Malta customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Malta's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of wine/beer. Cash of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,700) must be declared. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,700

Cash of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency, including cheques, money orders, and bearer bonds) must be declared to customs on arrival using a written form.

Goods duty-free

$460

Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of €430 (approx. USD 460) are duty-free for non-residents arriving from outside the EU. For EU arrivals, no limit on personal goods for own use.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorisation)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and tasers) without a Maltese police permit
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, tortoiseshell) without a permit
Unlicensed radio transmitters and satellite phones
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (except limited quantities from approved countries with health certificates)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam) – require a prescription and a personal use declaration
Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate and may be inspected
Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – require an EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, and microchip; non-EU pets need additional blood tests
Drones – must be registered with the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate and comply with local flight rules
Cultural goods and antiques – may require an export certificate from the country of origin

Rules worth knowing

EU vs non-EU allowances differ

If arriving from another EU country, there is no fixed duty-free limit on alcohol, tobacco, or goods for personal use, provided they are for own consumption and not for resale. Non-EU arrivals face strict per-person limits.

VAT and duty on excess goods

Goods exceeding the €430 duty-free allowance for non-EU arrivals are subject to 18% VAT and applicable customs duty. You must declare them on the blue customs form.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any person carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent) in cash or negotiable instruments must complete a written declaration. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Frequently asked questions

No. You must be 18 or older to import alcohol or tobacco duty-free into Malta, regardless of quantity.

You must declare the excess on the customs form. You will pay 18% VAT on the total value of the goods, plus any applicable customs duty (typically 0-12% depending on the item).

Yes. The €10,000 declaration requirement applies to any person entering or leaving Malta, including transit passengers, if the cash is physically carried through customs.

Yes, for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription or a letter explaining the medication. For controlled drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives), you may need prior authorisation from the Malta Medicines Authority.

Yes. Meat, dairy, and products containing them are generally banned from non-EU countries. Limited quantities of infant formula, special medical foods, and certain fish are allowed. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts may require a phytosanitary certificate.

Yes, but you must register it with the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate before flying. Drones over 250g require an operator ID and compliance with local no-fly zones (e.g., near airports, Valletta, and sensitive sites).

Official source

Malta Customs Department (Dwana ta' Malta)