At Malta International Airport, there is no restriction on the number of hand luggage items you can carry through security controls. The airline you are flying with is likely, however, to have its own limitations. Different airlines flying to and from Malta also have varying rules about luggage size and weight, so it’s best to get this information from your airline before departure.

Passing Through Security

For quick tips about how you can get through security faster, watch our short video below.

All hand luggage and all items carried are x-ray screened at Malta International Airport.

• Before proceeding to the screening area, remove all items such as coins, keys, mobiles and other metal objects in your jacket/coat pockets or hand luggage;
• Once at the screening area place your hand luggage and jacket/coat into a tray;
• Any laptops, tablets or other large electrical items must also be placed into the provided trays;
• Liquids must be put into 1 L bags and placed into the trays for screening;
• Pushchairs, prams and walking aids shall also be security checked/x-ray screened;
• Wheelchairs shall be searched comprehensively

It is advisable that valuable jewellery, watches, cameras, tablet and mobile devices are placed in hand luggage, jacket/coat pockets before screening, since they may be accidentally picked up by other fellow passengers.

Liquids, Aerosols & Gels (LAGs)

Liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in your hand luggage, provided that none of the liquid containers exceed 100ml. Containers/bottles not exceeding 100ml are to be placed in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag before flying from Malta. Medicine and special dietary products (e.g. baby food) over 100 ml are allowed.

Guidelines:

• Non-medical/non-special dietary liquids aerosols and gels may only be carried in containers with a capacity of 100ml or less;
• These must all be carried in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag and presented separately from hand luggage during screening by x-ray at the security check-point;
• Passengers are requested to place the 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag in a tray with other items to be X-rayed;
• Liquids, aerosols or gels over 100ml which do not fall under the category of medicines or special dietary products other than duty free in Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEBS)  will be confiscated by security personnel.
• Non-declared liquids aerosols and gels irrespective of the content may be confiscated by security personnel if carried in hand luggage.

What is Allowed?- Liquids, Aerosols, Gels

Baby Food and Drinks– Allowed only if you are travelling with a baby or infant (aged 0-24 months).  Passengers are requested to only carry what is needed for the duration of the trip until they reach their final destination. Baby food and other dietary products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers. If you are not travelling with a baby or infant, liquids exceeding regulations should be transported in the hold baggage.

Liquid Medicines – You are only allowed to carry quantities exceeding the regulation allowance when it is necessary for the duration of your journey. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a letter or prescription from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for the trip. Liquid medication not needed on the flight/s should be transported in hold baggage. Medicines and special dietary products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers.

Shopping at Malta International Airport’s Duty Free Shops – Liquid, aerosol and gel items bought duty free may be carried aboard provided they are sealed in a security bag purchased from any airport or air carrier.  The purchased items, together with the receipt, must remain sealed inside the security bag provided at the time of purchase.  Duty free products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers.  In such cases, security personnel will re-seal them in new security tamper evident bags.

The new EU security screening regulation (enacted on 31^st January 2014) for liquid carried in hand baggage has had a very minimal effect on air travelers’ practical routines.

As noted earlier, passengers may carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. Such items must be packed in a 1 litre transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. In addition, any medicines and special dietary liquids (e.g. baby food) required for use during the trip can be carried as hand luggage.

Liquids carried in hand luggage are still subject to security controls. However, as of 31^st January 2014, medicines, dietary liquids (e.g. baby food), and liquid products purchased at Malta International Airport’s duty free shops or from air carriers will be screened using liquid explosive detection systems or other security methods.

The new screening method may cause slight delays. Hence, passengers travelling through MIA are kindly requested to arrive early in order to allow sufficient time for security controls.

Importing Duty Free Liquids from Third-Country Airports Becomes Easier

In light of a new regulation issued in January 2014, transfer passengers are now allowed to transport duty free liquids bought at third-country airports or on board aircraft to any connecting flights via EU airports.

Food

You can carry fruit, vegetables and all solid foods in your hand baggage. However, foods in sauces or liquid also need to be sealed in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag.  In such cases, content should not exceed 100ml in volume.

Cosmetics and Toiletries

Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are allowed both as hand and hold luggage. Disposable contact lenses, non-disposable lenses with a small amount of solution, disposable razors and razor cartridges are also allowed in hand baggage.

The following non-exhaustive products (along with drinks and liquid-based food) are also limited to 100ml (see liquids) and must be carried in a 1 litre transparent resealable bag:

• Hairspray and other aerosol items
• Creams
• Roll-on deodorants
• Sun-tanning products
• Lip gloss or lip balms
• Liquid soap
• Toothpaste
• Mascara
• Contact lens solution

It is strongly advised that items referred to in this page should be placed in the hold luggage in order to avoid problems and inconveniences at the Security Screening Point.

Smoking Materials

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are allowed in hand luggage. Only one small packet of safety matches or one single cigarette lighter may be carried on one’s person, however. Matches and lighters are not allowed in the hand or checked in baggage. Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one’s person or in checked or hand luggage. Furthermore, ‘strike anywhere’ matches are forbidden for air transport.

Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal building, on the aprons, or on board aircrafts. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

Writing Materials

Passengers at the airport in Malta may carry ball point pens, rollerball pens, gel pens, pencils, and fountain pens with a single (open) cartridge in use. However, any refills cannot exceed 100ml.

Confiscated Items

Items confiscated by security and requested to be kept are accepted as part of our Left Item Service, if and only if they are sealed in an A4 security envelope. Items can be collected by the person depositing them or by someone on their behalf within 90 days of their deposit from the Security Office at Malta International Airport (Administration Offices – Second Floor) between 8am and 1pm. Items that remain unclaimed after this 90-day period will be disposed of as deemed fit by Malta International Airport.

VERY IMPORTANT: Hand Luggage Restrictions vary by airline; Malta International Airport encourages you to check with your chosen airline before departure.

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EU Brief Guide
Notice In English
Avviz Bil-Malti
Information Notice for Air Passengers for websites – Rules on liquids ca…