Malta – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Malta?

Hiring a car in Malta involves meeting a set of standard criteria covering your licence, age, and supporting documents. These conditions apply equally across the main island and Gozo, whether you collect your vehicle at the airport or from a town-centre branch.

Age requirements

The minimum age to hire a car is 21 (as of 2025), although this threshold can differ between providers and vehicle types. Certain companies will rent to drivers as young as 18, but only for specific models and subject to additional conditions. It is always worth confirming the exact policy of your chosen operator before making a reservation.

Drivers under 25 are generally subject to a young driver surcharge — commonly between €10 and €20 per day depending on the company (as of 2025). Older drivers also face restrictions: most providers levy an additional insurance charge for drivers over 70, and renters over 75 may find it difficult to hire at all — where such bookings are accepted, a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive will typically be required. Confirm the current age thresholds with your provider before reserving.

Licence requirements

Your driving licence must have been held for a minimum of one year before the rental date, and this rule applies regardless of nationality or where the licence was issued. Several providers — including major international chains — set the threshold at two years, so it is important to verify this detail with your chosen company.

Malta adheres to EU licensing standards, though the specifics vary according to where your licence was issued. An EU licence displayed in the Roman alphabet is sufficient on its own — no International Driving Permit is needed. If your licence is written in a non-Latin script, such as Arabic, Cyrillic, or Chinese, you will need an IDP; the vast majority of operators will decline to rent to you without one.

Key documents to bring

• Your original, valid driving licence (photocopies and digital-only versions are not accepted)
• A valid passport or national identity card
• A credit card in the main driver’s name (some companies permit debit cards under specific conditions)
• An IDP, if your licence is not in a Latin script or if your rental company requests one

Cross-border and one-way rules

Rental vehicles collected in Malta may not be taken beyond Maltese territory and must remain on the island at all times. Should this restriction be disregarded, all insurance coverage — including Third Party Liability, CDW, and theft protection — will be considered void. The driver will bear full personal liability for any resulting accidents, as well as the cost of returning the damaged vehicle.

For the latest official guidance, consult Transport Malta, the national road and transport authority.

Which major car rental companies operate in Malta, and where can I find them?

Malta’s car hire sector is well developed, with a mix of global brands and domestic operators catering to both tourists and residents. The most concentrated competition exists at Malta International Airport and throughout the summer high season.

At the airport

The following car hire companies maintain a presence at Malta International Airport: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, First Car Rental, Green Motion, Hertz, Sicily by Car, Sixt, and Thrifty. If you have pre-booked, vehicle keys and further assistance are available from the rental offices on Level 1 (lower) of the Park East car park. Park East is a separate building situated approximately a three-minute walk from the main terminal; follow the ‘RENTAL CARS’ signage, floor markings, and lift indicators within the airport to reach it.

International chains

• Hertz — hertz.com: One of the most prominent operators on the island, with a desk at the airport and branches in town.
• Avis — avis.com: Vehicles can be collected from the Hilton Hotel in St Julian’s, the Msida town centre office, or the Gozo ferry terminal.
• Europcar — europcar.com: Operates from Malta International Airport and several popular locations across the island, offering rental options ranging from hourly to long-term.
• Sixt — sixt.com: Available at the airport and at multiple locations around Malta.
• Budget — budget.com: Collection points include Bugibba, Mellieha, Msida, Mgarr, and St Julian’s.
• Enterprise — enterprise.com: Operates from Malta International Airport.

Local and regional companies

Alongside the global names, several well-regarded local and regional operators serve Malta Airport, among them Goldcar and First Car Rental. First Car Rental (firstcarrental.com.mt) is an established Maltese provider that often offers attractive rates, particularly for extended hire periods. Thrifty and First Car Rental both carry a wide vehicle selection at competitive prices.

Other local names worth including in your comparison are LA Rentals Malta (larentalsmalta.com) and Sicily by Car, which covers destinations across the Mediterranean. Aggregator platforms such as Discover Cars let you search both international and local providers side by side to identify the most competitive deal.

As a general rule, collecting a car away from the airport tends to be more affordable. Airport pickups carry a location surcharge that can add up considerably. If flexibility on where you collect your car is an option, heading to a town-centre branch can lead to worthwhile savings.

How does car rental pricing work in Malta, and what should I watch out for?

