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5 ways to enter

Malta visas

Malta tourist visa

For a short holiday in Malta, you may need a Schengen visa. Eligible visitors can travel without one for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

Ways to get a Malta tourist visa

  1. Visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit Malta without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Schengen short-stay visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa for a short holiday in Malta can apply.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
    Valid for
    Usually the intended trip for new applicants; up to five years for qualifying multiple-entry visas.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    €90 normally; €45 for children aged 6–12; free for children under 6. Other fee rules can apply.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues; delays can occur.
    1. Choose Malta's embassy or consulate if Malta is your main destination. If no main destination can be identified, choose the first Schengen country you will enter.
    2. Submit the application no earlier than six months before entry, directly or through an appointed service provider.
    3. Attend in person for a first application and interview. Give fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.
    4. Pay the applicable fee and wait for a decision.

  3. Entry with an existing visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, Gibraltar or Monaco can make short visits to Malta. A valid Schengen short-stay visa also covers Malta unless restricted.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period for visits using a long-stay visa or residence permit.

  5. Visa-free entry for refugees living in Ireland

    No visa needed

    Refugees who reside in Ireland qualify for Malta's stated visa exemption.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-waiver countries, EU single market citizens and some holders of existing visas or residence documents can enter without a new visa.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Malta's embassy or consulate if Malta is your only or main destination. If there is no main destination, apply to the first Schengen country you will enter.
  2. Submit your application no more than six months before your planned entry. An appointed service provider may collect it.
  3. Attend in person for your first application and an interview. Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.
  4. Pay the applicable fee and wait for the decision.

What to bring

  • A recognised travel document.
  • Supporting documents for the application; the exact checklist is not specified.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.

Good to know

  • Count short stays across the Schengen Area together.
  • A longer visa validity does not give you permission to stay continuously for that whole period.
  • Check whether the visa restricts which countries you may visit.
  • Children under 12 do not provide fingerprints. Biometrics provided within the previous 59 months may not need to be collected again.
  • An external service provider may charge an additional fee of up to €120.
  • For some nationalities, the visa fee may rise to €180 because of rules on cooperation with returning irregular migrants. This increase does not apply to children under 12.
  • A planned shared online application system does not establish an available Malta e-Visa programme.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Malta?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa. Citizens of the listed visa-waiver countries, EU single market citizens and some holders of existing visas or residence documents can enter without a new visa.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Malta?

There are 5 options: Visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Schengen short-stay visa (a visa from an embassy); Entry with an existing visa or residence permit (a special permit); Freedom of movement (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for refugees living in Ireland (no visa at all).

Who can go to Malta without a tourist visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit Malta without a visa. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can enter, live and work in Malta without a visa. Refugees who reside in Ireland qualify for Malta's stated visa exemption.

How long can I stay on a Malta tourist visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Malta tourist visa cost?

Standard fee: €90. Children aged 6–12: €45. Children under 6: free. Other exemptions and higher fees can apply.

How long does a Malta tourist visa take?

15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Appointment shortages and delays can occur.

How long is a Malta tourist visa valid?

Usually the intended trip for first-time applicants; multiple-entry visas can be valid for up to five years. Entries: One, two or multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a Malta tourist visa?

A recognised travel document.; Supporting documents for the application; the exact checklist is not specified.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph if required..

How do I apply for a Malta tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply to Malta's embassy or consulate if Malta is your only or main destination. If there is no main destination, apply to the first Schengen country you will enter. 2. 2. Submit your application no more than six months before your planned entry. An appointed service provider may collect it. 3. 3. Attend in person for your first application and an interview. Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph if required. 4. 4. Pay the applicable fee and wait for the decision.

What rules do I have to follow on a Malta tourist visa?

Count short stays across the Schengen Area together. A longer visa validity does not give you permission to stay continuously for that whole period. Check whether the visa restricts which countries you may visit.

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