On 26 October 2026, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana presented Malta’s Budget 2027. Several measures directly affect visitors: a sharp rise in the accommodation eco-contribution, a new fee to visit Comino, a new charge for cruise passengers and higher ferry fares to Gozo for non-residents.
Important: these are budget proposals and still need to pass through Parliament. Details and start dates may change. We will update this article as the measures are confirmed.
Summary of the proposed tourist charges
| Charge | Proposed amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Eco-contribution: hotels & collective accommodation | €8 per night, capped at €64 per stay | Guests aged 18+ |
| Eco-contribution: short-let rentals | €10 per night, capped at €80 per stay | Guests aged 18+ |
| Cruise passenger contribution | €10 | Passengers who disembark in Malta and reboard the same ship |
| Comino visitor fee | €5 | Non-residents |
| Gozo Channel ferry, adult | €11 (up from €4.65) | Non-residents |
| Gozo Channel ferry, child | €7 (up from €1.15) | Non-residents |
| Fast ferry | +€3 per ticket | Tourists |
The accommodation eco-contribution
Malta already charges a small eco-contribution, reported at €1.50 per night, on stays in hotels and other tourist accommodation. Under Budget 2027, from 1 January 2027 this would rise to:
- €8 per person per night in hotels and other collective accommodation, capped at €64 per stay
- €10 per person per night in short-let rentals such as holiday apartments, capped at €80 per stay
The charge applies to guests aged 18 and over and is normally collected by your accommodation, usually at check-in or check-out, rather than included in the room rate you see online. Students at English-language schools would no longer need to pay it.
What it could cost you
- Couple, 7 nights in a hotel: 2 × 7 × €8 = €112
- Couple, 7 nights in a short-let apartment: 2 × 7 × €10 = €140
- Family of two adults and two children, 4 hotel nights: 2 × 4 × €8 = €64 (children under 18 don’t pay)
The government expects the revised eco-contribution to raise around €182 million a year, which it says will help fund tourism infrastructure.
New €5 fee to visit Comino
Non-resident visitors to Comino, home of the Blue Lagoon, would pay a new €5 contribution. It will be collected through the existing Blue Lagoon booking system, which was introduced to manage visitor numbers at the lagoon.
If you book a Comino & Blue Lagoon tour, check whether the fee is included once it takes effect. We will make this clear on our listings.
€10 charge for cruise passengers
Cruise passengers who disembark in Malta and then reboard the same ship would pay a new €10 contribution. Passengers whose cruise starts in Malta would not be charged. This is likely to be collected through the cruise lines rather than paid at the port.
It doesn’t change how you explore on a port day. Our private drivers still track your ship’s arrival and get you back on board on time. See our Malta cruise excursions guide.
Higher Gozo ferry fares for non-residents
Gozo Channel fares between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr are set to rise sharply for non-residents:
- Adult foot passenger: €4.65 → €11
- Child: €1.15 → €7
- Car and driver: €15.70 → €22
- Car, driver and one adult passenger: €33
- Car, driver, one adult and one child: €40
Tourists using the fast ferry between Valletta and Gozo would also pay €3 more per ticket.
On a guided Gozo tour, ferry tickets are usually handled for you. Check the listing for what’s included.
Will Malta still be good value?
Yes. Even with the higher charges, Malta remains competitive with other Mediterranean destinations, and several European cities already charge similar or higher tourist taxes. For most holidaymakers, the eco-contribution adds a modest amount to the total trip cost. Families benefit from the under-18 exemption.
Tips to plan around the changes
- Budget for the eco-contribution separately from your room rate
- Compare hotels and short lets, as the nightly charge differs by €2 per adult
- Book Comino trips early through an operator using the official booking system
- Choose a guided Gozo day if you’d rather not deal with ferry tickets yourself
Sources
Figures are taken from coverage of the Budget 2027 speech by The Malta Independent and TVMnews. Always check the latest official information before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the tourist tax in Malta in 2027?
Under the Budget 2027 proposals, the eco-contribution would rise from 1 January 2027 to €8 per person per night in hotels (capped at €64 per stay) and €10 per person per night in short-let rentals (capped at €80). It applies to guests aged 18 and over. The measures still need parliamentary approval.
Do children pay the Malta eco-tax?
No. The accommodation eco-contribution applies only to guests aged 18 and over.
Is there a fee to visit Comino?
Budget 2027 proposes a new €5 contribution for non-residents visiting Comino, collected through the existing Blue Lagoon booking system. The start date has not yet been confirmed.
Do cruise passengers pay the new Malta tax?
Budget 2027 proposes a €10 contribution for cruise passengers who disembark in Malta and reboard the same ship. Passengers whose cruise begins in Malta are exempt.
How much is the Gozo ferry for tourists?
Under Budget 2027, the Gozo Channel fare for non-resident adults is set to rise from €4.65 to €11, and for children from €1.15 to €7. A car with driver would rise from €15.70 to €22.