Car hire pricing in Malta broadly mirrors the structure found elsewhere in the European Union, but a number of local practices and supplementary charges are worth understanding before you put pen to paper on any rental agreement.

Typical pricing

Hiring a car in Malta can work out somewhat cheaper than in many other EU destinations. As a general guide for 2025, daily rates begin at around €25 for a compact car and can reach €55 for an SUV or automatic model; weekly hire typically falls in the €150–€350 range depending on the vehicle and provider; and monthly rentals start from approximately €700. These are indicative figures — always obtain a confirmed quote directly from your chosen operator.

Common add-on charges

A basic mandatory insurance is ordinarily bundled into the headline rental price, but supplementary protection — covering damage, theft, and 24-hour roadside assistance — can be added for roughly €10–€20 per day (as of 2025). Beyond insurance, the following extras frequently appear on rental invoices:

• Young driver surcharge: Payable by renters under 25, typically €10–€20 per day.
• Additional driver fee: Most companies permit one or two extra named drivers, each of whom must satisfy minimum age criteria; a daily supplement usually applies.
• GPS/sat nav: Rental companies charge a fee for GPS, around $5.50/day (as of 2025). Using a navigation app on your smartphone is a cost-effective alternative.
• Child seats: Available from the majority of operators for an additional daily charge. Confirm current rates with your provider.
• Out-of-hours collection: Out-of-hours pick-up is available between 20:00 and 08:30, with an additional fee applying. (Hertz Malta terms; verify with your chosen company.)

Fuel policies

The most favourable arrangement is generally a “full-to-full” policy — or occasionally “half-to-half” — whereby you return the car carrying the same quantity of fuel as when you collected it. Where the contract specifies otherwise, you may be charged upfront for a full tank and expected to bring the car back empty, with no refund for any unused fuel. Always have the fuel policy confirmed in writing when you collect the vehicle.

Fuel prices in Malta are set by the government rather than the market, meaning costs are consistent regardless of which petrol station you use — a useful contrast to countries where prices vary from one forecourt to the next.

Credit card and deposit requirements

The great majority of car hire operators require a valid credit card in the main driver’s name. If your card carries a relatively low limit, you may be asked to take out comprehensive insurance with zero excess, since rental companies routinely pre-authorise the excess amount against the card. This practice is standard across much of Europe and functions as a security deposit for the duration of the hire.

Fines and penalties

If you incur a speeding fine or any other penalty notice during your hire, the rental company will be notified by the police and will typically pass on an administrative processing charge. Speeding fines in Malta are €34.94 for exceeding the limit by up to 15 km/h, and €74.94 for exceeding it by more than 15 km/h (as of the time of writing — verify current amounts with Transport Malta). Check your rental agreement carefully for the exact handling fee your company charges when processing penalty notices.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Malta?

Whether an IDP is necessary depends on the country where your licence was issued. The requirements are not always clear-cut, so it is worth investigating before you travel rather than on arrival.

Malta operates within EU licensing frameworks: holders of an EU licence displayed in the Roman alphabet require no IDP. For licences issued outside the EU — say, in the United States, Canada, or Australia — whether an IDP is needed often hinges on the language of the document. If the licence is in English or uses Latin characters, many operators will accept it unaccompanied, though some may still ask for an IDP as a matter of policy — having one with you removes any ambiguity.

If your licence is in a non-Latin script — Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, or similar — an IDP is mandatory. You must carry both the original licence and a valid IDP simultaneously; without this combination, most companies will refuse to hand over the keys.

It is also worth noting that, even when national law does not mandate an IDP, individual rental companies may impose their own requirement. Arranging one before you leave home can prevent unnecessary complications on arrival.

An IDP must be obtained in the same country as the underlying driving licence — it cannot be sourced after you reach Malta. Apply through the appropriate motoring authority or automobile club in your home country well in advance of travel. Always confirm current IDP requirements with both Transport Malta and your rental provider directly, as policies are subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Malta?

Driving in Malta comes with its own set of characteristics that differ meaningfully from those found in countries built around motorway networks. Knowing what to expect before you set off will make your time on the road considerably more relaxed.

Driving on the left

Malta is among the small number of European nations where traffic travels on the left, a custom inherited from its period of British administration. Drivers arriving from right-hand-traffic countries may need a day or two to feel fully comfortable, though the adjustment is perfectly manageable with a measured approach. Shared left-hand traffic with Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom sets Malta apart from most of its continental neighbours. All hire cars on the island are right-hand drive, which may initially feel unfamiliar to some visitors.

