Do you need ETIAS for Malta?
Malta packs a lot into a small group of islands: walled cities, year-round sunshine, clear diving water and a long history. Once ETIAS is live, eligible visa-exempt visitors will need an approved authorisation before they arrive.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Malta at a glance for ETIAS
- Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s
- the island of Gozo and the Blue Lagoon on Comino
- summer beach holidays and diving trips
- Mediterranean cruises calling at the Grand Harbour
- English-language courses and longer winter stays within the 90-day limit
Personalised check
What does ETIAS mean for your Malta trip?
ETIAS will likely apply to your trip
With ETIAS expected to be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers from 2027 onwards, plan to apply through the official EU system before you travel.
- €20
- Fee
- 3 yrs
- Valid
- 90/180
- Stay limit
Guidance only, not an application. Always confirm on the official EU ETIAS website.
Is Malta part of ETIAS?
Yes. Malta is a Schengen country and sits fully inside the ETIAS scheme. The same rules apply across the islands, so a trip to Valletta, Sliema, the resorts on the north coast or the quieter island of Gozo is all treated the same way.
Island trips, diving and English-language courses
Malta draws a particular mix of visitors: divers, summer beach crowds and a lot of students on English-language courses. ETIAS will apply to all of them once it is live. The ferry hop to Gozo or Comino keeps you inside Malta, so there is no separate authorisation for the smaller islands. A language course still has to fit within 90 days in any 180-day period, and anything longer needs a Maltese study or residence route rather than ETIAS.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Malta?
Yes, UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for Malta once the system becomes mandatory. Malta is a popular winter-sun and English-speaking destination for British travellers, and the rule covers beach holidays, diving trips and city breaks within the 90 days in any 180-day limit.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Malta?
Yes. Americans are visa-exempt for short stays in Malta and will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. ETIAS covers tourism and short visits, but it does not replace a Maltese residence permit or work visa for anything longer.
Do Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for Malta?
Yes, Canadian and Australian passport holders are also expected to need ETIAS for Malta once the system goes live, on the same basis as UK and US travellers. Each person travels on their own authorisation.
How long can you stay in Malta on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, with ETIAS itself valid for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires. Days spent in Malta count toward the same Schengen total as time in Italy, France or Spain.
When should you apply for ETIAS for Malta?
Once ETIAS launches, apply a few days before you travel to allow for any checks. The official fee is expected to be €20.
EES and the border
Separately from ETIAS, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is already live at external Schengen borders. It records non-EU travellers’ entries and exits with a facial image and fingerprints instead of a passport stamp, and there is nothing to apply for. See EES explained and what to expect from EES delays.
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Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.