Malta Post tracking

What is Malta Post?

MaltaPost p.l.c. is the sole licensed Universal Service Provider of postal services in the Maltese Islands, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Malta Communications Authority. Trading under the motto "Committed to Deliver," the company serves as Malta's primary postal operator, providing universal coverage to every household and business address across both Malta and Gozo six days per week. MaltaPost is publicly listed on the Malta Stock Exchange, making it one of the more transparent postal operators in the region and one of the few postal companies in southern Europe with a stock market listing.

The history of postal services in Malta predates the current company by several centuries. The first formal postal service on the Maltese Islands was established by the Order of Malta in 1708, with the original post office located at the Casa del Commun Tesoro in Valletta. The modern chapter began in January 1885, when the General Post Office in Valletta was formally established, at which point British postage stamps ceased to be valid for correspondence posted in Malta and Gozo. A significant milestone came in September 1964, when Malta joined the Universal Postal Union, becoming the first British Colony ever to do so, which set an early precedent for Malta's engagement with international postal networks.

The current corporate entity was registered on 16 April 1998 under company registration number C22796 and formally began operations on 1 May 1998, taking over from the former Posts Department and its predecessor. The company's ownership has evolved through deliberate privatisation steps. In 2002, the government sold 35% of its shares to Transcend Worldwide Ltd., marking the beginning of private sector participation. A further 25% was sold to Lombard Bank plc in 2007, and Lombard Bank has since become the majority shareholder. The postal market was fully liberalised on 1 January 2013 in accordance with EU Directives, meaning MaltaPost now competes in an open market while retaining its Universal Service Provider license.

• Founded: Formal postal service established 1708 by the Order of Malta; General Post Office Valletta established January 1885; MaltaPost p.l.c. registered 16 April 1998; operations commenced 1 May 1998
• Headquarters: 305, Hal-Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001, Malta
• Majority shareholder: Lombard Bank plc, a Maltese financial services institution
• Regulatory body: Malta Communications Authority (MCA)
• Stock listing: Malta Stock Exchange (publicly listed company)
• UPU membership: Since September 1964, when Malta became the first British Colony to join the Universal Postal Union
• Market liberalisation: 1 January 2013, in accordance with EU Directives
• Retail network: 27 sub-post offices and 431 stamp vendors across Malta and Gozo
• Motto: "Committed to Deliver"

MaltaPost occupies a dual role in Malta's economy. Beyond postal and logistics operations, the company functions as a retail financial services provider at its post office counters, offering Western Union money transfers, financial products such as PostaPay and Save and PostaHomeLoan, gift vouchers, and telephone cards. This diversification reflects the company's response to declining letter volumes and the growing importance of parcel and e-commerce logistics. Despite operating in a fully liberalised market since 2013, MaltaPost retains its dominant position as the country's principal postal authority, backed by its Universal Service Provider license and its network of 27 sub-post offices and 431 stamp vendors.

Which countries does Malta Post deliver to?

Domestically, MaltaPost delivers to every address across the Maltese Islands, covering both the main island of Malta and the smaller sister island of Gozo, six days per week. The company's vehicle fleet described as one of the largest on the Maltese Islands, supports this local coverage. Its 27 sub-post offices and 431 stamp vendors distributed across both islands mean that residents in even the smallest towns and villages have reliable access to postal services without needing to travel significant distances.

Internationally, MaltaPost's standard international mail service reaches more than 190 countries. The MaltaPost Express International service, known as MEI, extends this to over 200 countries by operating through TNT's global logistics network. The EMS International Courier is the most selective option, currently covering more than 12 countries, but provides expedited, secure delivery for time-sensitive documents and merchandise. MaltaPost's SendOn shopping forwarding service maintains physical or operational hubs in Germany, Italy, Sicily, the United Kingdom, and the United States, giving the company a direct presence in five international markets for inbound forwarding to Malta.

