Valletta Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is the primary point of entry for most international visitors arriving by air at Malta International Airport (MLA). As Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, entry requirements are governed by Schengen regulations. Most travelers will go through passport control upon arrival, where officials will verify travel documents, the purpose of visit, and proof of sufficient funds. It is important to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and to be prepared to show evidence of onward travel and accommodation. The immigration process is typically straightforward for citizens of visa-exempt countries, who receive a passport stamp upon entry. All non-EU nationals should be aware of the 90/180-day rule for short stays within the Schengen zone. Before traveling, visitors should verify the latest entry rules, as policies can change, and airlines may deny boarding if documentation is insufficient.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Malta follows the common visa policy of the Schengen Area. Requirements depend entirely on the traveler's nationality.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period

Nationals from countries with a visa waiver agreement with the EU/Schengen Area.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea United Arab Emirates

This applies for tourism, business, or family visits. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. The 90/180-day rule is strictly enforced.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A until ETIAS is active

As of November 2024, Malta does not have a separate ETA system. However, the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are expected to be implemented in the future. ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers.

Includes

Will apply to all current visa-free nationalities (e.g., US, UK, Canada)

How to Apply: Once implemented, application will be online. Expected processing is minutes to a few days.
Cost: Approximate cost €7

ETIAS is not a visa but a pre-travel authorization for short stays. Monitor official EU websites for launch date.

Visa Required

As specified on the visa (typically up to 90 days)

Nationals from countries without a visa waiver agreement must obtain a Schengen Visa before travel.

How to Apply: Apply at a Maltese embassy or consulate, or a visa application center authorized by Malta. In countries without Maltese representation, apply at the embassy of another Schengen country representing Malta's visa interests.

Applications should be submitted well in advance of travel. You must apply for a visa from the country that is your main destination within the Schengen Area.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Malta International Airport (MLA), follow signs to Passport Control (Arrivals). The process is efficient but thorough.

Passport Control Queue

Join the appropriate line: separate lanes for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (often blue signs) and All Passports/Non-EU (often green signs).

Document Check

Present your passport to the border officer. They will scan it and may ask questions about your trip.

Passport Stamp

Non-EU/Schengen nationals will receive an entry stamp in their passport with the date of entry. This stamp starts the count for the 90/180-day rule.

Proceed to Baggage Claim and Customs

After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Required for all travelers. Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of intention to leave the Schengen Area before your visa or visa-free stay expires.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations or a letter from a host. May be requested.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself financially during your stay (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). The guideline is approx. €48 per day.

Travel/Health Insurance

Highly recommended for all, and mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (minimum coverage €30,000).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all your documents (passport, boarding pass, hotel confirmation, return ticket) readily accessible, not buried in your luggage.

Answer the border officer's questions clearly, calmly, and honestly. Overly complicated stories can raise suspicion.

If you are visiting on a one-way ticket, be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket.

While not always checked, carrying proof of financial means (cash, cards, statements) and travel insurance is wise.

Customs & Duty-Free

Malta follows EU customs regulations. Travelers arriving from outside the EU have specific duty-free allowances. Those arriving from another EU country generally face no limits for personal use goods, provided taxes have been paid in the country of purchase.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine under 22% ABV; plus 4 liters of still wine; plus 16 liters of beer.

Traveler must be 17 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of smoking tobacco.

Traveler must be 17 years or older.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent

Cash sums of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs upon entry or exit from the EU.

Gifts/Goods

Other goods up to a total value of €430 for air/sea travelers (€300 for land travelers).

Value is per person. For travelers under 15 years, the limit is €150.

Prohibited Items

Counterfeit goods - illegal under EU trademark laws
Illegal narcotics and drugs - strictly prohibited
Dangerous weapons (e.g., switchblades, firearms) without special permit
Protected species/products (CITES) - e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, certain plants without permit

Restricted Items

Medicines - only for personal use, carry a doctor's prescription
Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificate
Animal products (meat, dairy) from non-EU countries - generally restricted
Radio transmission equipment - may require prior authorization

Health Requirements

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Malta from most countries, but certain recommendations are in place.

Required Vaccinations

None for general travelers from most countries

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) up to date
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B (for longer stays or specific exposure)

Health Insurance

Not legally mandatory for visa-free travelers but highly recommended. Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Current Health Requirements: As of November 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or passenger locator form requirements for entry into Malta. This is subject to change based on public health situations. Check the official Malta Health Ministry or EU Re-Open EU website for the latest updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Malta

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most current contact information.

Immigration Authority

Identity Malta Agency (Immigration Section)

For visa applications, residence permits, and official immigration information: https://identitymalta.com/

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police, ambulance, fire: Dial 112 (standard EU-wide emergency number)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors traveling alone or with only one parent/guardian may be asked for a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). Carrying a copy of the child's birth certificate is also advised to prove relationship.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) from EU countries need a valid EU Pet Passport with rabies vaccination. Pets from non-EU listed countries require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate. Strict rules apply for non-listed countries, including a rabies antibody test. Check with the Malta Veterinary and Phytosanitary Regulation Department for the latest rules.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must apply for a national long-stay visa or residence permit from the Identity Malta Agency before your Schengen visa or visa-free period expires. Common grounds include work, study, family reunification, or sufficient financial means (e.g., retirement).