Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Malta is a very safe Mediterranean island nation and EU member. Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and the Paceville nightlife district.
- Overall risk
- Very low; among the safest countries in Europe
- Main concern
- Petty theft and pickpocketing at tourist and nightlife spots
- Emergency number
- 112 (all services)
- Malta enjoys low crime rates and stable public order as an EU and Schengen member. Exercise normal precautions and stay alert in busy areas of Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's and Gozo.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Use normal caution around busy nightlife spots such as Paceville at night.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Crowded nightlife areas warrant extra care
- Malta has no dangerous districts for visitors. In busy nightlife zones like Paceville, watch belongings and drinks, and use licensed taxis or rideshares late at night.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Natural disaster risk is low. Prepare for intense summer heat and strong sun, occasional strong winds, and a low to moderate seismic risk.
- Summer
- Heatwaves and strong Mediterranean sun
- Wind
- Occasional strong winds and rough seas
- Seismic risk
- Low to moderate
- Summers are hot with strong sun; stay hydrated, use sun protection and avoid the midday heat. Malta sits in the seismically active Mediterranean but damaging earthquakes are rare. Strong winds can disrupt ferries to Gozo.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Malta has good EU-standard healthcare. Tap water is safe but hard; many prefer bottled water for taste. Guard against sunburn and heat.
- Healthcare
- Good public and private care to EU standards
- Tap water
- Safe to drink but hard; bottled often preferred
- Summer
- Risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion
- Medical facilities are modern and widely available. No special vaccinations are required for typical travel; carry personal medication with a prescription. In summer, use sunscreen, cover up and drink plenty of water.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and occasional overcharging occur at tourist spots. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Buses, beaches, markets, nightlife areas
- Advice
- Watch valuables and check prices in advance
- Thieves target distracted tourists on public transport, at beaches and in busy areas. Keep bags closed and in front of you, watch for occasional overcharging by some taxis or venues, and agree fares or prices beforehand.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Malta is a stable parliamentary democracy and EU member state with a high standard of civil order.
- Government
- Stable parliamentary republic and EU member
- Demonstrations
- Peaceful and rare disruption to tourists
- Political unrest is very uncommon. Occasional demonstrations are generally peaceful; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
EU norms apply. Drug laws are strictly enforced, public drinking should be discreet, and traffic drives on the left.
- Driving
- Drive on the left (a British legacy)
- Drugs
- Strictly controlled; severe penalties
- Alcohol
- Drink responsibly; avoid public disorder
- Traffic drives on the left, so take care as a pedestrian and when hiring a car. Drug offences carry heavy penalties. Drinking is widely available but public drunkenness and disorder can lead to fines; behave respectfully in towns and villages.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Operators speak English (an official language).
- All emergencies
- 112
- Languages
- English and Maltese are official
- Coverage
- Police, ambulance and fire
- 112 covers police, ambulance and fire across Malta and Gozo. English is an official language, so communicating with emergency services is straightforward.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Europeans can use an EHIC/GHIC for state healthcare within the EU; all travellers should still carry comprehensive travel insurance.
- EU/EEA/UK
- EHIC or GHIC covers necessary state care
- Others
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Include
- Water sports, diving and repatriation if relevant
- An EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, repatriation and any activities such as diving or boat trips, which are popular in Malta.