About the Embassy

New U.S. Embassy in Malta: Facts, Figures and Frequently Asked Questions

On 30 September 2005, the United States Government signed an option with the Government of Malta to purchase approximately 42 tumoli (10 acres) of government-owned land in Ta’ Qali to be the site of a new American Embassy.  The U.S. will pay approximately 6.5 million LM. ($18.5 million) to the government for the site.  Including land costs and construction, the U.S. will invest more than 28 million LM ($80 million) for this project.  

Construction of a new U.S. Embassy reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Malta.  The United States opened its Embassy when Malta achieved independence in 1964.  In fact, the first American diplomatic presence in Malta dating dates to 1796.

Following are several frequently-asked questions about the proposed embassy.

Where will the proposed Embassy be located?
The new U.S. Embassy would be located in Ta’Qali, on the premises that is currently occupied by several buildings including the vote counting hall.  The site was chosen after an extensive search for suitable property.

Click here for a map showing the proposed location

Is the U.S. paying a fair price for the land?
The agreed price is the fair market value of the property based on two independent appraisals for which the U.S. Embassy contracted.  The price was reached after a serious negotiation between American and Maltese officials lasting several weeks.  The deal was finally reached when the U.S. increased its previous offer. 

What will be included in the proposed property?
This size is the standard set by the U.S. government for a small embassy.  A site this size will permit us to construct the following:
-- a new chancery roughly the same size as our current location;
-- a small warehouse and garage (currently we rent space for both separate from our embassy);
-- a residence for the current six-man U.S. Marine security guard detachment (again, currently we rent a house for them);
-- parking lots for staff and visitors. 

With a site this size, we can ensure that all the buildings are set away from a public street—a legal requirement in the U.S. for new embassies.

Why has the U.S. chosen to build a new embassy in Malta?
Since 1998, the U.S. Congress has mandated that the U.S. Department of State build, renovate and enhance U.S. Embassies around the world.  Since then, construction has finished or is in progress at 50 U.S. missions, more new buildings than in any period of U.S. diplomatic history.  Tunisia, Germany, Greece, China, Barbados, Jamaica, and Croatia, to name a few, all have new U.S. Embassy buildings, and the new embassy for Malta is part of this project.

For more information about this worldwide initiative, please visit: http://www.state.gov/obo/

Will there be any disruptions to the National Park in Ta’Qali?
No. The proposed Embassy would in no way impede access to the National Park in Ta’Qali or disrupt the area’s natural settings.  The public would be able to enjoy fully the recreational offerings of the area.

When will construction on the new Embassy begin?  When will it be completed?
Construction began in May 2008, and the new building is scheduled to be completed in early 2010, if all goes according to schedule.  

How will the new Embassy benefit the Maltese public?
The new embassy would offer a much more visitor-friendly environment than we are currently able to offer at our location in Floriana.  The new Embassy would include a larger consular waiting room that would allow consular officers to conduct visa interviews in more private settings.  Additionally, the new Embassy would have a parking lot for visitors.

Will the new Embassy serve as a regional embassy?
No. The new U.S. Embassy in Ta Qali will be for United States activities in Malta only.  We will perform the same diplomatic functions in the new facility that we perform in the current facility in Floriana. 

Will there be a helicopter pad or other area for aircraft?
No. We would not build a helicopter pad or any other facility for aircraft at the new Embassy.

Will the new location be used as a U.S. military base?
No. The United States has no intention of having a U.S. military base in Malta--not at the current U.S. Embassy, not at the proposed U.S. Embassy, nor at any other location in Malta.