No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Malta set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maltese High Commission in the UK.
\n\nMalta follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nhave an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Malta, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Malta are different.
\n\nIf you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, 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. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Maltese border control, you may also need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, you must meet the Maltese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Maltese High Commission in the UK. The Maltese Central Visa Unit also has information.
\n\nIf you stay in Malta with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Malta.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nTo enter Malta, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Malta guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Malta, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nYou should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those visited by foreigners.
\n\nCrime against tourists is rare, but there have been incidents of:
\n\nTo reduce your risk:
\n\nPickpocketing has happened on bus routes between Valletta and St Julian’s. Thieves target crowded buses during the summer season. Always keep sight of valuables.
\n\nCriminals have drugged people in some bars and gentlemen’s clubs in the Paceville district. They’ve forced them to spend large amounts of money or assaulted them. You should:
\n\nThere have been assaults, including rape and sexual assault. 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 always keeping sight of them.
\n\nScams 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.
\n\nBe cautious about any requests for money, a job offer, a business venture or a face-to-face meeting from someone you met over the internet.
\n\nFor more information, see guidance from ActionFraud.
\n\nBird 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.
\n\nHunting 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 between members of the public and locals. Be aware of your surroundings when visiting rural areas and nature spots during the hunting seasons.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties for tourists.
\n\nMalta legalised the cultivation and personal use of cannabis at home in 2021, but smoking in public is illegal and attracts a fine. Possession of up to 7g of cannabis in public for personal use at home is legal for Maltese residents only.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Schengen bans (of up to 5 years) may also be issued alongside fines or after release from detention.
\n\nThe airport in Malta has excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nEvery year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Malta.
\n\nAlways supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.
\n\nTake care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach. Some beaches may have strong undercurrents.
\n\nHidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.
\n\nDuring the summer, lifeguards patrol most beaches and use 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. If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.
\n\nSee further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nFollow local advice if jellyfish are present.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Malta, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Malta guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Malta. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nThere is also guidance on driving if you’re living in Malta.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nYou can use your Blue Badge in Malta.
\n\nTake care while driving as some roads are in poor condition. Keep to the speed limit. Local standards of driving are poor.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Malta.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nUK prescriptions are not recognised in Malta. If you need medication while travelling, speak to a Maltese medical practitioner. A Maltese pharmacist can issue prescriptions from EU member states if they can confirm the prescriber is licensed.
\n\nMedication in Malta might not match UK or EU makes and brands. Check your prescription has a suitable local equivalent with a pharmacist or doctor. A Maltese medical practitioner may need to assess you and issue a local prescription.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Malta.
\n\nYou can request to see a private GP at most pharmacies.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Malta, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Malta.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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