UNCLASSIFIED · OPEN SOURCES Launch offer: your household plan and Phaenyx Safe are free for a limited time (regular price $29). Build my plan →
PHAENYXCivil preparedness EN

Malta · Public shelters

Are there public shelters in Malta?

Malta publishes no current public shelter network or locator. Its WWII rock-cut air-raid shelters are heritage sites, not civil-defence shelters.

Updated 2026-10-20· 3 official sources

Short answer. Malta publishes no official public shelter network and no way to find a designated shelter. The Civil Protection Act (Cap. 411) contains no shelter provision 1, and the European Commission's profile of Malta's disaster management system describes none 2. Malta's WWII rock-cut air-raid shelters are heritage sites, not a designated civil-defence network 12.

Does Malta have public shelters today?

No official source read on 20 October 2026 describes a current public shelter network, a count of shelters, or how the public would be directed to one 12. There is no official map or search tool.

What about the WWII air-raid shelters?

Malta has many rock-cut air-raid shelters dating from the Second World War. They are heritage sites today. No official source designates them as a civil-defence shelter network for current emergencies 12, so Phaenyx does not present them as places to go in an emergency.

Who would give instructions in an emergency?

The Civil Protection Department (CPD) prepares contingency plans and responds to requests for assistance through 112 3. According to the European Commission, early warning to the public is the responsibility of the entity named in the relevant legislation and risk assessment 2. Instructions would therefore come from the authorities at the time. See Emergency alerts in Malta and Emergency contacts in Malta.

How can I prepare without a public shelter?

General principles of sheltering indoors, shielding and distance are explained in our guides, with their own sources:

These are general guides, not Maltese government instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a list of public shelters in Malta?

No. No official list or locator was found 12.

Can I use a WWII shelter in an emergency?

No official source designates them for that purpose; they are heritage sites. Follow instructions from the authorities.

Is it legal to build my own shelter?

Malta has no specific law on private shelters. See Building a shelter in Malta.

Sources

  1. Government of Malta, legislation.mt — Civil Protection Act (Chapter 411 of the Laws of Malta) — https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/411/eng/pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
  2. European Commission, DG ECHO — Malta – National disaster management system — https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/national-disaster-management-system/malta_en (accessed 2026-10-20)
  3. Ministry for Home Affairs, Malta — Civil Protection Department (Quality Service Charter) — https://homeaffairs.gov.mt/civil-protection-department/ (accessed 2026-10-20)

Turn this into action

Your plan for Malta, worked out for your household.

  • Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
  • The nuclear plants and zones around your home
  • Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
$29Freelimited timeBuild my plan →Try Phaenyx Safe

Sources

  1. Government of Malta, legislation.mt · Civil Protection Act (Chapter 411 of the Laws of Malta) checked 2026-10-20
  2. European Commission, DG ECHO · Malta – National disaster management system checked 2026-10-20
  3. Ministry for Home Affairs, Malta · Civil Protection Department (Quality Service Charter) checked 2026-10-20

Keep reading: Public shelters