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Watch: mixed picture馃嚥馃嚬 Malta

Is Malta safe for Black travellers?

Safe for tourists, but documented hostility towards African migrants

SafeRoute rating
48
out of 100 路 reviewed Sep 2026

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 路 gov.uk 路 rm.coe.int 路 state.gov
Reviewed Sep 2026 路 evidence: medium 路 editorial rating, not official travel advice 路 How we rate

Vibe check

Local attitude4/10
Police safety5/10
Service equality5/10
Black community4/10
Cultural respect5/10
Overall5/10

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.
Emergency
112
Plugs
Type G 路 230 V, 50 Hz
Driving
On the left

Know before you go

  • 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: Malta airport efficient.

SafeRoute tip: Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's are the main tourist hubs. In Paceville nightlife, watch your drink and go in a group.

A smiling Black woman traveller with a carry-on, checking her phone at a sunny airport gate

Travelling to Malta?

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Black-owned in Malta

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Malta: common questions

Is Malta safe for Black travellers right now?

SafeRoute rates Malta 48/100 (watch: mixed picture), last reviewed Sep 2026. 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.

What is the official travel advice for Malta?

US Level 1 (July 2026); FCDO: no advice against travel. Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.

Do I need a visa to visit Malta?

Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.

What should Black travellers know before going to Malta?

Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's are the main tourist hubs. In Paceville nightlife, watch your drink and go in a group. Malta airport efficient. Key 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.

Can I share my own experience of Malta?

Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on Malta, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.

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Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.