Tobacco — Malta
What travelers need to know about tobacco in Malta. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Tobacco in Malta: restricted — there are real limits travelers must follow.
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).
§ Legislation Malta - Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act, Cap. 315, arts. 13, 14, 18; S.L. 315.04 Smoking in Public Places Regulations regs. 3-5; S.L. 315.11 Smoking Control in Private Vehicles Regulations regs. 2-4; S.L. 315.12 Smoking Control on Beaches Regulations (L.N. 204 of 2025, in force 1 January 2026) regs. 3, 5 and ScheduleVerified Sep 19, 2026