ETIAS for Malta
Travel to Malta from the U.S. with ETIAS
With an area of 316 km2, Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Top attractions for American tourists include the warm climate and impressive coastal landscapes.
Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. This means that citizens of the U.S. will soon need ETIAS to travel to Malta.
These ETIAS application guidelines for Malta will help you prepare.
Facts About ETIAS for Malta
ETIAS is a travel authorization for the entire Schengen Area
ETIAS is not a European visa. As a citizen of the U.S., you can continue to travel to Malta and other European countries without a visa for up to 90 days.
Starting 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel to Malta. ETIAS is the European equivalent of the United States ESTA. Visa waiver schemes like ETIAS and ESTA improve security by pre-screening visa-exempt visitors.
You do not need to visit a Maltese consulate to apply or provide biometric information.
Americans of all ages need to apply for ETIAS for Malta
All U.S. passport holders need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Malta. There are no exemptions for children.
If traveling as a family, each member must have ETIAS linked to their passport. Group applications are not possible.
ETIAS is for Malta and more than 20 other European countries
The same ETIAS is valid to travel to Malta, other Schengen members, and countries in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
If you’ll visit other countries during your European trip, you do not need to apply for separate permits.
The closest ETIAS countries to Malta are Italy and Greece.
You can visit Malta for up to 90 days with ETIAS
ETIAS is for visa-free stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
You can spend all 90 days in Malta, or divide it between different ETIAS countries. Similarly, the allowance can be used during one trip to Europe or several—ETIAS is a multiple-entry permit.
Americans need to apply for ETIAS for Malta once every 3 years
ETIAS for U.S. citizens is valid for 3 years, or until your U.S. passport expires, whichever is first.
If you apply for ETIAS for Malta when there is 1 year’s validity remaining on your passport, you’ll need to reapply in 1 year’s time.
If you apply when there are 5 years’ validity remaining on your passport, you’ll need to apply in 3 years' time.
ETIAS is for tourism, business, and short-term study in Malta
With ETIAS, Americans can visit Malta for:
- Vacations: tourism, leisure, and visiting family or friends
- Business: meetings, conferences, and other business events
- Study: short-term study and training
You cannot work in Malta with ETIAS. It is also not valid for long study programs such as university courses. You’ll need ETIAS to transit if you’ll leave the international transit area of the airport.
ETIAS Requirements for U.S. Citizens to Visit Malta
To apply for your ETIAS for Malta, you need your U.S. passport to hand.
Check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area, this is the minimum validity requirement.
You’ll also need a debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee for Malta, and your email address to receive confirmation when your ETIAS is approved.
You must meet the safety and security requirements to be granted ETIAS for Malta. A decision on your application is reached by screening the data you provide on your ETIAS application form.
Guidelines for the ETIAS Application Form for Malta
This is the information you need to provide on your ETIAS application form for Malta:
| Personal information | Name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality |
|---|---|
| Passport details | Country, number, issue date, and expiry date |
| Travel information | The first Schengen country you’ll enter |
| Other eligibility information | Education, occupation, and security information, parent’s first name |
Information provided on the application form is screened against international security databases to detect potential threats.
ETIAS will make Malta, and the rest of the Schengen Area, even safer for travelers visiting from the U.S. and around the world.
Documents Required to Travel Malta From the U.S.
What you need to travel to Malta as a United States citizen depends on why you’re visiting and how long you’ll stay.
American visitors who meet the ETIAS requirements for Malta
If you meet the ETIAS requirements explained above, you can travel to Malta with the passport you used to apply for the travel authorization.
ETIAS is linked to your U.S. passport and verified electronically—you do not need to carry a printed copy when you travel.
American visitors who do not meet the ETIAS requirements for Malta
If you do not meet the ETIAS requirements for Malta—for example, if you wish to work in Malta— you need a visa.
To apply for a visa, you must contact your nearest Malta embassy or consulate several weeks before you plan on traveling.
To cross the border into Malta, you’ll need your U.S. passport, approved visa, and supporting documentation depending on the type of visa you’ve been issued.
Tourist Travel Information about Malta
Malta is an archipelago comprised of 7 islands. The two biggest islands are Malta and Gozo; they are also the only islands that are inhabited. The third-largest island, Comino, features just one luxury vacation resort, and the remaining islands are uninhabited. Malta sits about 50 miles south of Sicily, Italy.
The terrain is mostly low with the highest point, Ta’ Dmejrek (near Dingli), being only 253 m above sea level. It is rocky, flat to dissected plains, with a coastline that has many coastal cliffs and numerous bays that provide good harbors.
Following 150 years as a British colony, Malta gained state independence in 1964, became a republic in 1974, and later part of the European Union in 2004. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world according to UNESCO.
How to get to Malta from the United States of America
There are currently no direct flights to Malta from the United States. Flights from New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco include stops in European countries such as Spain, Italy, or the Netherlands.
If you have a long layover between connecting flights, you can leave the airport with your valid ETIAS.
If you’re visiting Malta as part of a trip around Europe, you can reach Malta on a direct flight from many cities around the continent. You can also travel to Malta from Italy by ferry.
About Malta
Capital: Valletta
Language: Maltese, English
Area: 316 km²
Population: over 500,000
Timezone: UTC/GTM 1
Currency: euro (€)
Code: +356
Embassy and consulates of Malta in the United States
The Embassy of Malta in the United States is in Washington D.C. There are Maltese consulates in several U.S. cities including Boston, Denver, Loa Angeles, and Philadelphia.
If you need a visa for Malta, you should make an appointment at your nearest representation.
Do Americans need health insurance to travel to Malta?
Americans do not need to provide proof of health or travel insurance to apply for ETIAS for Malta. However, insurance that covers medical expenses in case you fall ill is highly recommended.
U.S. citizens who need a visa for Malta may need to provide proof of insurance. Check the requirements for the specific visa type.
When do I need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Malta from the U.S.?
You need to apply for ETIAS for Malta from 2026. The system is currently under development. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement soon after its implementation.
ETIAS applications will be processed and approved quickly. However, in case of delays, you should apply as soon as possible before your trip to Malta. You need ETIAS authorization to travel.
I’m a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of an EU country, do I need ETIAS for Malta?
No, you do not need ETIAS if you have a residence permit or residence card issued by one of the European countries that requires ETIAS.
You should carry your residence permit and passport with your when traveling to Malta.
How will I find out if my ETIAS for Malta application has been approved?
You’ll be notified by email once your ETIAS application has been processed and approved.
Make sure you enter your email address correctly when completing your online application.
In the unlikely event that your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be emailed instructions on how to appeal the decision.