Malta travel guide 2025: entry rules, buses, Gozo, Blue Lagoon

TL;DR:

Malta is in Schengen, 90 days visa-free for many passports.
EU Entry/Exit System starts on October 12, 2025.
ETIAS starts in late 2026, not required yet.
Tourists can use Explore bus cards and fast ferries to Gozo.
Blue Lagoon now uses a visitor booking system with caps.

This 2025 guide explains entry rules, the new EU border checks, health advice, seasons, buses and ferries, and simple Malta routes. It is written for first timers and repeat visitors who want the latest changes and smooth days on the islands.

Entry rules in 2025

Malta is a Schengen state. Many travelers, including U.S. citizens, can visit visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 days. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond departure. You also need proof of funds and a return ticket. These rules come from the U.S. State Department country page.

If you need a visa, you apply for a Schengen short-stay visa. The Central Visa Unit confirms the 90-day limit across Schengen. Check whether your nationality needs a visa before you book.

New EU border checks to know

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) begins on October 12, 2025. Non-EU visitors will have fingerprints and a face image taken on their first entry to Schengen. Passport stamping will phase out as EES records entries and exits digitally. Expect kiosks or supervised capture at busy ports. Plan extra time at the border during rollout.

The separate ETIAS travel authorisation is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. You do not need ETIAS for Malta in 2025.

Health and safety basics

The CDC’s Malta page lists routine vaccines and standard travel health steps. Yellow fever vaccination is not required when flying direct from the United States. It is required if you transit more than 12 hours through a yellow fever risk country.

Tap water is treated and widely consumed, though some visitors prefer bottled due to taste. Use sun protection and drink water often in summer.

When to go

Malta has a classic Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and wet, summers are hot and dry. Most rain falls from September to March.

Beach season: mid-June to mid-September brings the warmest sea and many events.
Balance of weather and crowds: April, May, and October have pleasant days and easier touring.
Quiet and value: November to March is cooler with rain spells, good for culture days.

Quick season table

Month	Weather	Crowds	Tip
Apr–May	Warm, low rain	Medium	Ideal for Valletta walks
Jun–Sep	Hot, dry	High	Book shade and water time
Oct	Warm, some rain	Medium	Good swim days continue
Nov–Mar	Mild, wet spells	Low	Museums and cafés shine

Buses, cards, and taxis

Malta Public Transport runs the bus network on Malta and Gozo. Single cash fares in summer are €2.50 for a two-hour ticket with free transfers. The Explore Adult 7-Day card costs €25 and gives unlimited rides on Day, Night, and Direct routes. There is also a 12 Single Day Journeys card for €19 that can be shared. Buy at kiosks, machines, or partner outlets.

Locals with a personalised tallinja card ride free on regular routes. As a visitor, you can still pay contactless on board if you do not want a card. Summer cash fares of €2.50 apply from June 14 to October 18, 2025.

Taxis use set airport and port rates, with apps available. Driving uses the left side of the road.

Ferries and island hopping

Two ferry options link Malta and Gozo.

Gozo Channel car and passenger ferries run between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and runs daily. A 2025 timetable covers May 19 to November 9.
Gozo Fast Ferry links Valletta and Mġarr for foot passengers. It is the quickest link between the capitals. Check current fares and sailings before you go.

Blue Lagoon on Comino now needs a booking

Malta has introduced a visitor booking system for the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The system limits capacity at any one time and aims to protect the site. Access without a booking is not allowed during controlled periods. Book early on peak days.

Early data shows the new rules sharply reduced peak crowding in summer 2025. The recorded maximum dropped to roughly 3,830 people at once versus past peaks near 12,000. Expect a calmer experience, but bring shade and water.

Phones, eSIM, and power

Malta uses Type G plugs in many hotels, but many lodgings also have universal sockets. Voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a travel adapter. The main mobile networks are Epic, GO, and Melita. Tourists often use prepaid SIM or eSIM. Independent guides list Epic and Melita eSIM options with good coverage. Compare offers at the airport or online.

Perfect 7–10 day routes

One-island highlights, 7 days

Day 1: Valletta. St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka, and the Saluting Battery.
Day 2: Three Cities. Birgu lanes, Inquisitor’s Palace, harbour cruise at sunset.
Day 3: Mdina and Rabat. Silent City walls, St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Day 4: South coast. Marsaxlokk market, Blue Grotto boat, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.
Day 5: Gozo day trip. Early fast ferry, Victoria Citadel, Xlendi cliffs.
Day 6: Comino. Blue Lagoon with a timed booking. Bring reef shoes and shade.
Day 7: Museum day. National Museum of Archaeology and Fort St Elmo. Café crawl in Valletta.

Malta plus slow Gozo, 9–10 days

Follow days 1–4 above, then sleep two or three nights on Gozo.
Use buses or hire a car to reach Ramla Bay, Wied il-Mielaħ, and Ta’ Pinu.
Return to Valletta for a final night and a harbour dinner.

What to book in advance

Blue Lagoon entry window in summer.
Popular harbour view hotels in Valletta and Sliema during July and August.
Car hire on Gozo in peak weeks.
Guided tours of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra during holidays.

Handy checklist

Passport valid three months past exit date.
Understand 90/180 Schengen rule.
Border time buffer for EES from Oct 12, 2025.
Buy an Explore 7-Day or 12-Journeys bus card.
Book Blue Lagoon slot for peak days.
Sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes.
eSIM or SIM plan set up before landing.

Common mistakes

Do not assume ETIAS will already live in 2025. It starts in late 2026.
Do not try Blue Lagoon without a booking in summer. You will be turned away.
Do not plan Gozo on the last day before your flight. Weather or queues can delay ferries.
Do not rely on cash only. Cards work in most places, but carry small euro notes for kiosks.

Why it matters

Malta is easy once you match rules to dates. EES changes the border flow from October 2025. Buses and ferries connect the islands without a car. The Blue Lagoon now caps crowds for a better day. With these updates, your 2025 trip runs on time and within budget.