1. Overview
ETIAS will apply to eligible short trips to Malta for tourism, business, study visits and other permitted purposes.
- Travel on an eligible visa-exempt passport
- Plan a short stay within the 90-days-in-180-days rule
- Travel for tourism, business or another permitted short-term purpose
- Are not travelling under an exemption such as EU free-movement rights
2. Who needs ETIAS for Malta?
Travellers from eligible visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS for short trips to Malta once the system is operational. Document-specific conditions can apply to some passports.
3. Arriving in Malta
The ETIAS requirement is linked to your eligibility and travel document. The border procedure can differ depending on how and from where you arrive.
Malta International Airport is the country’s main air gateway. Arrivals from outside Schengen use the applicable ETIAS and EES procedures.
Malta is an island state and has no land borders. Travel between Malta and Gozo is domestic and does not require a separate ETIAS.
Ferries and cruise ships are major arrival modes. International sea arrivals are processed according to their Schengen origin and the traveller’s ETIAS eligibility.
4. Border and territory notes
Malta and Gozo are in the Schengen Area. Comino is also part of Malta, so the same ETIAS authorisation applies throughout the Maltese islands.
Practical information
Malta uses the euro. The 90/180-day short-stay limit is calculated across the whole Schengen Area.
Frequently asked questions
When will ETIAS become operational?
Expected Q4 2026. The EU says the specific start date will be announced before launch.
Does ETIAS cover Gozo?
Yes. Gozo is part of Malta and the same ETIAS authorisation applies to eligible travel there.
Do cruise passengers to Malta need ETIAS?
Eligible visa-exempt travellers can require ETIAS regardless of whether they arrive by air or sea.