Valletta Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, welcomes international visitors as part of the European Union and Schengen Area. As Malta is a Schengen member state, entry requirements to Valletta follow EU regulations, making it accessible to many travelers without visa requirements. The main point of entry is Malta International Airport (MLA), located approximately 8 kilometers from Valletta, though visitors may also arrive by cruise ship at the Grand Harbour or via ferry from Sicily. The immigration process in Malta is generally straightforward for eligible travelers. EU/EEA and many other nationals can enter visa-free for short stays, while some nationalities require advance visa applications. All travelers should ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Malta's strategic location in the Mediterranean and its EU membership mean that entry procedures align with standard European protocols. Before traveling to Valletta, visitors should verify their specific nationality's requirements, arrange appropriate travel insurance, and prepare necessary documentation including proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. Malta's compact size and popularity as a tourist destination mean immigration facilities are well-equipped to handle international arrivals, though peak summer months may see longer processing times.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Malta follows Schengen Area visa policies. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Most visitors can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, as well as many other nations, can enter Malta without a visa for short stays

Includes

All EU/EEA member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Argentina Brazil Chile Mexico Switzerland Norway Iceland

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but may need to register for longer stays.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

90 days within any 180-day period

From 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization before traveling to Malta and other Schengen countries

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan Singapore All other current visa-exempt non-EU nationals

How to Apply: Apply online through official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Processing typically takes minutes to a few days. Valid for 3 years or until passport expires.
Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50 USD). Free for travelers under 18 or over 70.

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Implementation expected in 2025. Check official EU sources for exact launch date.

Schengen Visa Required

Typically 90 days within any 180-day period, though duration varies by visa type

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Malta

How to Apply: Apply at Maltese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center in your country of residence. Applications should be submitted 15 days to 6 months before travel. Required documents include completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return tickets.

Processing time typically 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-60 days in some cases. Visa fees generally €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Some nationalities include India, China, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Malta International Airport or seaport, all travelers must pass through immigration control. EU/EEA nationals use separate lanes from non-EU travelers. The process is typically quick and efficient, though wait times increase during peak tourist season (June-September).

Arrival and Queue Selection

Follow signs to passport control. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals use designated lanes; all other nationals use separate lanes. Ensure you have your passport and any required documentation ready.

Document Verification

Present your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify your identity, check passport validity, and may scan your passport. Non-EU travelers may have their visa or entry requirements verified.

Immigration Interview

Officer may ask questions about your visit including purpose, duration, accommodation, and return plans. Answer clearly and honestly. Have supporting documents ready if requested.

Entry Stamp

Non-EU travelers will receive an entry stamp in their passport. EU/EEA citizens typically do not receive stamps. Keep this stamp visible as you may need to show it when departing.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Choose the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (goods to declare) as appropriate.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Malta/Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Should have at least 2 blank pages.

Visa or ETIAS (if required)

Printed or electronic copy of your visa approval or ETIAS authorization, depending on your nationality.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Should cover entire duration of stay.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Malta/Schengen Area within allowed period. Printed or electronic confirmation acceptable.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks demonstrating ability to support yourself during stay. Minimum approximately €48-€51 per day.

Travel Insurance

Proof of travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout Schengen Area. Required for visa applicants, recommended for all travelers.

Employment or Student Documentation

Letter from employer or educational institution may be requested to confirm ties to home country and intention to return.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with all documents organized and easily accessible in a folder. Digital copies on your phone are helpful as backups but have printed versions ready.

Dress appropriately and be polite with immigration officers. First impressions matter and cooperation speeds up the process.

Be honest and consistent in your answers. Immigration officers are trained to detect inconsistencies. If you don't understand a question, politely ask for clarification.

Have your accommodation address written down clearly. Being able to provide specific details demonstrates preparedness.

Keep valuables and important documents in carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage. This includes passport, money, medications, and travel documents.

Check your passport stamp before leaving immigration. Ensure the date is correct and the stamp is legible, as this determines your allowed stay duration.

Download offline maps and important contact information before arrival in case you don't have immediate internet access.

Exchange some currency before arrival or at the airport, though Malta uses the Euro and ATMs are widely available in Valletta.

Customs & Duty-Free

Malta customs regulations follow EU standards. All travelers must pass through customs after collecting baggage. There are two channels: green (nothing to declare) for those within duty-free limits, and red (goods to declare) for those exceeding limits or carrying restricted items. False declarations can result in fines or prosecution.

Alcohol (from non-EU countries)

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine (under 22% alcohol) PLUS 4 liters of still wine PLUS 16 liters of beer

Must be 17 years or older. Different limits apply when traveling from EU countries (no limits for personal use, but guidelines exist: 10 liters spirits, 20 liters fortified wine, 90 liters wine, 110 liters beer).

Tobacco (from non-EU countries)

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. Can combine proportionally (e.g., 100 cigarettes + 25 cigars).

Must be 17 years or older. When traveling from EU countries: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1kg tobacco for personal use.

Currency

No limit on amount that can be brought in or taken out

Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs using a Cash Declaration Form. This applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and certain other negotiable instruments.

Gifts and Other Goods (from non-EU countries)

€430 per person when arriving by air or sea (€300 if arriving by land). €150 for travelers under 15 years old.

This covers all goods not mentioned in other categories. Goods exceeding this value must be declared and duty paid. When traveling from EU countries, goods for personal use have no value limit.

