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Malta is a safe country for visitors and residents by most measures: the UK government says crime against tourists is rare, and Eurostat recorded 0.89 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2024. The risks worth planning for are petty theft in crowded places, drink spiking in parts of the Paceville nightlife district, online scams, and the sea and the roads.
This guide sets out what GOV.UK’s travel advice and Eurostat’s figures actually say, so you can judge Malta on evidence rather than on rankings that recycle old numbers.
Is Malta safe? What the official advice says
GOV.UK’s travel advice describes crime against tourists in Malta as rare (GOV.UK), last updated in August 2026. It does note robbery, handbag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from parked cars, with thieves targeting crowded buses, such as the Valletta to St Julian’s routes, in summer.
Americans should check the State Department’s Malta travel advisory for its current level before travelling.
Crime in numbers
Malta recorded 0.89 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2024, according to Eurostat (Eurostat). Because Malta is small, the rate swings from year to year: it was 0.37 in 2023 and 1.54 in 2022, which reflects a handful of cases rather than a trend. Hungary, for comparison, recorded 0.69 in 2024, as our guide to safety in Budapest shows.
| Year | Intentional homicides per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 0.39 |
| 2022 | 1.54 |
| 2023 | 0.37 |
| 2024 | 0.89 |
Malta isn’t included in the 2026 Global Peace Index, so sites quoting a current Malta rank are using older editions (GPI 2026).
Nightlife, drink spiking and scams
GOV.UK warns that criminals have drugged people in some bars and gentlemen’s clubs in Paceville, St Julian’s nightlife area, and that assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred. Keep your drink with you, don’t accept drinks from strangers, and stay with people you know.
Online and phone scams are a growing problem: GOV.UK says scams targeting British nationals are increasing, including romance, business and job-offer scams. Be wary of anyone asking for money or personal details, and of job offers that require upfront payments. Take care when exchanging money or using ATMs.
Sea safety
GOV.UK warns that people drown in Malta every year and that some beaches have strong undercurrents. Most popular beaches have lifeguards and a flag system in summer, where a red flag means swimming is dangerous. Follow local advice if jellyfish are reported.
If you’re moving to Malta, treat the sea the way locals do: swim at lifeguarded beaches in rough weather, and check conditions before entering the water from rocky coastline.
Road safety
Malta had 21 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, below the EU average of 44 (Eurostat). The figure is volatile because the numbers are small: it was 29 in 2023 and 53 in 2022.
GOV.UK still describes local driving standards as poor and some roads as in poor condition, so keep to the speed limit and drive defensively.
Other things to know
- Emergencies: call 112, the free EU-wide number for police, ambulance and fire (European Commission).
- Drugs: penalties are severe; cannabis is legal for limited home use since 2021, but smoking it in public isn’t (GOV.UK).
- Hunting: bird hunting takes place in spring and autumn, often in areas that aren’t marked and can overlap walking routes (GOV.UK).
- Terrorism: GOV.UK says there’s no recent history of terrorism in Malta, though attacks can’t be ruled out.
Is Malta a safe place to live?
For residents, Malta’s low homicide rate and the free 112 emergency line make it a reassuring base; the everyday risks are traffic, the sea and petty theft in tourist areas. If you’re weighing Malta against other southern European options, our ranking of the best countries for Americans to move to compares visa costs and living costs. For a mild, settled alternative, our guide to where to live in Portugal compares Portuguese cities on rent and climate.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about safety in Malta.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Yes. GOV.UK says crime against tourists is rare. Watch for pickpockets on crowded buses and take care in Paceville at night.
Is Paceville safe?
Mostly, but GOV.UK warns of drink spiking in some bars and gentlemen’s clubs, and assaults have occurred. Keep your drink with you and stay with friends.
Is it safe to swim in Malta?
At lifeguarded beaches in calm conditions, yes. People drown every year, so obey red flags and avoid swimming where there are strong currents.
Is Malta safe for solo female travellers?
GOV.UK doesn’t give separate advice for solo women, but its warnings about drink spiking and assaults, including sexual assaults, in Paceville are the main points to note.
Which of the countries we cover rank as most peaceful?
Portugal placed 7th worldwide in the 2026 Global Peace Index and Hungary 15th; Malta wasn’t ranked. Our Portugal relocation guide covers moving there.
What is the emergency number in Malta?
112, the free EU-wide emergency number.
Is driving in Malta safe?
Road deaths are below the EU average, but GOV.UK describes driving standards as poor, so drive defensively.
Malta is safe by European standards: violent crime is rare and road deaths are below the EU average. Plan for the risks that do exist, pickpockets on summer buses, drink spiking in Paceville, scams and the sea, and you’ll avoid the problems that catch most visitors.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Immigration and tax rules change often and depend on your circumstances. Check the official sources above and speak to a licensed professional before you apply or move. Read how we research and review in our editorial guidelines.