Malta

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Malta are severe, with lengthy trials (5–7 years) and pre-trial detention of months to years for foreign nationals.

Severe penalties; extended pre-trial detention common for foreigners.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

Cannabis is legal to hold in small amounts in Malta, but there is no way for a visitor to buy it. Maltese law says an adult carrying up to 7 grams for personal use commits no offence, and it puts no residency condition on that rule — so it covers visitors as well as residents. There is no cannabis shop anywhere in Malta: the only lawful supply is a non-profit cannabis association, and by regulation only residents of Malta may join one. Growing your own is tied to your registered home address, so it is not open to a tourist.

Holding 7–28 g: a penalty of €50–€100 before a Commissioner for Justice. Over 28 g is criminal — 3 to 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine of €465.87–€2,329.37 in the Court of Magistrates, and up to 10 years if the case is sent to the Criminal Court. Smoking cannabis in public, or where the smell is a nuisance to others: €235. Using cannabis in front of anyone under 18, in public or private: €300–€500. Growing away from your registered address: €700–€1,000.

Verified Sep 11, 2026

Confirm your prescription medication is legal with Malta's Medicines Authority and carry it in original packaging with your prescription; some home-country medications may be illegal in Malta.

Medication illegal in Malta may be confiscated.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

Malta strictly regulates temporary import/export of firearms; hunting with firearms is common in rural Malta in spring and autumn. Contact the Maltese Embassy for requirements before traveling with one.

Strict enforcement.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

Declare EUR 10,000 or more (any currency) when entering, transiting, or exiting Malta.

Fine for failure to declare or incorrect information.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

Malta may strictly regulate temporary import/export of antiquities or items with resale value; an ATA Carnet is encouraged for professional equipment and commercial samples.

Strict enforcement; contact the Maltese Embassy in advance.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

E-cigarettes are legal in Malta, but its smoking rules also cover "tobacco devices" - products named as a cigarette or tobacco substitute, non-nicotine ones included - so treat your vape as a cigarette: no vaping in enclosed public places, in a private car with anyone under 16 inside, or on Golden Bay and Ramla l-Ħamra beaches outside the smoking areas. Nicotine e-liquid on sale is capped at 20 mg/ml, refill bottles at 10 ml and tanks or cartridges at 2 ml.

Vaping where the smoking rules apply is an offence under the Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act: first conviction EUR 232.94 to EUR 1,164.69, with up to 3 months' imprisonment possible on a repeat conviction at the prosecution's request (Cap. 315 art. 18). On a listed beach outside a smoking area: EUR 150 (S.L. 315.12 reg. 5). In a private vehicle in the presence of a minor under 16: not less than EUR 50 (S.L. 315.11 reg. 4).

Verified Sep 19, 2026

Malta bans smoking in every enclosed space open to the public - bars, restaurants and clubs included - with only a casino's designated smoking room and a hotel bedroom occupied solely by smokers exempt. It is also banned in playgrounds and public gardens with children's play equipment, and on public transport and in cinemas. Since 1 January 2026 you may not smoke on Golden Bay or Ramla l-Ħamra beaches outside the marked smoking areas (EUR 150 fine), and no one may smoke in a private car with anyone under 16 inside. Tobacco may not be sold to anyone under 18.

Breaching the Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act or its regulations, including smoking in an enclosed public place: first conviction EUR 232.94 to EUR 1,164.69, plus EUR 23.29 to EUR 116.47 a day if the breach continues; on a second or later conviction the court may also, at the prosecution's request, impose up to 3 months' imprisonment (Cap. 315 art. 18). Smoking on a listed beach outside a smoking area: EUR 150 (S.L. 315.12 reg. 5). Smoking in a private vehicle in the presence of a minor under 16: fine of not less than EUR 50 (S.L. 315.11 regs. 3-4).

Verified Sep 19, 2026

In Malta, vehicles drive on the left; roads are often narrow, winding, congested, and flood in heavy rain.

Verified Jul 26, 2026

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Malta.

Verified Jul 26, 2026