• Malta and Gozo (domestic): Complete coverage of all addresses on both islands, delivered six days per week
• Priority international group (40+ countries): All EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other destinations dispatched on the next working day
• Standard international mail: More than 190 countries served on a twice-weekly dispatch schedule for non-priority destinations
• MEI Express International: Over 200 countries via the TNT logistics network
• EMS International Courier: More than 12 countries with expedited, insured delivery
• SendOn hub locations: Germany, Italy, Sicily, United Kingdom, and United States

International shipments operate through a collaboration between national postal services. A parcel sent from Malta via MaltaPost's standard mail channels is handled by the Maltese operator until it exits the territory, then transferred to the destination country's postal service for final delivery. A shipment destined for the United States is distributed by USPS, a parcel to Germany is handed over to Deutsche Post, and items for the United Kingdom are processed by Royal Mail. This handoff arrangement is underpinned by Malta's membership in the Universal Postal Union, an affiliation Malta has held since 1964 when it became the first British Colony to join the organisation.

What are the Malta Post services and delivery times?

MaltaPost's domestic service range covers everything from basic untracked letter mail to a fully tracked local courier. Ordinary mail provides collection and delivery to all addresses in Malta and Gozo six days per week without a tracking number, priced by weight brackets. Local Registered Mail adds a tracking number and requires the recipient's signature as proof of delivery, with an optional Advice of Receipt available for senders who need written confirmation. The Local Courier Service handles tracked domestic shipments of any size between and within Malta and Gozo, including cash-on-delivery options and the ability to specify delivery to an Easipik Parcel Locker at the time of booking.

For outbound international shipments, MaltaPost applies formal quality-of-service targets grouped by destination. Mail sent to the 40-plus priority countries, which include all EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, is targeted for dispatch on the next working day at a 95% success rate. Mail to all other destinations follows a twice-weekly dispatch schedule with a 99% success rate target on a three-day basis. International Parcel Post handles packages from 1 kg to 30 kg with a stated delivery window of 10 to 20 working days, though third-party aggregators commonly report 7 to 14 business days for larger packages.

The MaltaPost Express International service, known as MEI, is positioned as the fastest international option in the company's portfolio and covers over 200 countries through the TNT global logistics network. MEI shipments include proof of delivery and are tracked through TNT's own tracking platform. The EMS International Courier covers more than 12 countries with expedited delivery, and customer enquiries for EMS shipments are accepted up to 30 days from the original posting date. Both services include insurance options and are suited to high-value or time-sensitive consignments where standard parcel post timelines are not sufficient.

The SendOn service offers Maltese consumers virtual delivery addresses at hubs in Germany, Italy, Sicily, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Customers purchase from international retailers, ship to the relevant hub address, and MaltaPost consolidates and forwards the goods to a home address or Easipik locker in Malta or Gozo. Transit times vary by hub location. Shipments from the UK hub take 7 to 12 days, items from the German and Italian hubs arrive in 10 to 12 days, and parcels from the US hub take approximately 15 days.

• Ordinary Mail (local): Untracked delivery to all addresses in Malta and Gozo, six days per week; priced by weight bracket
• Registered Mail (local): Tracked delivery with mandatory signature on receipt; optional Advice of Receipt service available
• Local Courier Service: Fully tracked domestic courier for consignments of any size; cash-on-delivery available; Easipik locker delivery supported
• Standard International Mail: Outbound letter-mail to more than 190 countries; priority group dispatched next working day; all others dispatched twice weekly
• International Parcel Post: Packages from 1 kg to 30 kg sent worldwide; delivery in 10 to 20 working days; signature required on delivery; insurance available
• EMS International Courier: Expedited delivery to more than 12 countries; customs support and insurance included; enquiries accepted up to 30 days from posting date
• MaltaPost Express International (MEI): Fastest international option; over 200 countries via TNT network; proof of delivery included; tracked through TNT's platform
• SendOn: Shopping forwarding service with hubs in Germany, Italy, Sicily, the UK, and the USA; transit times 7 to 15 days depending on hub origin

What are the Malta Post rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Postal rates applied by MaltaPost are regulated by the Malta Communications Authority and must receive MCA approval before any revision takes effect. The most recent rate change was implemented on 28 August 2023. Current rates are accessible through the online Postage Rate Calculator on the MaltaPost website, and downloadable PDF rate sheets are published for each individual service category. The rate structure varies by whether items are being sent locally or internationally, and for international items, by destination zone.