Road network

Malta has no true motorways — a handful of bypasses serve as partial equivalents — which means most journeys route through the heart of built-up areas alongside the general flow of traffic. The main island is compact enough that virtually any point-to-point trip can be completed in roughly an hour. Neither Malta nor Gozo has toll roads, and the terrain is largely flat without any significant mountain passes, making navigation relatively straightforward once you are accustomed to local driving behaviour.

Traffic and urban congestion

Even a seemingly uncomplicated route — such as Sliema to Cirkewwa (28 km) — can stretch to a 45-minute journey at peak times. As a rule, seek out secondary roads wherever possible and avoid travelling during morning rush hour and the post-work period, when traffic volumes are at their highest. The island’s exceptionally high car-to-area ratio also creates persistent parking difficulties. During summer months, popular coastal destinations such as St Julian’s and Sliema are particularly affected, and locating a free space can border on impossible.

Speed limits and traffic rules

The speed limit throughout all built-up areas is 50 km/h. On open main roads, limits range between 60 km/h and 80 km/h. These figures are notably lower than in many other European countries, a reflection of the absence of dedicated high-speed roads on the island.

Seat belt use is compulsory for all occupants under Maltese law. The use of handheld mobile phones while driving is also prohibited by law, though hands-free devices are permitted.

Alcohol limits

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Malta stands at 0.05%. This aligns with the majority of EU member states and is more restrictive than the 0.08% limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strongly inadvisable under any circumstances.

In an accident

Should an accident occur, you are legally required to contact the traffic police and file an official report. Once that has been completed, notify your rental company promptly so that claim forms and any further paperwork can be processed. Malta’s emergency services number is 112.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Malta?

Gaining a clear picture of what your rental includes — and what it leaves uncovered — is essential before you drive off. Maltese insurance requirements for car hire follow a broadly European model, with a few island-specific points to keep in mind.

What is legally required

Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement for any rental vehicle in Malta. This cover protects against damage or injury caused to other people or their property in an accident involving the hire car. It does not, however, provide any protection for damage sustained by the rental vehicle itself — which is where optional additional cover becomes relevant.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Some providers in Malta make a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) a mandatory element of the rental package. A CDW limits the renter’s financial exposure in the event of vehicle damage, reducing the excess you would otherwise be required to pay. Be aware that a standard CDW still carries an excess — you remain liable up to a defined amount — and providers may offer a Super CDW that reduces this figure to zero.

Theft protection and other options

Theft protection, purchasable at the rental desk, eliminates the deductible applicable in the event of the vehicle being stolen. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is available as an optional add-on at most counters. Comprehensive cover packages frequently bundle in towing costs, a refundable theft excess, lost key cover, and protection for damage to the undercarriage, bodywork, wheels, and windscreen.

Credit card travel insurance

Certain premium credit and charge cards extend rental car excess cover as a cardholder benefit, which can offset the liability you would otherwise face in a damage scenario. Coverage terms, vehicle exclusions, and excess caps differ considerably between card issuers, and not every policy is valid in every country. Before treating your card’s travel insurance as a replacement for rental excess cover in Malta, verify the precise terms with your card provider in writing and retain a copy of the policy.

What level of cover is advisable?

Given Malta’s heavily trafficked urban roads and the narrow, confined streets found in historic centres, most renters would be well advised to arrange at minimum a CDW with a low or zero excess — either through the rental company or via a standalone excess insurance policy bought before departure. Comparison tools such as Insurance4CarHire allow you to source excess cover independently, which often proves more economical than purchasing the equivalent product at the rental counter.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Malta?

The most significant distinction between short-stay visitors and long-term residents relates to driving licences: after a certain period of residency, foreign nationals are required to convert their existing licence to a Maltese one.

Short-term renters and visitors

Visitors and those who have only recently moved to Malta can generally hire a vehicle on the same basis as any tourist, presenting a valid foreign driving licence. EU licences carry no additional restrictions. Non-EU licences are accepted subject to the script and IDP conditions set out earlier in this guide.

Exchanging your licence as a resident

Anyone taking up permanent or long-term residence in a foreign country remains obliged to comply with local licensing legislation, even if they continue to hold a valid licence from their home country. Many jurisdictions — Malta included — require residents to obtain a local licence once they have established employment or residency. EU nationals living in Malta may continue using their EU licence until it expires, but should acquaint themselves with the exchange procedure ahead of any renewal.

