Malta Entry and Visa Requirements for Visitors

Malta is part of the Schengen area. The document and visa requirement depends on nationality, passport, residence status and travel history within Schengen. Verify the latest details with Visa Frequently Asked Questions.

Visa-exempt visitors can generally make qualifying short stays within the 90-days-in-180 limit. Visa-required nationals must use the Maltese mission or representation responsible for their place of legal residence. For current official information, see Central Visa Unit.

Entry rules depend on the traveller, passport and purpose

Type C

A Schengen short-stay visa concerns visits of no more than 90 days within the applicable 180-day period.

Type D

A national long-stay visa is for a different purpose and should not be treated as the ordinary tourist route.

Border decision

A visa does not guarantee entry; travellers should carry documents supporting the purpose, accommodation and means for the stay.

Check permission before buying the trip

Confirm the nationality and expiry of every passport.
Define the purpose, length and dates of the visit.
Check the official visa requirement for that nationality and residence country.
Count time already spent in the Schengen area where relevant.
Prepare accommodation, funds, insurance and return evidence required for the route.
Apply through the official channel with enough time.
Carry the supporting documents used for the trip; a visa does not guarantee admission.

Questions to answer for each traveller

Is a visa required?
Is the passport valid for the required period?
How many Schengen days remain?
Does a child need additional consent or documents?
What evidence may border officials request?

Check again before departure

Immigration rules and personal circumstances can change between booking and travel. Use the competent official source for the passport involved.

Mistakes that cause avoidable problems

Using passport-expiry rules copied from a different destination.
Assuming a short-stay visa permits work or long-term study.

Plan the next part

Start with Visiting Malta: Complete First-Time Travel Guide for the wider picture.

Browse all Tourism guides.

Do not rely on one passenger's answer

Families and groups may contain different nationalities, residence permits and passport validity. Check each person separately.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Recheck the official sources in the article metadata when a deadline, price, eligibility rule or service arrangement affects your decision.