Malta essentials

Entry: EES and ETIAS (checked 25 October 2026)

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 and was rolled out over six months at the Schengen area’s external borders (European Commission). If you are not an EU citizen, your passport details, fingerprints and a photo are recorded the first time you enter.

ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation; the EU will announce the start date several months ahead (travel-europe.europa.eu). Never pay an unofficial website.

The environmental contribution

From 1 July 2026 the Malta Tourism Authority’s environmental contribution is €1.50 per night for each guest aged 18 or over, up to a maximum of €22.50 per person per visit. It is not included in the room rate: your accommodation charges it separately (mta.com.mt).

Buses, ferries and driving

Malta Public Transport runs the buses on both islands, and the Airport Direct lines link the airport with Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Rabat, Buġibba and Ċirkewwa (maltairport.com). The quickest way between Sliema, Valletta and the Three Cities is the harbour ferry.

Gozo Channel’s ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr takes about 25 minutes and runs daily; Gozo Highspeed sails from Valletta, Sliema and Buġibba. Malta drives on the left. See our Getting to Malta page for flights and the sea routes.

Swimming and the sea

Many of the best swims are from rocks, not sand, with deep water close in. Watch the flags and the weather: in a strong wind, boat trips to the Blue Grotto and Comino stop, and the sea on exposed coasts can be dangerous.

When to go

Summer is hot and busy; spring and autumn are warm, greener and quieter, and the best time for walking and the temples. Winter is mild, with the theatre season in full swing. Village festas fill the summer weekends.

Health and emergencies

Call 112 for police, fire or an ambulance. The main public hospital is Mater Dei in Msida, and Gozo has the Gozo General Hospital in Victoria; see our health page. EU visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card; everyone should have travel insurance.

Visiting churches

Malta’s churches are working places of worship. Cover shoulders and knees, and check the opening times: St John’s Co-Cathedral, for example, is closed on Sundays and public holidays except for services (visitmalta.com).

Questions and answers