl

Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl (pronounced: midlam ad-daul) is Maltese for “From Darkness to Light”. It helps prisoners and their families undergo the prison experience with more dignity and self-esteem. The organisation extends its services to prisoners, their families, and ex-prisoners.

Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl is affiliated to Action for Prisoners’ Families  (APF) of England and Wales, and an associate member of European Group of Prisoners’ Abroad (EGPA).

Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl is also part of the local Association of Prison Volunteers.

Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl
10, Triq Matty Grima,
Bormla, BML 1161,
Malta

Phone: (+356) 2780 1204
Email: geo1@bluebottle.com
Website: http://mddmalta.com/

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad
89-93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098
Mondays to Fridays  9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

Glossary of terms

Key phrases – English into Maltese

English	Malti (Maltese)
Welcome	Merħba
Hello	Ħello / Hawn / Aw
How are you? I’m fine, thanks. And you?	Kif int? [informal] Kif intom? [formal]; Jien tajjeb grazzi. U int? [male] Jiena tajba grazzi. U int? [female]
My name is …	X’jismek?Jien jisimni …
Where are you from?/I’m from …	Minn fejn int? /Jien minn …
Pleased to meet you	Għandi pjaċir (bil-konoxxenza)
Good morning	Bonġu
Good afternoon	Wara nofs in-nar it-tajjeb
Good evening/night	Bonswa / Il-Lejla it-tajba
Goodbye	Ċaw / Saħħa / Saħħiet [plural]
Have a nice day	Il-gurnata t-tajba
Do you understand?	Fhimt? / Fhimtni?
I understand	Fhimt / Fhimtek / Nifhem / Qed nifhmek
I don’t understand	M’inix nifhem / Mhux qiegħed nifhem / Ma nifhimx / Mhux nifhem
Please speak more slowly	Jekk jogħġbok, tkellem iktar bil-mod
Please say that again	Erġa għidli jekk jogħġbok / Tista terga tirrepeti?
Please write it down	ktibha jekk jogħġbok
Do you speak Maltese/Yes, a little	itkellem bil-Malti? /Ftit
How do you say … in Maltese?	Kif tgħid … bil-Malti?
Excuse me	Skużi! Skużani!
How much is this?	Kemm jiswa dan?
Sorry	Skużani! Jiddispjaċini! Ahfirli!
Please	Jekk jogħġbok
Thank you	Grazzi / Grazzi ħafna; Response: Merħba bik / Ta’ xejn / M’hemmx mn’hiex / Xejn, xejn
Where’s the toilet?	Fejn hu t-tojlit?
Go away!	Itlaq! / Żul! / Mur ‘l hemm! / Warrab! / Kixxi!
Leave me alone!	Ħallini kwiet! / Ħallini!
Help/Fire/Stop!	Ajjut/Ħruq/Ieqaf!

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrest-or-detention/arrested-abroad-advice-for-british-nationals

List of English-speaking lawyers

List of Lawyers in Malta – GOV.UK

Prisoners Abroad forms

https://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/arrest-and-imprisonment