Tourists fined €200 could be ordered to leave Malta before holiday ends

A new legal notice means that tourists receiving on the spot fines of €200 or more could be ordered to leave the country before the end of their holiday.

"We must not allow anyone to abuse our hospitality,” Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield said, following the publication of the Legal Notice.

The notice aims to strengthen measures in the interests of public order, public safety, and the public interest, the ministry said. Earlier in 2026, the Government introduced a series of new enforcement measures aimed at improving quality of life in tourism-heavy localities.

People who do not reside in Malta and who receive on-the-spot fines totalling €200 or more will have their case referred to the Principal Immigration Officer.

After considering the circumstances of the case, the Principal Immigration Officer may determine whether that person's presence in Malta is contrary to public order, public safety, or the public interest, a statement by the ministry read. In such cases, the officer may revoke the person's permission to remain in Malta and order their removal from the country before their holiday comes to an end.

Minister Glenn Bedingfield said: "Malta remains an open, welcoming, and safe country. We welcome with open arms all the visitors who choose our country every year and who respect our laws and our communities. However, we cannot and will not accept a small number of individuals abusing our hospitality, behaving irresponsibly, and disrupting public peace. Anyone who chooses to break the law or pose a threat to public safety should be aware that they will face immediate consequences, including being removed from Malta before the end of their holiday. This is a common-sense measure that protects residents, visitors who follow the rules, and our country's reputation."

Minister Bedingfield added that this measure further strengthens the Government's commitment to public order and security, while maintaining a balance between the hospitality for which Malta is known and the need to hold those who abuse that hospitality accountable for their actions.

The Legal Notice also provides procedural safeguards, ensuring that any person affected by such a decision has the right to appeal before the competent Tribunal within one working day of being notified of the decision.