Domestic ordinary mail rates are structured in weight brackets starting from items under 50 g and increasing in 50 g increments up to 2 kg. Items up to 2 kg can be sent in envelope or letter format. Items between 2 kg and 20 kg must be submitted over the counter at a Post Office rather than via a standard postal deposit point. For international parcel post, the weight scale starts at a base rate covering items up to 2,000 g and then increases in 1,000 g steps up to the maximum permitted weight of 30 kg, with charges varying across four destination zones classified as Zone A, B, C, and D reflecting geographic distance and service complexity.

Certain international transactions attract fixed additional charges on top of standard postage. Outgoing items requiring a full export declaration, specifically goods sent for repair to non-EU countries or exports with a declared value of $1,000 or more, must be processed at the MaltaPost Head Office during standard business hours and carry a $30 processing fee. A $5 surcharge is applied when requesting courier pickup from the sender's location rather than dropping the item at a Post Office counter. Proof of delivery copies for local registered mail items are also available for a nominal fee.

• Domestic ordinary mail: Weight brackets from under 50 g to 2 kg in 50 g increments; items from 2 kg to 20 kg must be posted at a Post Office counter
• International parcel post (maximum weight): 30 kg per item
• International parcel post (zones): Rates vary by Zone A, B, C, and D based on destination geography and service complexity
• Full export declaration fee: $30 processing fee; applies to repairs sent to non-EU countries or exports valued at $1,000 or more; Head Office processing only during business hours
• Courier pickup surcharge: $5 additional charge when requesting pickup from the sender's address rather than counter drop-off
• Rate revision date: Most recent revision effective 28 August 2023; all rates subject to MCA approval before implementation
• Published rate categories: Local Postage Rates, Local Registered Mail, Local Bulk Mail, Foreign Letter Rates, Foreign Registered Mail, Foreign Bulk Rates, Parcel Air Mail up to 2,000 g, Parcel Air Mail 2,001 g to 20,000 g, Parcel Air Mail 20,001 g to 30,000 g, EMS International Courier Tariffs, and MEI Rates

What are the Malta Post delivery options?

The primary delivery method is home delivery to the recipient's addressed location. When a delivery attempt fails because no one is available, a delivery notice is left at the address with instructions on how to arrange collection or redelivery. A third party may collect on the recipient's behalf at the Post Office, provided they present the delivery notice, their own identification, and the recipient's identification. Items that remain undelivered are redirected to the recipient's nearest local Post Office for collection during opening hours.

Easipik Parcel Lockers provide an alternative for recipients who cannot be present during standard delivery hours. These automated self-service stations operate around the clock, seven days a week. Items deposited at an Easipik locker are held for 72 hours before being forwarded to the nearest Post Office if the recipient does not collect within that window. The Local Courier service supports delivery to Easipik lockers as a recipient-selected preference, meaning customers can specify locker delivery at the time of booking rather than requesting home delivery.

Post offices in Malta generally operate Monday through Saturday from approximately 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, though hours vary by location. Items that remain uncollected at a Post Office and have no return address on file are held at the Returned Letter Office. Items with a return address are automatically redirected back to the sender. P.O. Boxes are available at post office locations on a subscription basis in various sizes and provide a fixed, lockable collection point with 24/7 access at some sites. Mail redirection, whether temporary or permanent and including to overseas addresses, is available but requires approximately 21 working days to activate from the date of request.

• Home delivery: Standard delivery to the recipient's address; delivery notice left if no one is available to receive the item
• Third-party collection: Permitted at the Post Office with presentation of the delivery notice, the recipient's ID, and the collector's own ID
• Easipik Parcel Lockers: 24/7 automated self-service pickup; items held for 72 hours before transfer to the nearest Post Office if uncollected
• P.O. Box: Available at post office locations on subscription in various sizes; 24/7 access at some sites
• Poste Restante: Mail held for collection by travellers or individuals without a fixed address
• Mail redirection: Temporary or permanent; includes overseas redirections; approximately 21 working days to activate

What should I do if my Malta Post parcel is lost or damaged?

MaltaPost's customer support is accessible through several channels. The general enquiry phone line operates from Malta, with a freephone number available from Maltese fixed lines. A dedicated Business Relations line handles commercial clients separately. A live chat function on the MaltaPost website is active from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays. The call centre operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturdays from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, excluding public holidays. Customers can also submit enquiries through the company's Facebook page or visit the Head Office in Marsa in person during weekday business hours.

