Visiting Malta in 2027? The Maltese Government’s Budget 2027, presented on 26 October 2026, announced several new charges that will affect tourists: a much higher eco-contribution on accommodation, new fees for cruise passengers and Comino visitors, and higher ferry fares to Gozo for non-residents. Here’s a clear summary of what’s changing and what it means for your trip.
Please note: these measures were announced in the budget speech. Exact start dates and some details still need to be confirmed, and they may change before they come into force. We’ll update this guide as official details are published.
Summary: what changes for tourists in 2027
- Eco-contribution (hotels): up from €1.50 to €8 per person per night, capped at €64 per stay
- Eco-contribution (short-term rentals such as Airbnb): €10 per person per night, capped at €80 per stay
- Cruise passengers: €10 per person when visiting Malta for the day
- Comino: a €5 contribution, collected through the visitor booking system
- Fast ferries: an extra €3 per crossing for tourists
- Gozo Channel ferry for non-residents: €11 for adults, €7 for children and €22 per vehicle including the driver
The new eco-contribution on accommodation
The eco-contribution is a small tax added to your accommodation bill. In 2026 it was €1.50 per person per night. Under Budget 2027 it rises sharply:
- Hotels and other collective accommodation: €8 per person per night, up to a maximum of €64 per person per stay (eight nights)
- Short-term rentals (holiday apartments, Airbnb-style lets): €10 per person per night, up to a maximum of €80 per person per stay
- Who pays: guests aged 18 and over
- Exempt: students staying through English-language schools
What it means for a typical trip
- A couple staying 4 nights in a hotel: 2 × 4 × €8 = €64 in eco-contribution
- A couple staying 7 nights in a holiday apartment: 2 × 7 × €10 = €140
- A solo traveller staying 10 nights in a hotel: capped at €64
The contribution is usually charged by your hotel or host, either included in the price or paid on arrival, so check your booking details.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Visitors to Comino will pay a €5 contribution, collected through the existing online booking system for the Blue Lagoon. If you’re planning a boat trip, book your slot in advance and expect this fee on top of your boat ticket. See our guide to the best beaches in Malta and Gozo.
Ferries to Gozo
Two changes affect visitors going to Gozo:
- Gozo Channel ferry (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr): new non-resident fares of €11 for adults, €7 for children and €22 per car including the driver
- Fast ferries (Valletta–Gozo): an extra €3 per crossing for tourists
Gozo is still well worth a visit. Plan ahead with our Gozo day trip guide.
Cruise passengers
Cruise passengers who get off in Malta for the day and return to the same ship will pay €10 each. Passengers who start their cruise in Malta are exempt.
What is not changing
- Bus fares for visitors: the budget reports we’ve seen don’t mention changes to single bus tickets for visitors. See our Malta public transport guide.
- Beaches: public beaches remain free.
- Living in Malta? See our summary of Budget 2027 changes for TCNs and foreign workers.
Tips to keep costs down
- Check your booking: see whether the eco-contribution is included in the price or charged on arrival.
- Compare hotels and apartments: the contribution is higher for short-term rentals, which matters for longer stays.
- Use free events: many festivals, Christmas markets and festas are free to attend.
- Use public transport: buses remain one of the cheapest ways to get around.
Find free and paid events during your stay in our Malta events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Malta eco-tax in 2027?
Budget 2027 raises it to €8 per person per night in hotels (capped at €64 per stay) and €10 per person per night in short-term rentals (capped at €80 per stay), for guests aged 18 and over.
When does the new eco-contribution start?
It was announced for 2027. The exact start date has not yet been confirmed, so check with your accommodation.
Do children pay the eco-contribution in Malta?
No. It applies to guests aged 18 and over.
How much is the Gozo ferry for tourists in 2027?
The budget announced non-resident fares of €11 for adults, €7 for children and €22 per vehicle including the driver on the Gozo Channel ferry.
Is there a fee to visit Comino?
Budget 2027 announced a €5 contribution for Comino visitors, collected through the Blue Lagoon booking system.
Sources: Budget 2027 speech as reported by Maltese media on 26 October 2026. Details are subject to official confirmation.
Pingback: Blue Lagoon Comino Guide: Booking, Ferries, Tips & When to Go - Events Malta