Malta entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in Malta. As of 2026, a valid passport and proof of onward travel are enough. Malta is in the Schengen Area, so the same rules apply as for other Schengen countries.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host accessible. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash/cards to cover your stay. Border officers have discretion to ask how you will support yourself during the 90 days. | Recommended |
Schengen 90-day rule applies across all 27 countries
Your 90 days aren't just for Malta — they're for the entire Schengen Area. If you've already spent time in France, Spain, or any other Schengen country in the past 180 days, that counts toward your limit. Check your days carefully.
No visa needed, but carry proof of funds
While not officially required, immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or bank statement handy (even a screenshot) can speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
You'll go through Schengen immigration. Join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask your purpose and length of stay. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
2
Entering via other Schengen countries
If you fly into another Schengen country first (e.g., Italy, France), you'll clear immigration there. Malta won't re-check you on arrival. Your 90-day Schengen clock starts at the first entry point.
3
Leaving Malta
No exit immigration for Schengen flights. Just drop your bags and go through security. If you overstay, you risk fines and a re-entry ban.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 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 earning at least €3,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work in Malta.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 (~$2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable income and property in Malta. Requires proof of pension or passive income. 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 or rental, donation to government, and clean background. Grants permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (~$545 USD). | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Malta International Airport, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water in rural areas.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare cases; use insect repellent during summer months.
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
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
St. Julian's
Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. Julian's, Malta
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles overstay fines and entry issues.
Practical information for CA 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
No, not as a tourist. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area. You cannot extend a tourist stay in Malta. If you want to stay longer, you'd need a national visa (e.g., for work or study) applied for before travel.
No, Canadians are exempt from registration for stays under 90 days. Just keep your passport with you as ID.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before you travel. There's no grace period.
Technically, no. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — some do it, but it's not officially allowed. Malta has a separate 'Nomad Residence Permit' for longer stays.
If you're transiting through Malta to a non-Schengen country and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or your next flight is to another Schengen country, you'll need to clear immigration and the 90-day rule applies.
You'll be fined and may get a re-entry ban to the Schengen Area. Overstays are taken seriously. If you have an emergency, contact the Maltese immigration office before your visa-free period ends.
Not mandatory for Canadians, but highly recommended. A simple accident or illness can cost thousands. Many travellers use SafetyWing or World Nomads. Keep a digital copy on your phone.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.