Perfume

50g of perfume AND 250ml of eau de toilette

Only applies when arriving from non-EU countries. No limits when traveling within EU.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Offensive weapons - including knuckle dusters, disguised weapons, certain knives
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals/plants under CITES
Indecent or obscene materials - including certain publications and media
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions (up to 10kg fish)
Plants and plant products from non-EU countries - without phytosanitary certificates
Fireworks and explosives - without special authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription. Carry only amounts for personal use during stay. Controlled substances require special documentation.
Firearms for sporting purposes - require import permit from Malta Police, valid firearms license from home country, and advance notification. Must be declared upon arrival.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old may require export licenses. Archaeological items strictly controlled.
Drones and radio equipment - may require permits. Commercial drone use needs authorization from Malta Aviation Authority.
Large amounts of cash - while legal, amounts over €10,000 must be declared.
Commercial goods - items for resale require commercial documentation and may incur duties.
Animal products from EU countries - some restrictions on quantities for personal use.
Alcohol above duty-free limits - can be imported but duty must be paid.

Health Requirements

Malta has high health and sanitation standards. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers entering from most countries, though this can change based on global health situations and your travel history.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Certificate must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up to date with standard vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers as transmission can occur through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Rabies - consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities, working with animals, or visiting remote areas
Tick-borne Encephalitis - generally not necessary for Malta but consider if traveling extensively in rural areas during spring/summer

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for visa applicants and strongly recommended for all travelers. Malta has reciprocal healthcare agreements with EU/EEA countries (bring your European Health Insurance Card - EHIC), but this covers only basic emergency care. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and trip cancellation. UK nationals should obtain a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) post-Brexit. Non-EU travelers should ensure their insurance is valid in the Schengen Area.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check the Malta Ministry of Health and Superintendent of Public Health websites for current requirements regarding COVID-19, other infectious diseases, testing, quarantine, or health declaration forms. Some countries may still require proof of vaccination or negative tests. Register with your embassy upon arrival for health and safety updates. Malta's health system is excellent, with English widely spoken by medical professionals.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Valletta Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Malta Immigration (Identity Malta)

Official immigration authority for visa and residence permit information

Website: identitymalta.com | Email: customer.care@identitymalta.com | Phone: +356 2590 4500

Emergency Services

Police, ambulance, and fire services

Dial 112 (European emergency number) or 999 from any phone. English widely spoken by emergency operators.

Malta International Airport

Airport information and services

Phone: +356 2369 6000 | Website: maltairport.com | Located in Luqa, 8km from Valletta

Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs

For diplomatic and consular matters

Phone: +356 2124 2191 | Located in Valletta | Website: foreignandeu.gov.mt

Your Embassy or Consulate

Contact your country's diplomatic mission in Malta for citizen services

Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays. Most embassies located in or near Valletta. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure.

Malta Tourism Authority

Tourist information and assistance

Phone: +356 2291 5000 | Visitor information centers in Valletta and at airport | Website: visitmalta.com

Mater Dei Hospital

Malta's main public hospital for medical emergencies

Phone: +356 2545 0000 | Located in Msida, near Valletta | 24-hour emergency department

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be on parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s), including contact information. This is not legally mandatory but strongly recommended to avoid issues at immigration. Letter should include travel dates, destination, accompanying adult details, and be signed by both parents. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Adopted children should carry adoption papers. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific policies and may provide escort services. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship.

Traveling with Pets

Malta follows EU pet travel regulations. Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), EU pet passport. From non-EU countries: microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel), health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and import permit from Veterinary Regulation Directorate. Pets must enter through approved points (Malta International Airport). Certain breeds may be restricted. Tapeworm treatment required for dogs from certain countries. Service animals have special provisions. Allow several months for preparation. Contact: Veterinary Regulation Directorate, Phone: +356 2292 6000.

Extended Stays and Residence

Tourist stays limited to 90 days within 180-day period for non-EU nationals. For longer stays, apply for: Student visa (for enrolled students), Work permit (requires job offer from Maltese employer), Residence permit (for retirees, investors, or family reunification), or Digital Nomad visa (for remote workers, allows 1-year stay). EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but must register with Identity Malta if staying over 3 months and obtain a residence document. Applications handled by Identity Malta (identitymalta.com). Processing times vary from weeks to months. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans to Schengen Area.

Business Travelers

Business visitors on short trips (under 90 days) can usually enter on tourist visa/visa waiver but cannot work for Maltese companies or receive payment from Maltese sources. Permitted activities include meetings, conferences, negotiations, and training. Carry invitation letter from Maltese business, conference registration, or proof of business purpose. For actual employment or providing services, work permit required before arrival. Business visa may require additional documentation. Malta offers various business residence schemes including Global Residence Programme and Malta Permanent Residence Programme for investors and entrepreneurs.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise passengers arriving at Valletta's Grand Harbour or other Maltese ports undergo immigration checks on board or upon disembarkation. Passport required even for brief shore excursions. Some nationalities may need Schengen visa even for cruise shore visits. Keep cruise ship identification and boarding pass with you when exploring Valletta. Cruise lines typically handle group immigration clearance. Know your ship's departure time and allow buffer time for return. Port located within walking distance of Valletta's city center. Check if your cruise itinerary includes other Schengen ports as this affects visa requirements.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Malta International Airport without entering Malta (remaining in international transit area) typically don't need visa if: transit time is under 24 hours, holding confirmed onward ticket, and possessing valid documents for final destination. However, some nationalities require airport transit visa even without entering Malta. Check with airline and Maltese authorities. If leaving airport during transit, normal entry requirements apply. Schengen visa holders can transit freely. Luggage checked through to final destination usually doesn't require customs clearance.