Malta travel guide

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malta set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Malta’s high commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Malta.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Malta, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

To enter Malta (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Malta). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Malta.

At Maltese border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (including Malta) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Malta and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you will need to meet the Maltese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with Malta’s high commission.

If you stay in Malta with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

If you are travelling to Malta for work, read the guidance on visas and permits.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Malta guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Malta. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorism in Malta

Terrorist attacks can’t be ruled out.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those visited by foreigners.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Crime against tourists is rare but robberies, handbag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from parked cars can occur. Be vigilant when exchanging money and using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Pickpocketing has happened on bus routes between Valletta and St Julian’s. Thieves target crowded buses during the summer season. Always keep sight of valuables.

Drink and food spiking

Individuals have been drugged and forced into spending large amounts of money or assaulted in some bars and gentlemen’s clubs in the Paceville district. You should:

• be careful who you buy drinks from
• keep drinks in sight to make sure they are not spiked
• check your bill to make sure you are not being overcharged

Assault

Attacks, including rape and sexual assault, occur. Avoid splitting up from your friends and do not go off with people you do not know. If you drink, take sensible precautions including buying your own drinks and keeping sight of them at all times.

Scams

Scams targeting British nationals are increasing. These come in many forms (romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities) and can pose financial risk to victims.

Be cautious about any requests for money, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet.

For more information, read guidance from ActionFraud.

Laws and cultural differences

Bird hunting season

Bird hunting takes place in the spring and autumn. The Maltese government decides the dates at the start of each season. See local print and online media for the dates and times when hunting is allowed.

Hunting with firearms is common. It is normally allowed from 2 hours before sunrise until 2 hours after sunset. Hunting areas are rarely marked and can overlap with camping areas, country walkways and other public areas. Although not common, there have been incidents involving members of the public. Be aware of your surroundings when visiting rural areas and nature spots during the hunting seasons.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

During the summer, most beaches are patrolled by lifeguards with a flag safety system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings; red flags indicate dangerous or hazardous conditions. Swim within designated zones and take extra care if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.

Further information can be found on Royal Life Saving Society’s ‘Water Safety on Holiday’ page.

Follow local advice if there are jellyfish.

See more information from the Malta Tourism Authority.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Malta, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Malta guide.

Take care while driving as some roads are in poor condition. Keep to the speed limit. Local standards of driving are poor.

Licences and permits

You can drive in Malta using your UK driving license.

You can use your Blue Badge in Malta.

For information on requirements for residents, see living in Malta.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. Since 2021, UK stickers have replaced GB stickers. Check the government guidance on displaying number plates for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Malta guide

• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

UK prescriptions are not recognised in Malta. If you need medication while travelling you should speak to a Maltese medical practitioner.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Malta

You can request to see a private GP at most pharmacies.

You may be required to wear a mask when entering healthcare facilities in Malta.

Prescriptions issued from EU member states can be issued by a Maltese pharmacist if they can confirm that the issuer is licensed.

Medication might not match the exact make and brand of those in the UK or EU. Confirm with the pharmacist or doctor that your prescription has a suitable local equivalent. You may need to be assessed by a Maltese medical practitioner and issued with a local prescription.

For information on healthcare for residents, see living In Malta.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Malta.

Health insurance card

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Maltese nationals. If you do not have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. An EHIC or GHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

EHIC and GHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Malta

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider

• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors in Malta
• dealing with a death in Malta
• being arrested in Malta
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Malta and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges.