Australia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. The most common option is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Australia) applicationETA (Australia): Electronic Travel Authority — a digital visa linked to your passport. Required for all eligible passport holders. Apply via the Australian ETA app ($20 AUD fee) before travel. Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | Apply for an ETA via the Australian ETA app on iOS or Android — the official app costs $20 AUD and links directly to your passport. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees. Approval usually comes within seconds, but apply at least 48 hours before departure.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Maltese passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within your visa validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it to confirm your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Australian immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
Apply for ETA early
Don't wait until the last minute. While most ETAs are approved quickly, some applications get flagged for manual review and can take days. Apply at least a week before your flight.
SmartGate saves time
Malta passport holders can use SmartGate ePassport gates at major Australian airports. No need to queue for a border officer — just scan your passport and answer a few questions on the screen.
ETA is valid for 12 months
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. You can make multiple visits within that period, each stay up to 3 months.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few questions. Pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval usually comes within minutes to a few days.
2
Check your ETA status
Once approved, the ETA is linked to your passport number. You don't need a printed document, but save the confirmation email. Double-check the validity — ETAs are usually valid for 12 months from approval.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport (valid 6+ months), ETA confirmation, return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance details. Keep digital copies on your phone.
4
Arrival at Australian airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and 'Immigration'. Use the SmartGate kiosk if eligible (Malta passport holders usually are). Scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, then proceed to the ePassport gate. If not using SmartGate, join the queue for a border officer. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Pass through Customs (declare any food, plant material, or high-value items). Then you're free to exit.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
For tourism or business visits. Must apply before travel.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple entries. Suitable for frequent travelers.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel. Limited quota.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (depending on course)
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,115 (~USD 2,750)
For skilled workers with occupation on the skilled occupation list. Points-based system. Requires skills assessment and English proficiency.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
4 years, renewable
AUD 5,735 (~USD 3,830)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australian business.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entryStandard tourist visa for up to 3 months. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entryAllows multiple visits within validity period. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | AUD 100 per day (max AUD 5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 Australia
Transit visa required
Malta passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are exempt.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa
- Holders of a New Zealand passport
- Holders of a valid US visa (for certain nationalities)
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in rural areas. Use insect repellent.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne illness in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke. 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
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services. Check online for visa extensions.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and inquiries. Use ImmiAccount for extensions.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.4 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Malta passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling. You cannot get one on arrival.
Most ETAs are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The ETA application fee is AUD 20 (about €12). There are no additional service fees if you apply through the official government app or website.
No. The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. You cannot extend it. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., Visitor visa subclass 600) before you travel.
You can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead. This is a full visa application with more checks and takes longer (weeks to months). You'll need to provide additional documents like bank statements and travel itinerary.
Yes. Australian immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Always have a return or onward ticket booked before you fly.
Yes. Malta is an ePassport eligible country. You can use the SmartGate kiosks at major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast). It speeds up entry significantly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.