Belgium entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Malta passport holders can travel to Belgium visa-free for short stays. As of 2026, you can enter and stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. No visa is needed, but you must meet standard entry requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Belgium | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Belgium. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required for entry, but airlines may enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Belgian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines sometimes check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact number works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Belgian immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €45 per day of your stay. Bank statements, a credit card with a decent limit, or cash in euros all satisfy this check. | Recommended |
Schengen zone rules apply
Belgium is part of the Schengen area. Your 90-day limit counts across all Schengen countries, not just Belgium. Keep track of your days using the Schengen calculator.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers will check your passport's expiry date. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you may be refused entry. Renew early.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Gather your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at Brussels Airport or other entry point
At Brussels Airport (BRU), follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU arrivals. Join the queue for 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' lanes.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Check the date — it shows how long you're allowed to stay (usually 90 days).
5
Collect luggage and proceed
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. No further formalities unless you have goods to declare.
Download Belgium Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€180 (~$196 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Belgian Work Visa (Single Permit)
1 year, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For employment in Belgium; requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows residence and work for up to 1 year, renewable.
student visa
Belgian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€180 (~$196 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution; requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Belgium Digital Nomad Visa (not yet official)
N/A
N/A
Belgium does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers may use the long-stay visa if they have a local sponsor or sufficient funds.
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; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; enforced at departure. | €5 per day (max €500) |
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 Belgium
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Belgian airports, as they are EU citizens and can enter freely.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBrussels Airport (BRU) · Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) · Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Health & vaccines for Belgium
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in urban areas; risk in forested regions, especially during spring/summer.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Brussels
Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers)
Chaussée de Louvain 100, 1000 Brussels
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Antwerp
Antwerp Immigration Office
Lange Kievitstraat 125, 2018 Antwerp
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local visa issues; bring all documents.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalBrussels
LanguageDutch, French, German
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, so days spent in other Schengen countries count toward the limit.
No. Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for Belgium. You can stay in the international transit area without a visa.
Extensions are not normally granted for tourism. If you have an emergency (e.g., medical), contact the local commune (town hall) in Belgium. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You may be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Belgian borders.
If you stay less than 90 days, no registration is required. For stays over 90 days (e.g., work or study), you must register at the local commune within 8 days of arrival.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 3 years. Leave before your 90 days are up.
Not mandatory for short stays, but strongly recommended. Without it, you could face high medical bills if you get sick or injured. Some border officers may ask for proof of insurance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.