The Principal Immigration Officer wishes to notify the public that following Malta’s accession to the Schengen area in December 2007, from the 30th March 2008, checks on internal flights (Schengen flights) leaving from, and arriving to. Malta will be abolished from 0000 hrs local time.

In line with the requirements under Chapter 217, the Principal Immigration Officer notifies that travel documents acceptable at law are those as also stipulated in Directive 2004/38 Article 5. This stipulates that EU citizens are granted leave to enter the territory of member states with a valid identity card or passport. Nationals of non-member states shall be granted leave to enter the territory with a valid passport.

Obviously in the latter case visas, residence cards and certificates will be required wherever necessary, as per current procedures.

In line with Article 6(a) of the Identity Cards Act, identity cards valid for travel are those which do not contain any specific instructions at the back, to be precise the words ‘FOR USE IN MALTA ONLY – NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL’. This applies to both Maltese and non-Maltese nationals.

In the latter case, information has already been brought to the attention of all, following an advert in local newspapers on the 26th August 2006.

You are also reminded that as far as expired identity cards of Maltese nationals are concerned and in line with the Press Release of the 7th January 2008, Maltese citizens intending to use their identity card as a travel document, should have it substituted prior to going abroad, specifically to the EU.