Non-EU residents of Malta are generally expected to exchange their foreign licence for a Maltese equivalent. The procedure and eligibility criteria depend on whether the country that issued the original licence has a bilateral recognition agreement with Malta. Those importing a vehicle into Malta must also register it within 30 days of its arrival on Maltese soil.

For authoritative, up-to-date guidance on licence exchange requirements, visit Transport Malta’s driving licence pages directly, as rules and eligibility can change. You can also contact Transport Malta in person at their Lija offices (Triq Pantar, LJA 2021) or by email at [email protected].

Renting as a long-term resident

Once you hold a Maltese driving licence as a resident, you may rent a vehicle on the same footing as any local driver. Long-term residents holding non-EU visas should confirm whether their visa category imposes any limitations on the use of a foreign licence. Verify your licence status with Transport Malta before assuming it remains valid for both driving and car hire purposes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Malta?

The minimum age for car hire in Malta is 21. Because standard hire terms are generally designed for drivers aged 25 and over, a young driver surcharge is levied on renters below that threshold. Your driving licence must also have been held for at least one year. Certain providers set a higher floor — 23 or 25 — for particular vehicle classes, so always check with your chosen company before booking (as of 2025).

Can I take a rental car from Malta to Sicily or another country?

No. Vehicles hired in Malta are not permitted to leave the island under any circumstances. The majority of major providers likewise do not allow one-way rentals within the country. If you need a vehicle in Sicily or any other destination, you will need to arrange a separate hire there.

What happens if I am involved in an accident with a rental car in Malta?

You are legally required to call the traffic police and submit a formal report at the scene. Once that is done, contact your rental company immediately so that claim forms and supporting documentation can be completed. Photograph all damage, gather the other driver’s details, and refrain from admitting fault. Malta’s emergency number is 112.

What fuel policy should I expect with a rental car in Malta?

The most widely used and transparent arrangement is a “full-to-full” policy, under which you return the car with the same fuel level as when you collected it. Some companies operate a prepaid fuel model where you purchase a full tank upfront and return the car empty — this is rarely advantageous given Malta’s small size and the likelihood that you will not exhaust a full tank. Confirm the fuel policy in writing when collecting the vehicle.

Do I need an IDP if my driving licence is in English?

If your licence is in English or uses Latin characters, the majority of operators will accept it without an IDP. That said, some companies may request one regardless, so carrying both your licence and a valid IDP is the safest approach. An IDP must be obtained from the relevant motoring authority in your home country before travel, as it cannot be arranged once you are in Malta. Always confirm specific requirements with your rental provider in advance.

Is parking difficult in Malta?

Parking is a well-known challenge across the island, largely due to the high concentration of vehicles relative to the available road space. During summer, the situation is most acute in tourist-heavy areas such as St Julian’s and Sliema, where free spaces can be virtually non-existent. Valletta has a large underground car park situated at the city gate. Elsewhere, look for blue-line zones, which ordinarily require either a parking disc or paid-for parking. Avoid yellow lines and areas reserved for residents.

Can I pay for a rental car in Malta with a debit card?

Most operators insist on a credit card in the main driver’s name. If you do not have one, reach out to the company directly — not via a booking platform — since some providers will accept a debit card subject to conditions such as taking out comprehensive cover with zero excess and having a specified sum pre-authorised on the card. Policies differ between companies, so always clarify beforehand.

How do I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Maltese one as a resident?

The exchange process is administered by Transport Malta. Your eligibility will depend on the country that issued your current licence and any reciprocal arrangements that exist between that country and Malta. You will typically need to present your original foreign licence, evidence of Maltese residency, identity documents, and a completed application form. Processing times and fees are updated periodically, so consult the Transport Malta website or contact them directly for the most current information before applying.

Are there any areas or roads in Malta where certain vehicles are recommended?

For the vast majority of journeys in Malta, a standard compact or medium-sized car is entirely adequate. If this is your first experience driving on the left, opting for an automatic with GPS can meaningfully reduce the mental workload and let you concentrate on the road. The tight, historic streets of Valletta, Mdina, and many village centres present real challenges for larger vehicles, so a smaller car is the wiser choice if those areas feature prominently in your plans.