ETIAS for Malta

Malta, the smallest EU member state by both population and land area, has been part of the Schengen Area since December 2007. As with every other Schengen country, Malta will require the same ETIAS travel authorisation rather than any country-specific permit — one approved ETIAS covers Malta exactly as it covers France, Germany, or the other member states.

Getting to Malta

As an island nation, Malta is reached almost exclusively by air or sea, since it has no land borders at all. Malta International Airport (MLA), near Luqa just south of the capital Valletta, is the country's only airport and its principal gateway, with direct flights from across Europe and beyond. Travellers can also arrive by sea, either on cruise ships docking at the Grand Harbour in Valletta or on ferries connecting Malta to Pozzallo and Catania in nearby Sicily, Italy. Malta's official languages are Maltese and English, a legacy of British rule that ended in 1964, which helps make it one of the most popular Schengen destinations for UK travellers. The archipelago also includes the smaller island of Gozo, reached by a short ferry from Malta's northern coast, and tiny Comino, though neither has its own airport or international seaport.

Do I need ETIAS for Malta?

Yes. Visa-exempt travellers — such as those holding passports from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or Japan — will need a valid ETIAS to enter Malta once the requirement takes effect, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. This applies whether you are flying to Malta directly from outside Europe or arriving after visiting other Schengen countries first, since ETIAS is one authorisation valid across the entire area, Malta included.

How long can I stay in Malta with ETIAS?

An ETIAS authorisation allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and that allowance is shared across the whole Schengen Area rather than reset per country, so time spent in Malta counts toward the same 90-day total as time spent in Italy, Spain, or anywhere else in Schengen. The authorisation itself remains valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and costs €20 to apply for, with free applications for travellers under 18 or over 70.