Currency
Euro (€)
Malta has used the euro since 2008.
Malta Guide · 10
Practical MaltaWhat to know before you go
The useful stuff
Malta is easy to visit once a few small details are sorted.
Bring a Type G adaptor, know the border rules and save 112.
Practical Malta
The things I would want to know before landing.
Malta is straightforward to visit: English is official, the euro is used and most logistics are simple. Common surprises are Type G plugs, Schengen rules, the accommodation eco-contribution, strong sun and changing Sunday, holiday and festa opening hours.
Transport has its own guide; this page covers documents, money, connectivity, health, water and everyday essentials.
Quick essentials
Malta in eight practical facts.
The short version before the detail.
Electricity
Type G
British-style three-pin plug. 230 V, 50 Hz.
Emergency
112
Police, ambulance and fire. Free from any phone.
Country code
+356
Use +356 before Maltese telephone numbers from abroad.
Time
CET / CEST
UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 during daylight saving time.
Languages
Maltese & English
Both are official; Maltese is the national language.
Tap water
Potable
Public mains water is safe, although the taste can be chlorinated.
Accommodation tax
€1.50 / night
Per guest aged 18+, capped at €22.50 for visits starting from 1 July 2026.
Before you go
Sort the border stuff before the airport queue.
Malta is in Schengen, so entry rules depend on your nationality and length of stay.
Passport & visa rules
Visa-exempt non-EU travellers can normally stay up to 90 days in any 180. Non-EU passports generally need three months’ validity beyond departure and must have been issued within the previous ten years.
Visa rules vary by nationality, so check before booking.
EES is now operating
The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational on 10 April 2026. It covers many non-EU short-stay travellers and records document and biometric data.
EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian and Swiss nationals are exempt.
ETIAS is still pending
ETIAS is not yet operational. The EU expects it in the last quarter of 2026; applications are not yet open.
When it launches, use only the official EU website.
Travel insurance still matters
An EHIC can cover necessary state healthcare for eligible visitors, but not private treatment, repatriation or lost property.
Check that your insurance covers activities such as hiking, diving and watersports.
Money & costs
Euro in your wallet. One extra charge at your accommodation.
Cards are widely useful, but keep some cash.
Eco-contribution · from 1 July 2026€1.50per night · per guest aged 18+
Malta’s accommodation eco-contribution changed in 2026.
For visits from 1 July 2026, the contribution is €1.50 per night per guest aged 18+, capped at €22.50 per person.
It may be collected separately from a prepaid accommodation booking.
Pay in euro
Malta uses the euro; all euro notes and coins are accepted.
Card plus a little cash
Cards are the easiest default, but keep a little cash for stalls, festas and occasional cash-only purchases.
Watch ATM conversion
If offered conversion into your home currency, compare the rate. Paying in euro is often better, depending on your bank’s fees.
Tipping is optional
Tipping is optional. Check for a service charge, then round up or leave a small tip for good service.
Power & connection
Bring a British plug. Your phone should do the rest.
Malta uses British-style sockets; EU roaming keeps many phones simple.
Type G · 230 V · 50 Hz
Malta uses UK-style three-pin sockets. Most other plugs need an adaptor.
Check the label on your device.
An adaptor only changes the plug shape. Most chargers accept 100–240 V; 110–120 V-only devices may need a converter.
EU roaming usually works like home.
EU/EEA plans generally roam at domestic rates, subject to fair use. UK and other non-EU visitors should check their operator.
Wi-Fi is easy to find.
Wi-Fi is common in accommodation, cafés and public venues. Use mobile data or a trusted network for sensitive accounts.
Health & emergencies
112 for emergencies. 1400 if you are unsure.
Call 112 for emergencies. Otherwise use a health centre or GP.
Emergency: 112 · Unsure: 1400
Call 112 for a life-threatening or time-critical emergency. If you are unsure whether you need A&E, call 1400 for assessment. For non-emergencies, use a health centre or GP. 1400 is for eligible patients aged 16–75 entitled to free Maltese healthcare.
Mater Dei Hospital
Malta’s main state acute hospital in Msida has a 24/7 A&E. In an emergency, call 112.
Gozo General Hospital
Gozo’s hospital in Victoria provides 24/7 emergency, inpatient and outpatient care, with referral to Mater Dei when needed.
EHIC & public care
Eligible visitors with a valid EHIC can access medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay. Carry proof of entitlement.
An EHIC is not travel insurance.
Non-emergency care
For non-emergencies, start with a health centre or GP. Pharmacies use Sunday and public-holiday rosters. Unsure about A&E? Eligible patients can call 1400.
Everyday Malta
Small details that make the islands easier.
A few details that remove friction.
The tap water is drinkable.
Mains water is potable, though its mineral and chlorine taste can be noticeable. Chilling or filtering helps.
Old plumbing can be the weak link.
In older accommodation, tanks or internal plumbing can affect water quality. If unsure, ask whether the kitchen tap is mains-fed.
Malta has fourteen public holidays.
Offices close and some services reduce hours. Re-check opening times on Sundays, public holidays and major festa days.
The sun is stronger than it looks.
Sun exposure adds up quickly on limestone, boats and beaches. Carry water, use protection and plan exposed walks carefully.
Remember active places of worship.
Many churches remain active places of worship. Dress respectfully, keep quiet during services and follow photography signs.
Share a pin, not just an address.
Street names can repeat and house names are common. A map pin is often clearer for taxis, hosts and meeting points.
Further reading
Check the things that can change.
Official entry, health, tax, water and EU travel information.
VisitMalta · Essential InformationOfficial visitor basics and travel information.
Identità · Visa InformationMalta’s short- and long-stay visa guidance.
EU · EES & ETIASCurrent status of Europe’s border systems.
Malta Tax & Customs · Eco-ContributionThe 2026 accommodation contribution rate and cap.
European Commission · EHIC in MaltaState healthcare access during a temporary stay.
Health Malta · 1400 & Emergency GuidanceWhen to use 1400 and when to call 112.
Water Services CorporationDrinking-water quality and chlorine guidance.
Pharmacy Malta · Sunday RosterPharmacies open on Sundays and public holidays.
Your Europe · Mobile RoamingRoam Like At Home rules and fair-use limits.
Government of Malta · Public HolidaysThe official annual holiday calendar.