Senior citizens to get free access to all Heritage Malta sites

Heritage Malta’s Senior Passport initiative will grant senior citizens free and unlimited access to all Heritage Malta’s attractions. 

During a memorandum of understanding signed on Thursday, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said that this will give better accessibility and inclusivity to senior citizens. 

“Thanks to this scheme, not only are we making the agency’s sites and museums more available, but we’re also raising more awareness on our heritage and history. We are committed to keep on strengthening this ever-growing sector, for the benefit of our community,” Bonnici said. 

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici

In order for people to apply for the scheme, senior citizens are urged to go to their respective local councils, where staff will enrol them in the Senior Passport system, and the passport together with an information leaflet which will be received by post within 10 working days.

Heritage Malta’s Senior Passport holders can enjoy free and unlimited visits to 27 sites which include prehistoric temples and caves, historic houses and prisons, fortresses and palaces, and a selection of museums relating to nature, archaeology, maritime, war, and art. 

On each visit to any of the sites, the holder is to ensure that the passport is stamped. 

On every eighth stamp collected, the holder will be given a reward by Heritage Malta, to a total of three rewards. 

Passport holders are also entitled to be accompanied by two youths who also receive free admission. 

Parliamentary secretary for local government Silvio Parnis, said that the elderly, are part of the government’s the local government reform. 

“This reform aims to continue improving their quality of life and it provides that by law, in all local councils there will be a councillor responsible for the elderly,” Parnis said. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis, said that the Senior Passport will continue implementing the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing, and offer opportunities of quality time for the elderly and their grandparents, while enhancing their knowledge on Malta’s history.

The scheme follows the recently launched student passport scheme, with Heritage Malta’s Executive Director Mario Cutajar stating that this will be part of Heritage Malta’s plan in extending its vision from one based on heritage conservation to a wider perspective which gives accessibility to Maltese history. 

“Heritage Malta is also investing in other forthcoming projects which not only will convey our heritage but also increase awareness of what makes us Maltese,” Cutajar said.