Medik Malta Store
24/7
Miami Apartments, Dragonara Road, St Julian's, Malta
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: ...
24-Hour Pharmacies in Malta — Open Tonight & Pharmacy of Choice Today
Malta has 3 permanently open 24-hour pharmacies. Beyond those, an official government rotation called the Pharmacy of Choice designates a different licensed pharmacy every single day to provide extended overnight coverage — including Sundays and public holidays.
Whether you need medication tonight, on a Sunday, or during a public holiday, this page explains exactly where to go and how the system works.
VerifiedFeb 2026
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All Malta
How Malta's Pharmacy of Choice System Works
The Daily Rotation
Every day, a different licensed pharmacy across Malta is officially designated as the Pharmacy of Choice. This pharmacy provides extended or overnight service beyond its normal trading hours. The rotation is managed by the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs under Malta's Ministry for Health, ensuring nationwide coverage every single night of the year.
When Is It Most Useful?
- •Sundays — most regular pharmacies are closed; the Pharmacy of Choice is your main option outside the permanent 24h locations
- •Public holidays — Malta has 14 public holidays per year; the system guarantees coverage on every one of them
- •Late nights — if the 3 permanent pharmacies are geographically inconvenient, the day's Pharmacy of Choice may be closer
How to Find Today's Pharmacy of Choice
The official daily list is published by the Maltese government. Check the current Pharmacy of Choice on the official Malta government portal or by calling the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs directly.
Visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs (gov.mt)Pharmacy of Choice vs Permanent 24h Pharmacies: The Pharmacy of Choice rotates daily and its location changes every night — it is not always open 24 hours and its precise hours vary. The three permanent pharmacies listed below operate around the clock every day regardless of the rotation. If you need guaranteed access at 3 AM, head to one of the permanent locations.
Permanent 24-Hour Pharmacies in Malta
These 3 pharmacies are open around the clock, every day of the year — no rotation, no guessing. Call ahead before driving to confirm current service.
Remedies Pharmacy and Clinic, Campus Hub
24/7
University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, L-Imsida, Malta
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: ...
Pharmabox24
Emergency24/7
62 Vjal It-Torri, Il-Gudja, Malta
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: ...
Note on Pharmabox24 (Gudja): This is an automated 24-hour dispensing machine, not a staffed pharmacy. It stocks a range of common OTC medications, contraceptives, and hygiene products. A pharmacist is not present on-site to give advice — use it for straightforward product purchases only.
What to Know Before You Go
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Call Ahead
Even 24-hour pharmacies can have temporary closures or reduced overnight staffing. A quick call before driving — especially late at night — saves a wasted trip.
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Bring ID and Your Prescription
For prescription medicines, bring both a valid photo ID and your prescription (or a copy). EU prescriptions are generally accepted under cross-border healthcare rules.
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Cash or Card
Most pharmacies in Malta accept both cash and major credit/debit cards. Automated dispensing units like Pharmabox24 typically require a card payment.
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English Is Spoken Everywhere
Malta is officially bilingual. All pharmacy staff speak fluent English. You can describe symptoms, ask for recommendations, and request medication information in English without any difficulty.
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Real Emergencies: Call 112
For any genuine medical emergency — chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury — call 112 immediately for an ambulance. Do not drive to a pharmacy. Mater Dei Hospital in Msida also has its own 24-hour emergency pharmacy.
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Mater Dei Hospital Pharmacy
Mater Dei Hospital (Msida) operates a pharmacy within the emergency department for patients receiving urgent treatment. It is not open to the general public for routine purchases.
For Tourists: Common Medications in Malta
Malta's pharmacy regulations closely follow EU standards. Most common travel medications are available over the counter (OTC), but stronger treatments always require a prescription. Here is a quick reference:
| Medication / Category | Examples | Status in Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Sunburn relief | Aloe vera gel, after-sun lotion | OTC |
| Pain relief | Paracetamol, ibuprofen | OTC |
| Motion sickness | Cinnarizine (Stugeron), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) | OTC |
| Antihistamines | Loratadine, cetirizine | OTC |
| Rehydration salts | Dioralyte, generic ORS sachets | OTC |
| Antidiarrhoeal | Loperamide (Imodium) | OTC |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, azithromycin, etc. | Prescription only |
| Strong painkillers | Tramadol, codeine combinations | Prescription only |
| Antidepressants | SSRIs, SNRIs | Prescription only |
| Birth control (pill) | Combined/progestogen-only pill | Prescription only |
Most pharmacists can help with minor concerns and recommend suitable OTC products. For prescription medicines, bring your prescription or a copy. EU prescriptions are generally accepted — non-EU prescriptions are at the dispensing pharmacist's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Malta?
Yes. Malta has three permanently open 24-hour pharmacies: Pharmabox24 automated dispensing unit in Gudja, Medik Malta Store in St Julian's, and Remedies Campus Hub in Msida. In addition, a different pharmacy operates as the Pharmacy of Choice every day, providing extended or 24-hour coverage across the island.
How do I find a pharmacy open tonight in Malta?
Check the official Malta government website (gov.mt) for the current Pharmacy of Choice. This rotates daily and is announced by the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs. For permanent around-the-clock service, Medik Malta Store in St Julian's and Pharmabox24 in Gudja are always available.
Do pharmacies in Malta open on Sundays?
Most regular pharmacies are closed on Sundays. However, the daily Pharmacy of Choice operates on Sundays and public holidays. The three permanent 24-hour pharmacies also remain open. Always call ahead to confirm before travelling.
Can I get antibiotics without a prescription in Malta?
No. Antibiotics are prescription-only medicines in Malta. A valid prescription from a licensed doctor is required. EU prescriptions are generally recognised under cross-border healthcare regulations, but it is advisable to check with the pharmacist before travelling.
What number do I call for a medical emergency in Malta?
Call 112 for all medical emergencies in Malta. Do not go to a pharmacy for serious medical emergencies — go directly to Mater Dei Hospital or call 112 for an ambulance. Pharmacists can help with minor health concerns but are not a substitute for emergency medical care.
Do Maltese pharmacists speak English?
Yes. Malta is a bilingual country (Maltese and English). Virtually all pharmacists and pharmacy staff speak English fluently. You can describe your symptoms, ask about medications, and request advice in English without difficulty.
Can foreign prescriptions be filled in Malta?
EU/EEA prescriptions are recognised under EU cross-border healthcare rules (Directive 2011/24/EU), though the dispensing pharmacist has discretion. Prescriptions from non-EU countries may not be automatically accepted — bring your prescription and consult the pharmacist. Having a copy or photo of your prescription is always advisable.
What is the Pharmacy of Choice system in Malta?
The Pharmacy of Choice is an official rotation system managed by the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Ministry for Health. Each day, a different licensed pharmacy is designated to provide extended or overnight coverage. This ensures that every region of Malta has pharmacy access outside normal trading hours, even on Sundays and public holidays.
Need a Pharmacy Right Now?
Browse Malta's complete pharmacy directory or jump directly to emergency and location-specific pages.
Pharmacies near the 24h locations