All complaints and enquiries must be lodged within 6 months of the original posting date. Customers can file by completing the online contact form, by downloading and submitting either the Customer Enquiry Form or the Customer Complaint Form, both available in English and Maltese, or by visiting the Head Office in person. MaltaPost commits to resolving local mail complaints within 7 days of receiving them. International mail complaints may take up to 90 days, reflecting the time needed to coordinate with the foreign postal administrations involved in the shipment's routing.

Compensation for lost or damaged items follows a fixed scale based on SDR values. Domestic registered items are covered up to 30 SDRs, approximately $33. Domestic parcels are covered up to 40 SDRs plus an additional 4.5 SDRs per kilogram of item weight. International registered items are compensated up to 30 SDRs. These limits apply only when items are correctly addressed and properly packaged at the time of posting, and they do not extend to the full declared value of the contents unless the item was explicitly insured. Optional insurance is available for outgoing international registered mail, international parcels, and courier shipments.

• Complaint deadline: All complaints must be filed within 6 months of the original posting date
• Filing methods: Online contact form, downloadable Customer Enquiry Form or Complaint Form in English and Maltese, in-person at Head Office, or by post to the Customer Care department
• Resolution time for local mail: Within 7 days of MaltaPost receiving the complaint
• Resolution time for international mail: Up to 90 days, depending on coordination with foreign postal administrations
• Compensation for domestic registered items: Up to 30 SDRs (approximately $33)
• Compensation for domestic parcels: Up to 40 SDRs plus 4.5 SDRs per kilogram of item weight
• Compensation for international registered items: Up to 30 SDRs
• Money Order refunds: Reimbursement can only be processed after 6 months from the original purchase date

Does Malta Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

MaltaPost manages outbound international shipments through four channels covering standard mail, parcel post, EMS, and MEI Express, and coordinates inbound customs processing with Malta Customs. For any outgoing item of value, electronic pre-declaration is required before the package reaches the Post Office counter. Senders complete the declaration from home or their office, receive a Declaration ID Code, and print the applicable CN22 or CN23 customs label in advance. This pre-declaration process reduces time spent at the counter and allows the package to enter the postal system more quickly once presented.

Documentation requirements for outgoing international items increase with value and purpose, where all items containing goods require an export invoice, items sent for business purposes require an invoice regardless of declared value, and items with a value exceeding $150 also require a Customs Broker form. Items needing a full export declaration, specifically goods sent for repair to non-EU countries or shipments valued at $1,000 or more, must be processed at the MaltaPost Head Office from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm and carry a $30 processing fee. MEI Express shipments require export invoices for non-document items, business invoices for commercial consignments, and customs forms for items exceeding $150 in value.

On the inbound side, Malta Customs officers inspect packages arriving from outside the European Union. Their remit covers screening for prohibited or restricted goods, verifying that item descriptions match declared values, and assessing any applicable customs duty, excise duty, or import VAT. When a dutiable item is identified, MaltaPost issues a Dutiable Item Notification, pays the charges on the recipient's behalf, and collects the corresponding amount upon delivery. Recipients can also settle these charges online through the MaltaPost tracking portal by entering their tracking number and selecting the payment option before the delivery arrives.

For customers using the SendOn service to purchase goods through the UK or USA hubs, the customer is treated as the legal importer and is personally liable for customs duty, excise duty, and VAT on the incoming goods. Following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, UK hub shipments now require customs declarations that were not previously needed when the UK was part of the EU single market. This additional requirement has changed the process for Maltese consumers who regularly forward purchases through the UK hub address.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a MaltaPost parcel online, different statuses appear as the item progresses through the routing network. The main tracking system is branded Swift Track and Trace and is accessible through the MaltaPost website. MEI Express International items are tracked through a separate portal integrated with TNT's tracking platform. Tracking data is retained for up to 15 days after delivery, and items that do not carry a tracking number cannot be located in the system regardless of the portal used.

MaltaPost uses two distinct tracking number formats depending on shipment type. International items follow the S10 standard with 13 alphanumeric characters, where the first letter identifies the service type, with R indicating registered small parcels, C indicating standard shipments, and E indicating EMS mail. The following 8 digits form the unique item identifier, and the final 2 characters are the originating country code, which is MT for items posted from Malta. Domestic shipments use a 13-digit numeric tracking number rather than the alphanumeric S10 format used for international items.