Malta: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, Malta is a member of the Schengen zone. Every day you spend in Malta counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period. Since Brexit, UK passport holders are subject to the Schengen 90/180-day rule when visiting Malta, a change from the pre-Brexit era when British citizens could stay indefinitely.
Malta holds a unique place in the hearts of many UK travellers. As a former British colony that gained independence in 1964, English remains an official language, British-style plug sockets are standard, and driving is on the left. The archipelago of Malta, Gozo, and Comino packs an extraordinary amount into a tiny area: 7,000 years of history, honey-coloured limestone cities, turquoise Mediterranean waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Malta's combination of familiarity, sunshine, and culture makes it one of the easiest Schengen destinations for UK visitors.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: Yes
- Year Joined Schengen: 2007
- Capital: Valletta
- Currency: Euro
- Languages: Maltese, English
Malta joined the Schengen zone in December 2007. As an island nation in the central Mediterranean, it has no land borders with other Schengen countries. English is an official language alongside Maltese.
Visiting Malta?
Malta's sunshine and English-speaking welcome make it a favourite for UK travellers, but every day still counts toward your Schengen limit. Track your Maltese holiday with Entorii to keep tabs on your 90-day allowance.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in Malta (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. This 90-day allowance is shared across all Schengen countries. A week in Malta followed by a fortnight in Italy and a weekend in Amsterdam all draw from the same pool.
A typical UK holiday in Malta lasts 5 to 10 days, which is enough to explore Valletta and the Three Cities, visit the ancient temples, swim at the best beaches, and take a day trip or overnight stay on Gozo. Malta is also popular for longer winter stays among British retirees and remote workers, drawn by the mild climate and English-speaking environment. If you plan an extended stay, careful day-tracking is essential.
Top Destinations in Malta
Valletta (1-2 days)
The fortified capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Harbour, and a thriving cafe culture.
Mdina (Half day)
The Silent City: a walled medieval town on a hilltop with narrow lanes, palaces, and panoramic views of the island.
Gozo (1-3 days)
Malta's quieter sister island with the Ggantija temples, Ramla Bay beach, diving, and rural charm.
The Three Cities (Half day)
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua: fortified harbour towns across the water from Valletta with deep Knights of Malta history.
Comino & the Blue Lagoon (1 day)
A tiny island between Malta and Gozo famous for its crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, best visited by boat.
Getting There from the UK
Direct flights from the UK to Malta International Airport operate from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and several other regional airports. Flight times are around three to three and a half hours. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and Air Malta all run regular services, with the widest choice during summer months. Malta's airport is centrally located and connected to all major towns by bus. Most hotels in the main tourist areas are within 30 minutes of the airport.
Travel Tips
Malta uses the Euro and is moderately priced by Southern European standards. Eating out is good value, particularly at local village restaurants away from the main tourist strips in Sliema and St Julian's. Try pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas) from a local pastizzeria for under a euro. Maltese wines, particularly from the Meridiana and Marsovin estates, are improving rapidly and are worth trying.
Getting around Malta can be challenging. The bus network covers the island but services can be slow and irregular, particularly on rural routes. Renting a car is practical but be aware that driving in Malta is chaotic by UK standards, despite being on the left-hand side of the road. The Malta ferry to Gozo runs from Cirkewwa and takes about 25 minutes; no advance booking is needed for foot passengers. In summer, visit popular sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malta in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Malta has been a member of the Schengen zone since December 2007. All days spent in Malta, Gozo, and Comino count toward the 90-day Schengen limit that applies to UK passport holders after Brexit.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Malta?
UK citizens can stay in Malta for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period under the Schengen rules. This is a combined limit across all 29 Schengen countries, not specific to Malta alone. For longer stays, Malta offers various residence visa programmes.
Do they speak English in Malta?
Yes. English is one of Malta's two official languages alongside Maltese. Virtually everyone speaks English fluently, signs are bilingual, and all official documents are available in English. This makes Malta one of the most accessible Schengen destinations for UK travellers.
Does Malta drive on the left?
Yes. Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same as the UK. This is a legacy of British colonial rule. Road signs are in both Maltese and English. However, driving standards and road conditions are quite different from the UK, so take care.
Can I use Malta as a base for Mediterranean island-hopping?
Malta has limited direct ferry connections to other countries, with the main route being to Pozzallo and Catania in Sicily (operated by Virtu Ferries, about 90 minutes to Pozzallo). Sicily is also Schengen territory, so those days count the same. Flights from Malta to other Mediterranean destinations are frequent and often cheap.