Exercise Normal Precautions
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Thu, 09 Jul 2026
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Is Malta safe? 🇲🇹
Europe · Updated
As of August 2026, Malta scores 85/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. The U.S. State Department rates Malta Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Of the 2 Malta destinations assessed, Sliema scores highest (86/100), while Valletta scores lowest (86/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Malta 🇲🇹
Malta · Assessed 1 August 2026
85
/ 100
Yes — very safe
Safer than ~92% of countries
What drives this score
Crime82/100GoodCrime index 43.0 / 100
Sentiment87/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories100Good
Stability78Good
Health92Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-07-06T15:01:43Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Malta: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery against tourists are extremely rare; isolated incidents have been reported only in late‑night bar districts such as Paceville
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is most common in crowded tourist hotspots—Valletta’s Republic Street, the Marsaxlokk market, and the Paceville nightlife strip—especially during peak cruise‑ship arrivals
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
87/100
Reported feel85Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports and social‑media sentiment indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight, though many note heightened vigilance needed after dark in nightlife zones.
Yes — Malta is one of Europe's safest destinations for visitors, with low violent crime and stable conditions.
Malta scores 86/100 on the composite safety index, placing it in the top 7% of countries for overall safety. Violent crime, terrorism, and traffic fatalities are negligible, and official advisories from the U.S., U.K., and Canada all sit at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The primary risks are petty theft and scams in crowded tourist zones, especially during the summer peak.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Lovin Malta reported tourists being fined €200 or more and potentially ejected from the island for repeated rule violations, highlighting stricter enforcement in nightlife districts— Lovin Malta
- Jun 2026Al Jazeera covered a high‑profile murder trial of a businessman accused of killing a prominent journalist, underscoring rare but serious violent crime under investigation— Al Jazeera
- Feb 2026NEWS10 ABC documented a home‑condemnation case linked to animal‑neglect charges, reflecting isolated non‑violent legal issues but no direct threat to tourists— NEWS10 ABC
- Jul 2026Times of Malta quoted a local expressing concern over children’s photo sharing after a series of online harassment incidents involving tourists— Times of Malta
Common scams
- Bar bill padding and overcharging in Paceville and St. Julian's nightlife areas
- Fake parking 'donations' and extortion by attendants in Valletta and tourist zones
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Malta remains one of Europe’s safest destinations for travelers. The composite safety index of 86/100 and the fact that official U.S., U.K., and Canadian advisories all sit at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) confirm that violent crime, terrorism, and traffic fatalities are negligible. Recent data from the live dossier shows only a handful of notable incidents—most involve legal enforcement actions in nightlife districts, a high‑profile murder trial, and isolated cases of animal‑neglect that do not affect visitors. Overall, the environment is stable, with no active disaster alerts and low scores for homicide (0.6 per 100 k) and terrorism.
The primary safety concerns for a visitor are petty‑theft‑related scams. Pickpocketing is moderate, concentrating in crowded tourist hubs such as Valletta’s Republic Street, the Marsaxlokk Sunday market, and the bustling Paceville nightlife strip, especially when cruise ships discharge large crowds. Bar‑bill padding and inflated taxi fares are the most frequently reported scams in St. Julian’s and Paceville after dark. While violent robbery is low, isolated muggings have been noted in late‑night bar areas, so it is wise to avoid poorly lit streets and to keep valuables out of sight.
Recent news from July 2026 highlights tourists being fined €200 or more for rule breaches and the possibility of removal from the island, indicating stricter enforcement in nightlife zones. The same period saw coverage of a murder trial, reinforcing that even rare violent incidents are swiftly investigated. Travelers should therefore stay alert in crowded places, use reputable transport options, and keep an eye on belongings, especially in the busiest tourist corridors. By following these practical steps, most visitors can enjoy Malta’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere with confidence.
06 · Destinations
Malta destinations by safety score
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07 · Questions
Malta safety FAQ
Is Malta safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Malta Level 1 of 4 — Exercise Normal Precautions. On our composite index Malta scores 85/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 1 August 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Malta?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Sliema currently scores highest at 86/100 (Very Safe). Valletta scores lowest at 86/100.
Where does this Malta safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.