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Valletta Entry Requirements

Valletta Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
The ferry ropes slap the bollards or the jet engines spool down, and Valletta greets you at passport control. Limestone walls climb skyward, sun-washed to the color of warm honey, while salt air slips through the open arrivals hall. Officers in sea-blue uniforms move passengers along with brisk courtesy. Each stamp lands with the soft pop of rubber on paper, counterpoint to the rumble of wheels on tile. Most clear immigration in under five minutes, answering the lilting Maltese questions about why they have come to Valletta. Entry here mirrors Malta's split personality: EU member on one hand, lone island on the other. Schengen arrivals walk straight through. Everyone else meets the same calm efficiency that marks Maltese hospitality. The air-conditioning carries a faint trace of local honey, legacy of centuries of beekeeping, while overhead panels glow azure and gold and reproduce Valletta's baroque roofline. Whether you are heading to restored warehouses now fitted out as co-working lofts or planning days among carved wooden balconies, your first formal moment in Valletta happens right here.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa-Free Entry
90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of Schengen Area countries and numerous other nations can enter Valletta without a visa

Includes
United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Brazil Argentina Chile All EU member states Norway Iceland Switzerland

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
90 days within 180-day period once approved

ETIAS authorization will be required for visa-exempt travelers starting from mid-2025

Includes
All visa-exempt countries listed above
How to Apply: Apply online 96 hours before travel, approval typically takes minutes to 4 days
Cost: Estimated €7 for adults aged 18-70

Valid for 3 years or until passport expires

Visa Required
Typically 90 days within 180-day period

Citizens of certain countries must obtain a Schengen visa before arrival

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Maltese embassy or consulate, schedule appointment, provide biometric data

Processing takes 15-30 days, requires confirmed accommodation in Valletta and travel insurance

Arrival Process

Your arrival in Valletta follows a straightforward sequence, whether arriving by air at Malta International Airport or by sea at the Grand Harbour terminal.

1
Passport Control
Present passport and any required visa or ETIAS authorization to immigration officer
2
Baggage Collection
Retrieve checked luggage from designated carousel, noting the yellow and red color scheme reflecting Valletta's flag
3
Customs Declaration
Choose green channel if nothing to declare, red channel if carrying restricted items
4
Exit to Transport
Proceed to taxi stands, bus terminal, or car rental desks for onward journey to Valletta

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport
Must be valid for duration of stay plus 3 months, issued within last 10 years
Visa or ETIAS Authorization
If required based on nationality
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Malta within allowed stay period
Accommodation Confirmation
Hotel booking or invitation letter for Valletta stay
Travel Insurance
Coverage of €30,000 minimum for Schengen visa holders

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have your accommodation address in Valletta ready to show - immigration officers often ask for specific street names
Download offline maps of Valletta before arrival - the honeycomb street layout can be confusing for first-time visitors
Keep euros handy for the airport shuttle to Valletta - the X4 bus costs less than taxi fares

Customs & Duty-Free

Malta's customs regulations for Valletta follow EU standards with specific allowances for arriving passengers.

Alcohol
1 liter of spirits over 22% OR 2 liters of spirits under 22%, plus 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer
Must be 17 years or older
Tobacco
200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco
Must be 17 years or older
Currency
€10,000 or equivalent must be declared when entering or leaving
Declaration form available at customs point
Gifts/Goods
€430 per adult for air travelers, €300 for sea/land travelers
Personal items like cameras and laptops allowed duty-free if for personal use

Prohibited Items

  • Meat and dairy products from outside EU - disease prevention
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances - zero tolerance policy
  • Counterfeit goods - intellectual property protection
  • Endangered species products - CITES regulations

Restricted Items

  • Medications - bring prescription and doctor's note for amounts exceeding personal use
  • Historical artifacts - require export permit from Malta's heritage authorities
  • Plants and plant products - need phytosanitary certificate from origin country

Health Requirements

Malta maintains EU-standard health requirements for entry to Valletta, with minimal vaccination requirements for most travelers.

Required Vaccinations

  • None for most travelers

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, flu)
  • Hepatitis A for extended stays
  • Hepatitis B for healthcare workers

Health Insurance

Mandatory for visa-required visitors with minimum €30,000 coverage. Recommended for all visitors due to high private healthcare costs in Valletta.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 restrictions lifted as of June 2022. No testing or vaccination requirements for entry to Valletta. Monitor for updates as policies evolve.

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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.

Embassy/Consulate
Find your country's embassy or consulate
Check your government's travel advisory website
Immigration Authority
Identity Malta Agency - immigration.gov.mt
For visa applications and official information
Emergency
Emergency services number
Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in Valletta and Malta

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors traveling alone or with one parent need notarized consent from non-traveling parent(s). Include birth certificate showing parents' names.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets need microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and EU pet passport or health certificate. Entry through Malta International Airport only.

Extended Stays

For stays exceeding 90 days, apply for long-stay visa (D visa) before arrival. Register with Identity Malta within 8 days of arrival for residence permit.

Know What to Pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.

View Valletta Packing List →

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