 The number of people who visited Malta in 2009 dropped considerably compared to the figures for 2008 - overall , the country 's tourism industry suffered an 8 percent drop from 2008 . Visits from non @-@ European Union countries dropped more considerably than visits from European Union countries ( and even more so than visits from Eurozone countries ) , while the average stay length remained the same for both 2008 and 2009 . Visitors from most countries require a visa to visit Malta . The nationalities requiring a visa are standardised as per European Union rules . Visitors already holding a valid Schengen Area visa most likely will not need to complete any more formalities to enter Malta ( so long as they are already inside the Schengen Area ) . Visitors holding citizenship of the European Union do not require a visa to enter Malta as they hold the right to free movement within the European Union . In recent years , the country 's tourism industry has been faced with a number of issues relating to the nation 's small size , both in terms of area and population . These issues include stretched resources and infrastructure ( such as water , waste management , beaches and roads ) , especially during the summer months of July and August . 
