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Malta Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: No toll roads, CVA city charge for Valletta only
Operator: CVA Technology Company (Valletta only)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Coverage: Valletta city center congestion charge
Technology: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Malta? 2025 Update
No toll roads exist in Malta. All motorways, arterial roads, and distributor roads across the entire archipelago (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) are completely free to use without any vignettes or electronic toll systems.
Exception: Valletta City Access. The capital city Valletta charges a Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) fee for vehicles entering the historic city center during specific hours.
Who Pays the CVA Fee:
- Vehicles with Maltese license plates (including rental cars)
- All vehicle types except motorcycles and exempt categories
Who is Exempt:
- Foreign license plates - completely exempt from CVA charges
- Motorcycles - exempt from all CVA fees
- Electric vehicles - no CVA charges
- Disability-adapted vehicles - registered exemption available
Malta Road System: Infrastructure Overview
Malta operates a comprehensive road network without any toll requirements for general use.
Road Network Structure
| Road Type | Coverage | Toll Requirement | Speed Limit | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial Roads | Main island connections | Free | 80 km/h | Primary routes between towns |
| Distributor Roads | Local area access | Free | 50 km/h | Urban and suburban areas |
| Local Streets | City and village roads | Free | 50 km/h | Residential and commercial |
| Valletta Center | Historic capital area | CVA Fee | 30 km/h | Tourism and business |
Valletta CVA (Controlled Vehicular Access) System
The only road charge in Malta applies specifically to Valletta's historic city center.
CVA Operating Hours & Rates (2025)
| Time Period | Days | Rate Structure | Cost | Free Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 - 18:00 | Monday - Friday | Time-based charging | €0.82 per hour | First 30 minutes free |
| 14:00 - 18:00 | Monday - Friday | Free access | €0.00 | No charge after 14:00 |
| All day | Weekends | Free access | €0.00 | No weekend charges |
| All day | Public holidays | Free access | €0.00 | No holiday charges |
How CVA Works
- Automatic detection: ANPR cameras record license plates at entry/exit points
- Time calculation: System calculates time spent within CVA boundary
- Billing: Monthly bills sent to registered vehicle owners
- Payment methods: Online, by post, at CVA office, or via mobile apps
Payment Methods & Technology
CVA Payment Options
- Online payment: CVA website via debit/credit cards
- CVA office: 83 Winemakers Wharf, Marsa (office hours)
- Valletta local council: In-person payments accepted
- Bank standing order: Automated monthly payments
- Postal payment: Cheque payments by mail
No Physical Toll Stations
- Automatic system: No stopping required for payment
- Electronic billing: All charges processed automatically
- No cash payments: Card-only system for convenience
- Pre-payment incentives: Discounts available for advance payments
Malta vs. Regional Neighbors
| Location | System Type | Car Requirements | City Charges | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | No tolls | Free roads | Valletta CVA €0.82/hour | Foreign plates exempt |
| Sicily (Italy) | Limited tolls | A20, A18 toll roads | Palermo congestion €5/day | Most roads free |
| Southern Italy | Distance-based tolls | €0.07 per km average | Multiple city charges | Extensive toll network |
| Tunisia | Limited tolls | Select highways only | No city charges | Mostly free roads |
| Libya | No tolls | Free roads | No city charges | Infrastructure limitations |
Planning Your Malta Journey
Cost Considerations
- General driving: €0 for all roads outside Valletta
- Valletta visits: €0.82/hour (first 30 minutes free)
- Tourist strategy: Visit Valletta after 14:00 or on weekends for free access
- Foreign visitors: No CVA charges for non-Maltese plates
Travel Tips
- Parking alternatives: Use Park & Ride services to avoid CVA charges
- Timing strategy: Plan Valletta visits for afternoon or weekend hours
- Rental cars: Maltese plates subject to CVA, inform rental company
- Ferry connections: Malta-Sicily ferries available (Valletta-Pozzallo 1h45m)
Island Transportation Network
Inter-Island Connections
- Malta to Gozo: Ferry service (Ċirkewwa-Mġarr) - no road tolls
- Malta to Comino: Boat services - no road infrastructure
- Sicily connection: Valletta-Pozzallo ferry (1h45m), Valletta-Catania (4h15m)
Public Transport Integration
- Bus network: Comprehensive island coverage, no toll roads affect routes
- Tourism transport: Hop-on-hop-off buses operate freely outside Valletta CVA
- Airport access: Malta International Airport accessible via toll-free roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any toll roads in Malta?
No, Malta has no toll roads, motorways, or vignette requirements. All roads are free except for the Valletta city center access charge.
Do foreign tourists pay the Valletta CVA fee?
No, vehicles with foreign license plates are completely exempt from the CVA charge, regardless of time or duration of stay.
What happens if I don't pay the CVA charge?
For Maltese plates, penalties and late payment fees apply. Bills are sent monthly with payment deadlines clearly stated.
Can I avoid the CVA charge completely?
Yes, by visiting Valletta after 14:00 on weekdays, or anytime on weekends and public holidays. Alternatively, use Park & Ride facilities outside the CVA zone.
Do rental cars pay CVA charges?
Yes, rental cars with Maltese plates are subject to CVA charges. The rental company receives bills and typically charges handling fees in addition to the CVA amount.
How do I know if I'm in the CVA zone?
The CVA boundary is clearly marked with red "CVA" signs. Entry and exit points are monitored by cameras with visible signage.
Are electric vehicles exempt from CVA?
Yes, electric vehicles are exempt from CVA charges as part of Malta's environmental protection measures.
Recent Changes (2025)
- Continued exemptions: Foreign license plates remain exempt from CVA charges
- Technology updates: Enhanced ANPR camera systems for improved detection
- Payment modernization: Expanded online and mobile payment options
- Environmental focus: Maintained electric vehicle exemptions
Contact Information & Resources
CVA System
- Address: 83 Winemakers Wharf, Marsa, Malta
- Phone: +356 2206 4000
- Email: info@cvamalta.com
- Website: cva.gov.mt
- Online payments: secure.cva.gov.mt
Transport Malta
- General transport info: transport.gov.mt
- Road conditions: Real-time traffic via Maltese Traffic website
- Emergency services: 112 (European emergency number)
Tourist Information
- Valletta parking: Multiple carparks outside CVA zone
- Ferry bookings: Virtu Ferries for Malta-Sicily connections
- Public transport: Malta Public Transport network information
