Is Malta safe? Staying safe at night and on a night out
Yes: Malta isn't classed as a risky destination. France's official travel advice (France Diplomatie) puts the whole country at “normal vigilance”. It does, however, recommend particular vigilance in Paceville, the nightclub district, and flags a few specific risks at night. Here's what they are, and how to avoid them so you can enjoy your nights out.
What the official travel advice says
On its Malta page, updated on 15 September 2026, France Diplomatie, the travel advice service of the French foreign ministry, puts the whole country at “normal vigilance”. The points to watch mostly concern the night and crowded places: the Paceville district, public transport, bars and nightclubs.
The ministry also reports burglaries in hotels and holiday rentals: don't leave valuables on show, and keep your documents somewhere safe, with a copy on you.
Paceville: particular vigilance
Particular vigilance is recommended in the Paceville district: that's where the clubs of St Julian's are concentrated, and so are the night-time crowds. France Diplomatie advises against leaving belongings unattended in its bars and nightclubs, and reports pickpockets on public transport.
In practice: go out in a group, keep your phone and money in a pocket that closes, and only take the ID and cash you need. Our Paceville guide covers the district, its clubs and its opening times.
On a night out, your drink stays with you
France Diplomatie warns that drugs may circulate in bars and nightclubs, including in drinks, without the drinker knowing.
Keep your drink in your hand, don't accept a drink you didn't see being poured, and if someone you're out with suddenly feels very unwell, don't leave them alone: tell the staff and call 112.
Another rule to know: in Malta, using drugs in public places is strictly prohibited and punishable by a fine.
Girls' nights out: women's safety
France Diplomatie reports that several cases of sexual assault have been recorded. That's no reason to stay in, but a few simple rules among friends help: arrive and leave together, agree on a meeting point in case you lose each other, and keep enough battery to book a car.
To get home, go for a ride booked in an app (Bolt, Uber or eCabs): check the number plate and the driver's name before you get in, and share your journey with a friend.
Getting home safely
The N13 night bus links Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's; from Valletta, buses leave from 11:10pm to 2:10am, for €3 a journey. Check the return timetable before you go out.
When the clubs close at 4am, the simplest option is still a ride-hailing app, or walking back as a group if you're staying in St Julian's. Stick to busy streets.
By day too: take care when swimming
Several drownings are reported in Malta every year, France Diplomatie points out, particularly in the very busy Blue Lagoon area, the channel between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. After an all-nighter or a boat party, don't swim just anywhere or carelessly, and respect the red flag: it signals high risk and strong currents.
If something goes wrong
112 is the European emergency number, free throughout the European Union, Malta included. For a theft or an assault, France Diplomatie advises going to the nearest police station.