Malta entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Malta. You must apply for a Schengen visa before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Plan ahead — processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Bahrain passport holders. Apply at the Malta visa application centre in your country of residence — you cannot apply at the border. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no more than 6 months in advance.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave the Schengen zone before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Malta. Immigration may ask for it at the border — have a printed copy or a clear PDF on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but they can — especially if you arrive without a return ticket or accommodation. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill up fast
Visa appointments at the Maltese embassy in Bahrain can be booked weeks in advance, especially during summer. Start your application at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Schengen area rules apply
Your visa allows you to travel to any Schengen country (26 European countries), not just Malta. But you must enter through the country that issued your visa, or spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight bookings, hotel confirmations, bank statements, and the completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the Maltese embassy in Bahrain (or the designated visa application centre). Submit your documents in person and pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. You'll get a decision by email or SMS.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and the number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
5
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel booking if asked. Expect a short interview — be ready to state your purpose and duration of stay.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income; requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 (~$2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with substantial income; requires property purchase or long-term rental. Offers tax benefits.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence
€100,000 (~$109,000 USD) contribution + property investment
For high-net-worth individuals; requires property purchase and government contribution. Grants permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by application center |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period; may lead to deportation. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Malta International Airport, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but practice good hygiene to avoid traveler's diarrhea.
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 (Expatriates Unit)
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. Julian's, Malta
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstay or visa issues; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for BH 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
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you generally don't need a visa for a short transit. But if you need to leave the transit area or your layover is overnight, you'll need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before booking.
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Your visa sticker will show the exact validity dates and number of entries.
Extensions are rarely granted for tourism. You'd need a compelling reason (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). Apply at the Malta Police Department's Immigration Section in Valletta before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. Write to the Maltese embassy explaining why you think the refusal was wrong. Alternatively, reapply with stronger documents — more bank statements, a clearer itinerary, or a letter from your employer.
No. If you hold a valid residence permit from any Schengen state, you can enter Malta without a visa for up to 90 days. Just carry your permit and passport.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Bahraini passport holders. You must get your visa before you travel.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Payment is usually by bank transfer or at the visa application centre. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.