Malta entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. Apply at the Maltese embassy or a visa application centre in Accra before you travel. Processing can take weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Ghanaian passport holders. Apply at the Malta visa application centre in Accra or through the nearest Schengen embassy. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 3 months beyond departure from Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for three months after your planned departure from the Schengen zone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration at Malta International Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Budget airlines flying into Malta check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Malta. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it, especially if you are staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay in Malta. Officers at the border can ask for proof of sufficient funds, though they rarely do for short visits. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Visa processing for Malta from Ghana often takes 15–45 days. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows travel to 27 European countries, but you must enter Malta first or spend the most time there.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, bank statements, flight booking, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, and completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Maltese embassy or a designated visa application centre (like VFS Global) in Accra. Submit your documents and pay the visa fee. You'll also give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak periods. Track your application online if available.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates — they match your travel plans exactly.
5
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. Expect a short interview about your trip.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and work permit approval. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (National D)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Malta. Minimum income requirement: €2,700/month. No local tax on foreign income.
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 application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (~$30-50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine may apply; overstay can lead to ban. | €100 (~$109 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
Transit visa required
Ghana passport holders need an airport transit visa to change planes in Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa may be exempt (check with airline).
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ghana).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is minimal.
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. Book appointment online.
Mosta
Identity Malta Agency (Central Office)
Triq il-Kbira, Mosta MST 1760
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Alternative location for immigration services.
Practical information for GH 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. During busy seasons (summer, holidays) it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 1,100 GHS). Children 6–12 pay €40. Under 6 are free. Visa centre service fees add roughly €30–€50. Fees are non-refundable if rejected.
Yes, if your visa is valid for the Schengen area and you enter Malta first or spend the most days there. But if you're visiting Malta only, you need a visa specifically for Malta.
You'll get a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger evidence.
Yes. For the entire stay. If you're staying with a friend, they need to provide an invitation letter and a copy of their ID or residence permit.
No. Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area.
Yes. It must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. Your insurance certificate must be submitted with the application.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.