Australia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to apply for this visa online before you fly; it's free and usually quick. Apply online before travel | Malta passport holders must obtain an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) before travelling to Australia. This is a free online application processed by the Department of Home Affairs. There is no visa cost, and processing typically takes 1-2 business days, but apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months on arrival | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps or visa labels. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Australia helps prove you intend to leave within your visa period. Recommended to show at border | While not explicitly required for the eVisitor visa, Australian immigration may ask for evidence of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one to avoid any issues at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry evidence of funds in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself. Recommended to show at border | Although not a formal requirement for the eVisitor visa, you may be asked to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your stay in Australia. It's wise to carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you arrive. Not required | No separate arrival declaration (such as an Australia Travel Declaration) is required for Malta passport holders entering Australia. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay12 months
ValidityUp to 12 months from grant date
CostAUD 475
For longer stays or if you are not eligible for an ETA.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 475
For business activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For Maltese citizens aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries) to work and travel.
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 |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or website. | AUD 20 |
| Visa application service chargeAdditional service fee charged by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. | AUD 20 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For applying for a further stay while in Australia (e.g., Visitor visa subclass 600). | AUD 455 |
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 transiting through Australia generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) unless they hold an ETA or another valid Australian visa. However, if you are transiting airside for less than 8 hours and do not need to pass through immigration, you may be eligible for a transit waiver, but this is not guaranteed. Always check with the airline and the Department of Home Affairs.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian ETA or other visa
- Citizens of certain countries with transit arrangements (not applicable to Malta)
- Passengers who are not leaving the airport and have a confirmed onward ticket within 8 hours
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (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 = 1.45 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.