Do I Need ETIAS for Malta? A Complete Guide

A sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a popular country for travelers from all over the globe. With bright blue beaches, ancient ruins, and a decorated history, millions of people visit this small island each year. 

When planning a trip to Malta, it’s important to also understand the travel requirements – and ETIAS is one of them. 

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming trip to St. Julian’s, Sliema, or wherever it is you’re headed to in this south European country!

Do I need ETIAS to visit Malta?

Yes. All travelers who do not have a Schengen visa (or are not citizens of a Schengen country) must get ETIAS authorization to travel to Malta from 2025 on.

This applies to citizens from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Why? The Schengen area (which includes Malta) has visa-waiver agreements with several countries. This agreement allows citizens from these countries to visit Malta without a visa, as long as the trip doesn’t exceed 90 days in duration. 

To keep the Schengen area safe and secure for everyone, travelers who do not need a visa will now need to obtain ETIAS. ETIAS isn’t a visa and it doesn’t replace a visa – it’s simply a pre-travel authorization that allows you to enter a country in the Schengen area. 

On the other hand, if you’re a citizen of a visa-exempt country and you’re planning to spend more than 90 days in Malta, you don’t need ETIAS. Instead, you need to apply for the appropriate Maltese visa, which is a different process altogether. ETIAS is for short stays only.

If you are not from a visa-exempt country (such as India, China, or Russia), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Instead, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. 

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Malta visa?

No. If you hold a valid Malta visa (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Your visa already allows you to travel to the Schengen area (which includes Malta).

How to apply for ETIAS for Malta

Getting your ETIAS is quick, easy, and done entirely online. To apply, you’ll need your passport, travel plans, and a credit or debit card. 

How to get ETIAS for Malta step-by-step

Step one: fill out the ETIAS form

Fill out the form on the official ETIAS website. You’ll need to share details about your upcoming trip. You’ll also be asked to supply details such as your full name (as it matches your passport), your passport number, and your birth date. 

Step two: answer a few questions

You’ll be asked a few questions about your background. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.

Step three: pay the ETIAS fee

After filling out the application form and answering relevant questions, you’ll be prompted to pay the ETIAS fee. You can expect to pay 7 euros, though the fee is waived for travelers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70. 

Step four: wait for ETIAS approval

Most of the time ETIAS approval just takes a couple of minutes. In some cases, however, approval can take up to 30 days. While this is uncommon, it’s best to apply for ETIAS well ahead of your travels just in case.

Step five: travel to Malta!

Once you’ve been approved for entry into the Schengen zone through ETIAS, you’ll be able to travel to Malta. Your approval will be automatically linked to your passport, digitally, for border authorities to see. However, it never hurts to save a digital copy or print out your approval in case you need it for any reason.

What if my Malta ETIAS approval is denied?

If your application is denied, you’ll receive an email detailing the reason(s) for refusal. This email will also come with instructions on how to appeal the decision. Unfortunately, if you require ETIAS for Malta, you won’t be able to enter the country without approval.

When does Malta ETIAS expire?

Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When it's time to reapply, you can simply follow the steps above again.

If I get an ETIAS for Malta, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Malta: Highlights

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Malta who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2025 on. 
• US citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Malta.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Malta.
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes. 
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Maltese/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Malta visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 7 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• Canadian citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Malta.
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country. 
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea. 
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards. 
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application. 
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.