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Before you go to Malta: what to know

Must know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Allow extra time for Schengen external-border checks.

Entry and visas

Malta follows Schengen short-stay rules: visa-exempt visitors share a 90-day allowance in any 180 days across the area. EES biometric registration takes place at external borders; it is not an online pre-arrival application. ETIAS is not operating; official diplomatic updates expect 2027, with no fixed launch date.

Passport validity: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.pl ↗, mzv.gov.cz ↗, consilium.europa.eu ↗, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗, commission.europa.eu ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — no data

ATMs: ATMs are widespread; withdrawal fees can apply.

  • Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. American Express acceptance is limited.
  • Apple lists this country for Apple Pay with participating banks/cards; actual payment also depends on the merchant and card issuer.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.pl ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, support.apple.com ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Drive on the left and use seat belts for all occupants.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: transport.gov.mt ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Roman Catholic tradition.

Clothing: Check individual religious-site visitor rules; no nationwide dress rule was independently established.

Etiquette

  • Maltese and English are official languages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: govcms.gov.mt ↗

Climate

Mediterranean: long hot dry summers and short mild, somewhat rainy winters. Seasonal descriptions are not monthly temperature estimates.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: mild; some rain
  • February: Feb: mild; some rain
  • March: Mar: check forecast and take layers
  • April: Apr: check forecast and take layers
  • May: May: check forecast and take layers
  • June: Jun: hot, dry and sunny
  • July: Jul: hot, dry and sunny
  • August: Aug: hot, dry and sunny
  • September: Sep: check forecast and take layers
  • October: Oct: check forecast and take layers
  • November: Nov: check forecast and take layers
  • December: Dec: mild; some rain

Best season: For summer visits pack sun protection; in winter include a rain layer. A universal best month was not established.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: govcms.gov.mt ↗, gov.pl ↗

What to pack

  • UK-style three-pin adapter if needed
  • Sun protection
  • Rain layer for winter

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Leaving valuables unattended on crowded buses

Practical

Plugs: UK-style three square pins; 230 V, 50 Hz.

Water: Public drinking-water supply is potable; check local notices.

Traffic: drives on the left

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: govcms.gov.mt ↗, servizz.gov.mt ↗, transport.gov.mt ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.