Malta Travel Information

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

Entry requirements

The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Suspension of commercial flights

On 21 December, the Government of Malta announced that from 22 December normal commercial flights between the UK and Malta will be suspended.

Scheduled flights may be subject to short notice cancellation. Check the Malta Airport website or contact the airline for status of flights. If you have a ticket to travel you should contact your travel operator.

Air Malta have announced that they will continue to operate regular flights between the UK and Malta. Those planning travel to Malta or returning to the UK are advised to visit the Air Malta website for information about bookings.

Entry to Malta

From 22 December, unauthorised travel from the UK to Malta will not be permitted. Maltese Nationals, those holding residency permits, and those with evidence of residency (including if you have applied for a residency permit and have received an interim receipt issued by the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs), currently in the UK will be permitted to return subject to testing and mandatory 14 day quarantine (see below).

Non-Maltese Nationals and those without residency permits who require travel for essential reasons must first obtain permission to enter Malta from the Superintendent of Public Health by emailing [email protected].

All passengers travelling to Malta from the United Kingdom are required to submit a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before boarding flights to Malta. The test should be dated no more than 72 hours before arrival. Passengers will also be subject to a PCR test on arrival to Malta and a mandatory 14 day quarantine with a repeat PCR test between day 5-7. Visit the Maltese Government website for further information about entry requirements.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

The current list of countries or regions requiring prior testing can be found on the Maltese Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs’ website. The Maltese Government will regularly review the list of countries for which prior testing will be required.

Self-isolation

From 22 December all passengers travelling from the United Kingdom to Malta will be are required to submit a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before boarding flights to Malta. The test should be dated no more than 72 hours before arrival. Passengers will also be subject to a PCR test on arrival to Malta and a mandatory 14 day quarantine regardless of a negative result. A repeat PCR test will be required between day 5-7. Visit the Maltese Government website for further information about quarantine.

The current list of countries exempt from self-isolation can be found on the Visit Malta website. If arriving from an exempt country or region passengers will need to certify they have resided in that country for at least 2 weeks prior to travelling. There will, however, be temperature checks for all arriving and departing passengers. Those passengers with a high temperature will be required to undergo a swab test. Further details on the procedures are explained on the Malta International Airport website.

You may not travel to Malta from a country not listed via one of the listed countries. If you wish to travel to Malta from a country not listed you will need prior permission from the Maltese authorities. You should contact your nearest Maltese Embassy or High Commission for more information.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:

• you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or 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 within 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 with the Maltese High Commission what type of visa and/or work permit you may need
• if you stay in Malta with a visa or permit, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit

Any time you spent in Malta or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

At Maltese border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:

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

There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Malta. If you are resident in Malta, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Malta guide.

Passport validity

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Malta.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Safety and security

Crime

Crime against tourists is rare although robberies, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing and theft from parked cars can occur. Safeguard passports, money and other valuables. Be vigilant when exchanging money and using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use the hotel’s own safe if possible.

There have been instances of pick-pocketing on bus routes between Valletta and St Julian’s. Thieves are targeting crowded buses during the summer season. Be vigilant and keep sight of valuables at all times. Local police are aware of the problem and conducting investigations.

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

Scams

British and Maltese nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating globally. The scams come in many forms (romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities) and can pose great financial risk to victims. Be very cautious about any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet.

Hunting season

Bird hunting is practised during the spring and autumn. Dates are movable and determined by the government in the lead up to the season. Local print and online news media normally carry the start and end dates, and times of when hunting is allowed.

Hunting with firearms is common and 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, incidents involving members of the public have occurred previously. Be aware of your surroundings when visiting rural areas and nature spots during the hunting seasons.

Road travel

In 2019 there were 16 road deaths in Malta (source: Department of Transport). This equates to 3.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.

Licences and documents

You can drive in Malta using your UK driving licence.

If you’re living in Malta, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Road safety

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

Driving regulations

See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides to driving in Malta.

Swimming

During the summer, many beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and operate flag safety systems. You should make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings; red flags indicate dangerous or hazardous conditions. You should swim within designated swimming zones and take extra care if there are no life-guards, flags or signs. Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.