Visa and Entry Requirements for Malta
For travelers from many countries, accessing Malta as a visitor is very straightforward, putting the sunshine and history within easy reach. If you are also traveling to other countries around Europe as well as Malta, just remember to not exceed the maximum number of days allowed for your visit to the Schengen Area. Here’s what you need to know about visas for Malta.
Who Can Enter Malta Without a Visa?
All citizens of the European Union can enter Malta and travel freely with a national identity card, except for travelers from Ireland, who must use an Irish passport card. Currently, travelers from 63 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, can also enter Malta and other countries in the Schengen area visa-free.
- Travelers from visa-free countries must have a valid passport.
- The passport’s expiry date must be at least 90 days after your expected departure date from Malta.
- Passports must not be older than ten years.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa to Enter Malta?
Malta is part of the Schengen area, which consists of 26 European nations that issue a common visa allowing travelers a maximum stay of 90 days during any 180-day period. This visa is valid for travel across the entire Schengen Area.
Travelers from countries that cannot enter Malta visa-free must apply for a Schengen tourist visa prior to travel. Application details can be found on the government’s Identity Malta website. The following information is required for the application:
- Travel dates and details of transport arrangements to enter and exit the Schengen zone.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial means of support.
The application fee is €80 for adults and €45 for children.
Extending a Schengen Area Visa
If you wish to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days, it is possible to extend a Schengen visa. However, extensions are granted rarely and are typically offered only for humanitarian reasons or situations of force majeure (e.g., natural disasters in the home country). For longer stays in Malta specifically, applicants can apply for a National Visa, also known as a Long Stay or ‘D’ visa.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) Rules for 2023
Under the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch early in 2023, travelers from 63 non-EU countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry to the Schengen area will be required to complete an online application to confirm their authorization to enter the Schengen zone.
- The application fee is €7.
- It takes approximately ten minutes to complete the application online.
- Successful authorizations are valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Note that the maximum stay in the Schengen area of 90 days across a 180-day period will still apply.
Post-Brexit Travel from the UK to Malta
The UK left the European Union in 2020; however, UK citizens can still enter the Schengen area without a visa, including visiting Malta. Nevertheless, British travelers will need to complete an application via ETIAS once the system becomes operational.
What if You Need to Leave and Re-enter the Schengen Area?
Multiple-entry access to the Schengen area allows travelers to re-enter after exiting to non-Schengen countries. This is automatically granted to visitors from the 63 visa-free countries, providing a convenient option for travelers wishing to explore popular non-Schengen destinations, such as the UK and Turkey.
When exiting and re-entering Malta and the Schengen zone, remember to adhere to the maximum stay of 90 days across a 180-day period, starting from your first entry into the Schengen area.
COVID-19 Rules for Entry to Malta
As of May 9, 2022, wearing a mask in Malta is only mandatory on flights or when visiting hospitals or care homes for the elderly. While masks are not mandatory, the Maltese government recommends their use during large gatherings.
Travelers no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) but must present one of the following upon arrival:
- A vaccine certificate
- A negative PCR test
- A COVID recovery certificate
For the latest on COVID-19 regulations, please visit Malta’s Health Ministry website.
