Malta

🇲🇹

Phone Code

+356

Capital

Valletta

Population

520,000

Native Name

Malta

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation south of Sicily, an EU member since 2004 and Schengen Area and Eurozone member. The world's tenth-smallest country, Malta consists of three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo, Comino) with strategic location between Europe and Africa. A former British colony (independent 1964), Malta is one of only two EU countries where English is an official language (with Ireland), making it highly accessible for English speakers. Valletta, the capital built by Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John) in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortified city. Malta has remarkably dense history - successively occupied by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights Hospitaller, French, and British. Visitors are drawn to Valletta's Baroque architecture and St. John's Co-Cathedral, Mdina medieval fortified city ('Silent City'), Blue Grotto sea caves, Gozo island's Azure Window (collapsed 2017) and Ġgantija temples (older than Stonehenge), Comino's Blue Lagoon, megalithic temples (UNESCO, world's oldest free-standing structures), Game of Thrones filming locations, English language schools, diving (wrecks and clear water), and Mediterranean beaches. Malta offers European culture, English accessibility, history, and year-round sunshine.

Visa Requirements for Malta

As a Schengen Area member, Malta follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport and stay indefinitely with full freedom of movement rights. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Maltese embassies or consulates (or any Schengen embassy), submitting completed applications, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Malta welcomes over 2.5 million visitors annually (5x its population). Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. Malta is popular for English language learning stays - students on long-term language courses need student visas. Malta's combination of EU membership, Schengen access, English language, and Mediterranean climate makes it attractive for both tourism and language education.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including Malta; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure; proof of funds and return ticket advisable; popular for English language courses under 90 days.

For tourism, business, or short stays for US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other Schengen visa-exempt nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work and study without permits; many British retirees and EU nationals reside in Malta; register residence if staying over 90 days.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for any purpose including tourism, work, study, or residence.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries including Malta; single, double, or multiple entry; processing typically 15 days; costs €80 for adults; popular for English language students from non-EU countries.

For short-term stays for tourism, business, cultural events, or language courses under 90 days for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D) / Student Visa

Beyond 90 days up to 1 year initially; student visa common for English language learners on 3+ month courses; requires university/school acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation, health insurance; leads to residence permit; Malta-specific; allows Schengen travel.

For stays exceeding 90 days including long-term English language courses, work, or residence in Malta.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.

90/180 Schengen rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area (26 countries), not just Malta. Popular for language students to stay 90 days, leave Schengen, return.

English widely spoken: English is official language (British colonial legacy until 1964). All Maltese learn English in school. Signs bilingual in Maltese and English. One of easiest European countries for English speakers. Popular English language learning destination.