Malta entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Belgian passport holders can travel to Malta without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Ensure your passport is valid and carry the usual supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Belgian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. As a Schengen member, Malta does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for EU passport holders — your passport just needs to be valid for the dates you're in the country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for proof that you're leaving the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have your hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least €50–€100 per day of your trip. | Recommended |
Schengen Area rules apply
Your 90-day visa-free stay applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Malta. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries (e.g., France, Italy) before arriving in Malta, that time counts toward your 90-day limit. Keep track using the Schengen calculator.
No visa needed — but don't skip the basics
Even though you don't need a visa, border officers can still ask for proof of return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds. Have these ready to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups if you prefer.
2
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU arrivals (even though you're EU, the queue is usually the same). Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
The border officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay duration, purpose of visit, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and concisely. They rarely ask for additional documents, but have them accessible.
4
Receive entry stamp (if applicable)
For EU citizens, entry stamps are not always applied, but you may get one. If you're staying longer than 90 days, you'll need a residence permit — this is not handled at the airport.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for most travellers. You're free to go.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 application fee (~$327 USD)
For remote workers earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work from Malta.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to annual renewal
€2,500 application fee (~$2,725 USD)
For retirees with stable pension income (minimum €7,500/year). Requires property rental or purchase in Malta. Offers tax benefits on foreign income.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence, renewable every 5 years
€100,000 contribution + property investment (€300,000 buy or €10,000/year rent)
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires donation to government and property investment. Grants permanent residence and visa-free travel in Schengen.
Apply work visa
Single Permit (Work and Residence)
1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD)
For employed individuals with a job offer in Malta. Employer must apply. Allows work and residence for the duration of the contract.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used; apply at Maltese embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity; conditions apply. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines; avoid by tracking your stay. | €50 per day (~$54 USD), max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Malta
No transit visa needed
Belgian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Malta International Airport, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illnesses can occur; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Valletta
Identity Malta Agency (Immigration Office)
Triq il-Maltin, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Malta Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. Julian's Police Station, Triq il-Wilga, St. Julian's STJ 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–13:00
For reporting overstays or lost documents; bring passport and police report.
Practical information for BE travellers
Country basics
CapitalValletta
LanguageMaltese, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK-style)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but many prefer bottled water due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. For stays over 90 days, you need a residence permit or long-stay visa. Apply at the Maltese embassy in Brussels or through the Identity Malta agency. Processing takes several weeks, so plan ahead.
Yes, as an EU citizen, you can use your Belgian national ID card to enter Malta. However, a passport is more widely accepted and recommended, especially if you plan to travel outside the Schengen Area.
You may be denied boarding or entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced for non-EU nationals, but as an EU citizen, you only need a valid passport or ID card. Still, it's safer to have at least 6 months validity to avoid issues.
Yes. EU citizens staying longer than 3 months must register with the Identity Malta Agency (Expatriates Unit) within 3 months of arrival. You'll need proof of employment, self-employment, study, or sufficient funds. The registration is free.
Yes, you can work remotely for a non-Maltese employer while on a short stay (up to 90 days). You don't need a work permit for this. However, if you're employed by a Maltese company, you'll need a work permit and residence permit.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen Area. The fine is typically around €100–€300, but it's at the discretion of the police. Always track your days carefully.
No, it's not mandatory for EU citizens. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Malta can be high for non-residents. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and hospital stays is cheap and worth it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.