Malta to Deport Tourists Who Accumulate €200 in Fines – New On-the-Spot Penalty System Takes Effect
- Xavi
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
VALLETTA — July 24, 2026 — Tourists and non-residents who receive fines totaling €200 or more in Malta could now have their permission to remain in the country withdrawn and be deported before their holiday ends, under a new Legal Notice published by the government .
The measure, announced by Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield, aims to strengthen public order and safety while protecting Malta's reputation as a welcoming destination .
Quick Facts: Malta Tourist Deportation Rules 2026
Feature | Details |
Fine Threshold | €200 or more (total of one or more on-the-spot fines) |
Who Is Affected | Tourists and non-residents (people who do not live in Malta) |
Decision Maker | Principal Immigration Officer |
Grounds for Removal | Presence contrary to public order, public safety, or public interest |
Appeal Rights | One working day to appeal before the competent tribunal |
Effective Date | July 2026 |
How the New System Works
Case Referral to Immigration Officer
Under the new Legal Notice, people who do not reside in Malta and receive fines totaling €200 or more will have their case referred to the Principal Immigration Officer .
Assessment of Public Order Risk
After considering the circumstances of the case, the Principal Immigration Officer will determine whether the person's presence in Malta is contrary to public order, public safety, or the public interest .
Removal and Deportation
If such a determination is made, the officer may:
Withdraw the person's permission to remain in Malta
Instruct their departure from the country before their holiday concludes
Right to Appeal
The Legal Notice includes procedural safeguards for affected individuals :
Safeguard | Details |
Appeal Window | One working day from notification of the decision |
Appeal Body | Competent tribunal |
Payment Not Admission | Paying a fine does not automatically mean admitting guilt; appeal can still be filed |
"Anyone who chooses to break the law or pose a threat to public safety should know that they will face immediate consequences, including being removed from Malta before the end of their holiday." — Glenn Bedingfield, Home Affairs and Security Minister
Background: On-the-Spot Fines for Non-Residents
The new deportation measure builds on a broader on-the-spot fines system introduced earlier in 2026 for non-residents. Key features of that system include :
Feature | Details |
Immediate Payment | Tourists must pay fines on the spot |
Passport Retention | Authorities can retain passports if fines are not paid |
Arrest Powers | Police can arrest those who refuse to give up travel documents |
Re-entry Bans | Non-payment may lead to restricted re-entry to Malta |
What Tourists Can Be Fined For
Police and LESA officers can issue on-the-spot fines for contraventions including :
Public order offences (being drunk beyond capacity, disorderly conduct)
Littering and illegal waste dumping
Smoking violations
Running onto streets without caution
Throwing objects at people or property
What This Means for Tourists
Impact | Details |
Holiday Disruption | Fines could lead to early deportation |
Financial Risk | Multiple minor fines could accumulate to €200 |
Appeal Rights | One working day to challenge the decision |
Schengen Impact | Removal may affect future travel to Schengen countries |
Official Response
Minister Glenn Bedingfield
"We must prevent any misuse of our hospitality. Malta continues to be an open, welcoming, and secure nation. We warmly receive all visitors who choose our country each year and who respect our laws and communities. Nonetheless, we cannot and will not tolerate a minority who misuse our hospitality, act irresponsibly, and disrupt public order." — Glenn Bedingfield
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