Your Complete Resource for Malta Post Deliveries
Malta Post serves as the national postal operator for the Republic of Malta, handling both domestic mail within the Maltese islands and international shipments to destinations worldwide. Founded in 1998 following the transformation of the former postal department, this carrier has grown into a modern logistics provider connecting Malta with over 200 countries through its global network of postal partnerships.
Whether you're sending a postcard from Valletta or expecting a parcel from overseas, understanding how Malta Post operates can save you time and unnecessary worry.
How Tracking Works with Malta Post
Every registered item sent through the Maltese postal service receives a unique tracking code. These identifiers typically follow international postal standards - you'll often see formats like RR123456789MT for registered mail or CP123456789MT for parcels, where "MT" indicates Malta as the origin country.
Tip: Always save your receipt when posting items - it contains your tracking number which you'll need for any delivery queries.
To check your shipment status, simply enter your parcel ID in the tracking field above. The system pulls data directly from Malta Post's network, showing you each scan point as your package moves through sorting facilities and transit hubs.
Sometimes tracking updates pause for a day or two. This doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong - it often just reflects gaps between scanning points, especially during international transit.
Delivery Services Available
The Maltese postal service offers several shipping options to match different needs and budgets:
- Ordinary Mail - Basic postal service without tracking, suitable for letters and non-urgent documents
- Registered Mail - Tracked service with delivery confirmation, ideal for important documents
- Parcels - Standard parcel delivery for packages up to 30kg
- Express Mail Service (EMS) - Priority international delivery with faster transit times
- Mailbox2Door - Convenient service for online shoppers receiving international purchases
Domestic deliveries within Malta and Gozo typically arrive within 1-3 business days. For international shipments, delivery times vary considerably based on destination - European countries usually see arrivals within 5-10 working days, while destinations further afield may take 2-4 weeks.
International Shipping Through Malta Post
Sending packages abroad? Malta Post connects with postal services globally through the Universal Postal Union network. This means your parcel might show tracking updates from different carriers as it crosses borders.
No worries if your tracking shows a different carrier name mid-journey - that's just the local postal service handling your item in their country.
For shipments heading outside the European Union, customs clearance becomes part of the process. The recipient may need to pay import duties or taxes depending on the package contents and value. Malta Post provides customs declarations forms, and completing these accurately helps avoid delays at border checkpoints.
Interestingly, many packages from popular e-commerce platforms in Asia reach Malta through partnerships with carriers like China Post or Singapore Post before Malta Post handles the final delivery leg.
What To Do When Tracking Doesn't Update
Stuck tracking status? Here's what typically causes delays and how to handle them:
International transit gaps: Packages moving between countries often go several days without scans. This is normal - your item is likely sitting in an airline cargo hold or customs queue.
Customs processing: If tracking shows your package arrived in Malta but hasn't moved further, it might be undergoing customs inspection. This can add 1-5 business days depending on volume and documentation completeness.
Incorrect tracking number: Double-check you've entered the code correctly. Even one wrong digit will return no results.
If more than two weeks pass without any update for international items, or more than a week for domestic shipments, contacting Malta Post customer service at (356) 2596 1740 is your best next step.
Practical Tips for Smooth Deliveries
A few simple practices can prevent most delivery headaches:
- Include a phone number on all shipments - couriers often call before delivery attempts
- Ensure your address includes any apartment or flat numbers
- For valuable items, always choose registered or insured options
- Track regularly during the first few days to catch any address issues early
If you miss a delivery attempt, Malta Post usually leaves a notification card with collection instructions. Most items get held at your local post office for around two weeks before being returned to sender.
Many users assume missed deliveries mean lost packages - but items are almost always safely waiting at the nearest collection point.
Understanding Malta Post Tracking Statuses
When tracking your Malta Post shipment, you'll encounter various status updates. Here's what the most common ones mean:
Info Received: Malta Post has received electronic shipping data from the sender. The physical package hasn't been collected yet - this is normal and simply means the label was created.
In Transit: Your Malta Post parcel is moving through the postal network. This status appears frequently during a shipment's journey and doesn't indicate any problem.
Arrived at Sorting Centre: The package has reached a Malta Post distribution hub for processing. Items typically spend a few hours here before continuing onward.
Customs Clearance: For international shipments, Malta Post is processing your package through Maltese customs. This stage may require 24-72 hours depending on inspection requirements.
Out for Delivery: A Malta Post carrier has your package on their delivery route. Expect delivery within the day - keep your phone nearby in case the carrier needs to reach you.
Delivered: Malta Post has successfully completed delivery. If this status appears but you haven't received your item, check with household members or neighbours before contacting support.
Available for Collection: Your shipment is waiting at a Malta Post office or collection point. Bring valid ID and your tracking number when collecting.
Want to understand every tracking status in detail? Check our complete tracking status guide.
Need help? Contact Malta Post directly
To resolve any issues with your Malta Post delivery or to ask about a specific status, you can reach their team through these official contact methods:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Malta Post tracking number look like?
Malta Post tracking numbers follow international postal formats. Registered mail typically uses 13-character codes starting with two letters, followed by nine digits, and ending with "MT" (e.g., RR123456789MT). Parcel tracking codes often begin with "CP" or "CX" followed by numbers and the MT suffix.
How long does Malta Post take for international delivery?
Delivery times vary by destination. Shipments to European countries typically arrive within 5-10 working days. For destinations in North America or Australia, expect 10-20 working days. Asian and African destinations may take 2-4 weeks. EMS express service reduces these times significantly.
Why is my Malta Post tracking stuck on 'Departed Malta'?
This status means your package has left Malta but hasn't been scanned by the destination country's postal service yet. International parcels often show no updates for 3-7 days during transit. Once the receiving postal service scans it, tracking will update automatically.
Does Malta Post deliver on Saturdays?
Standard Malta Post deliveries operate Monday to Friday only. Saturday deliveries are not part of regular postal service in Malta. If you need weekend delivery for urgent items, consider alternative courier services that offer Saturday scheduling.
What happens if I miss my Malta Post delivery?
Malta Post leaves a notification card at your address with collection details. You can pick up your package from the designated post office shown on the card, typically your local branch. Items are held for approximately 14 days before being returned to sender. Bring valid photo ID and the notification card when collecting.