Is Malta safe for Black travellers?
Safe for tourists, but documented hostility towards African migrants
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- EUR
- Language
- Maltese + English
- Best time to visit
- Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
- Visa
- Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors.
- Health
- No specific vaccines needed.
Community warnings
- ECRI (2024) cites the 2019 racially motivated killing of an Ivorian man by soldiers
- ECRI (2024): migrants' trust in police undermined by allegations of serious abuse
- FCDO warns of drink spiking in Paceville bars and clubs
Border & airport tips
Malta airport efficient.
Why this rating
Malta is a US Level 1 destination and the FCDO says crime against tourists is rare. ECRI (2024) reported serious racist violence against sub-Saharan Africans, including the 2019 fatal drive-by shooting of an Ivorian man by soldiers, widespread online hate speech, housing discrimination, and trust in police undermined by abuse allegations. Malta was not covered by FRA's 2023 survey, and evidence on short-stay Black tourists specifically is limited.
Official advice: US Level 1 (July 2026); FCDO: no advice against travel
Sources: travel.state.gov · gov.uk · rm.coe.int · state.gov
Reviewed Sep 2026 · evidence: medium · editorial rating, not official travel advice.
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