Malta
Key advice
Malta is a member state of the European Union: if you reside in another EU country, no customs checks apply to your underwater photo/video equipment — complete free movement, without declaration or taxes. British travelers (post-Brexit): the EU personal allowance (~430 EUR) technically applies, but used personal photo equipment practically passes without inspection in almost all cases.
- Customs authority
- Malta Customs Department
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour résidents UE / ~475 USD (~430 EUR) pour voyageurs non-UE
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- customs.gov.mt ↗
Practical scenarios
You are traveling from France (EU) to Malta with a GoPro Hero 11 and its manufacturer's housing, valued at approximately €600. Given that Malta is an EU member state, and you also reside in the EU, your equipment benefits from the free movement of goods. You have no customs procedures to follow, no declarations to complete, and no risk of taxation. Your passage through customs will be smooth and without inspection for your gear.
You are arriving in Malta from Germany (EU) with a Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, with a total value of €3,500. As with the beginner scenario, the free movement of goods within the European Union applies. Your equipment is considered personal effects and requires no declaration or customs formalities. You can travel with complete peace of mind, without risk of taxes or specific checks related to your underwater photo equipment.
You are coming from the United Kingdom (non-EU) to Malta with a complete system: a Sony A7RV full-frame mirrorless camera, a Nauticam housing, two lenses (macro and fisheye), with an estimated value of €12,000. Although the United Kingdom is outside the EU, your equipment is considered professional and used. In practice, it is generally admitted without taxation for temporary use. However, the EU personal allowance is approximately €430. Keep your purchase invoices to prove prior ownership and professional use in case of inspection, although this is rare for used personal equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment when arriving in Malta if I'm coming from another EU country?
No, if you are coming from another European Union member state, you do not need to make any declaration. Malta is part of the EU, and the free movement of goods applies, meaning there are no customs controls for your personal photo equipment.
What is the customs allowance for photo equipment if I'm coming from the United Kingdom to Malta?
For travelers coming from the United Kingdom (non-EU), the personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR. However, used personal photo equipment is very rarely subject to taxation in practice, even if it exceeds this amount. It is advisable to keep your purchase invoices.
Where can I find official information on Maltese customs regulations?
For official and detailed information on customs regulations in Malta, you can directly consult the Malta Customs Department website. For more information, please visit the official website: https://customs.gov.mt/.