Finding an open pharmacy in Malta after hours, on a Sunday, or on a public holiday follows a duty roster system — pharmacies take turns staying open, ensuring at least one is always available in each locality. The system is well-organised, but knowing how to navigate it is essential for residents and visitors who need medication outside standard opening hours.
Fastest way to find an open pharmacy right now: Visit pharmacy.mt — this is Malta's official pharmacy directory and publishes the current duty roster updated for Sundays and public holidays. Also check medicinesauthority.gov.mt/pharmacyroster (official Malta Medicines Authority roster). For 24-hour pharmacies, scroll to the dedicated section below.
Standard Pharmacy Hours in Malta
| Day | Standard Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00 | Split hours are the norm; some pharmacies open continuously 09:00–19:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–12:00 | Some close Saturday afternoon; check locally |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | Duty roster only | At least one per locality; check pharmacy.mt |
| 24-hour pharmacies | Always open | ~14 pharmacies across Malta; see below |
How the Duty Roster Works
On Sundays and public holidays, pharmacies rotate being "on duty" (doċċ), meaning they open when others close. At least one pharmacy in each locality will be open. The roster is published by the Malta Medicines Authority and updated regularly at medicinesauthority.gov.mt/pharmacyroster. The pharmacy.mt website and their Facebook page (pharmacymalta) also publish the weekly Sunday roster. If you're in a hurry: look at any nearby pharmacy door — by law, they must display information about the nearest open duty pharmacy when they are closed.
24-Hour Pharmacies in Malta
Approximately 14 pharmacies across Malta operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Key 24-hour locations include pharmacies in Mater Dei Hospital (Msida), the Malta International Airport pharmacy (arrivals lounge, open 8am–10pm), and several pharmacies in St Julian's/Sliema and Bugibba. A full, verified list is at malta-pharmacy.com/24-hour-pharmacy-malta. For late-night emergency medication needs, Mater Dei Hospital pharmacy is the most reliable — however note that the hospital outpatient pharmacy serves only prescriptions for medicines out of stock at other pharmacies (a specific provision), and does not function as a general walk-in 24-hour pharmacy. For general 24-hour needs, use the private pharmacies.
Pharmacies with Extended Hours
Several pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies operate extended hours beyond standard times: the Malta Airport pharmacy (8am–10pm daily), Springs+ Pharmacies (7 locations, extended hours), Milia's Pharmacies (Birgu until 21:30, Marsascala until 21:00), and the Gudja pharmacy on Vjal it-Torri (Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat 8am–7pm). For a complete searchable directory of all 251 pharmacies in Malta with their current hours: malta-pharmacy.com.
Getting Prescriptions Filled
EU residents can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for prescriptions covered under the POYC (Patient Own Choice) scheme. Non-EU residents need either a local prescription or an original foreign prescription. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not require a prescription — most common medications (pain relief, antihistamines, antibiotics in some cases, cold medicines) are available directly. Pharmacists in Malta speak English fluently and provide consultation freely — the pharmacy functions as a first point of contact for minor health advice, not just a dispensing point.
