Malta entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can visit Malta without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, including Malta, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Malta. Since Malta is part of the Schengen zone, you get 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries — not per country. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your 90-day visa-free limit. Budget airlines may also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for this at passport control, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement, credit card, or cash to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount for Malta, but having around €50–€100 per day covers most scenarios. | Recommended |
Schengen rules apply
Your 90-day allowance is shared across all 27 Schengen countries. If you've already spent 30 days in Italy, you only have 60 days left for Malta and the rest of the zone. Keep track using the Schengen calculator.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Malta. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel — even if you have a valid visa.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Go through passport control at Malta International Airport (MLA)
When you arrive at Malta International Airport, join the queue for non-EU/Schengen passport holders (even though you're EU, you'll use the same line as other EU citizens). Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then walk through the green 'nothing to declare' customs channel if you have no restricted items. You're free to go.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Maltese embassy.
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 (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 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 earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work for non-Maltese employers.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 (~$2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable income and no intention to work. Requires proof of pension/savings and health insurance. Offers tax benefits on foreign income.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence, renewable
€100,000 (~$109,000 USD) contribution + property investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase/rental and donation to government. Grants permanent residence and family inclusion.
Apply work visa
Single Permit (Work and Residence)
1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD) application fee
For employed individuals with a job offer in Malta. Employer must apply. Allows work and residence for the duration of the permit.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required; standard Schengen fee. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | €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
French passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Malta, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is safe.
Sunburn and heatstrokeModerate risk
High UV levels; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Valletta
Malta Immigration Office (Head Office)
3, Castille Place, Valletta VLT 1062
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications; bring all original documents.
St. Julian's
St. Julian's Police Station (Immigration Desk)
Triq il-Wilga, St. Julian's STJ 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles registration and some permit issues; limited services.
Practical information for FR 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 = 0.85 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
As a French passport holder, you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area. This includes Malta and all other Schengen countries. The clock resets after 90 days outside the zone.
No, the 90-day limit is strict for visa-free stays. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa or residence permit from the Maltese authorities before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, French passport holders do not need a visa for transit through Malta. You can change flights within the airport without passing through immigration.
You risk being denied boarding by your airline or entry by Maltese immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. Even if you have a valid visa, a short-validity passport can cause problems.
It's not always asked, but immigration officers can request it. Having a credit card or cash equivalent to about €50–100 per day is a safe bet. A bank statement or card statement works.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Malta can be high — a hospital stay can run hundreds of euros per day. Insurance covers that and trip disruptions.
The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you plan to work remotely for a foreign employer, it's generally allowed as long as you don't work for a Maltese company. Check with the Maltese embassy if you're unsure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.