Broadly safe for most visitors, with only routine travel precautions needed. Public health and infrastructure are well developed.
Regional breakdown
Malta is small, and neither official advisory guidance nor official advisory guidance flags any specific region as higher risk. Most visitors base themselves in Valletta, the walled capital, or the tourist strips of Sliema and St Julian's on the north-east coast. These areas stay busy late into the night, especially around Paceville, where bars and clubs concentrate most of the island's petty crime and alcohol-related incidents. Outside the capital region, the medieval town of Mdina. The fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the southern temple sites at Ħaġar Qim see steady tourist traffic with few reported problems. The sister island of Gozo, reached by ferry from Ċirkewwa, is quieter again. Watch out for strong currents and sudden swells at popular swim spots such as the Blue Lagoon on Comino and the inland sea at Dwejra. Road conditions vary sharply between the arterial routes around Mrieħel and older village lanes in places like Żebbuġ or Qormi. Driving is on the left, signage can be inconsistent, and pedestrian crossings are not always respected. Travellers hiring cars should plan extra time for the coast road between Mellieħa and Golden Bay during summer weekends.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance page for Malta was last updated on 18 February 2026. The change concerned the European Entry-Exit System (EES) and how it affects travellers crossing into the Schengen area through Maltese borders. There is no regional carve-out and no ordered departure status in place. The official advisory guidance currently lists Malta at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest of the four advisory levels. The notice was reissued on 28 May 2025 after a periodic review with minor edits, and has not been changed since. No specific security zones, protest warnings or health alerts are attached. Both governments therefore treat Malta as a stable, low-risk destination at the time of this review. With entry and border procedures the main moving piece travellers need to track before departure.
What travellers should know
Petty theft is the most common issue reported to consular staff. Pickpockets work crowded buses on the Valletta and Sliema routes, and bag snatches happen around busy waterfront cafés. Keep wallets and phones out of back pockets, and avoid leaving valuables on beach towels at St Peter's Pool or Għajn Tuffieħa. Drink spiking has been reported in Paceville nightlife venues, so travellers should watch their drinks and travel back to accommodation in groups where possible. Healthcare in Malta is generally good, with Mater Dei Hospital in Msida as the main public facility. travellers can use a GHIC card for state-provided treatment, but comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended for repatriation and private care. Summer heat regularly exceeds 35°C in July and August, and jellyfish swarms are common along the east coast. Those hiring scooters or quad bikes on Gozo should confirm their insurance covers two-wheelers, as standard policies often exclude them. Register with the their home government's traveller alert programme programme if travelling on a US passport, and keep the 112 emergency number to hand.