Ireland entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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 Ireland visa-free for short stays. You don't need a visa for tourism, business, or family visits. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Maltese passport just needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Ireland. No 6-month validity rule applies for Irish immigration. Airlines may still check for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ireland | Immigration officers at Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. A bus or ferry ticket to Northern Ireland counts as onward travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a friend in Ireland works. Airbnb bookings are accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the visit | Immigration can ask for bank statements or cash. There's no fixed minimum amount, but having at least €100 per day of your stay is a safe benchmark. A credit card with a decent limit also works. | Recommended |
EU citizen rights
As a Maltese passport holder, you're an EU citizen. You have the right to enter, live, and work in Ireland without a visa. For stays over 90 days, you should register with INIS but no visa is needed.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Ireland, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dublin or Shannon Airport
You'll go through immigration at Dublin Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) or Shannon Airport. Join the 'EU/EEA' queue — Malta is an EU member state.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
Have your return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance ready. Most times they won't ask, but it's smart to have them accessible.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp is correct before you walk away.
Download Ireland 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer than 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Critical Skills Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (approx. $1,090 USD)
For skilled professionals in shortage occupations. Requires a job offer from an Irish employer. Leads to long-term residency.
Apply student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 7 years
€300 (approx. $327 USD) registration fee
For full-time students enrolled in recognised courses. Allows part-time work during term. Can lead to graduate scheme.
Apply investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years initial, renewable
€1,000,000 (approx. $1,090,000 USD) investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Leads to long-term residency and citizenship path.
Apply retirement visa
Stamp 0 (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD) registration fee
For retirees with sufficient income (€50,000+ per year) and private health insurance. No work allowed.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Stay extension costFor long-stay visa extensions; not applicable to visa-free stays. | €300 (approx. $327 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to deportation and entry bans. | €0 (no fine, but may affect future entry) |
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 Ireland
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change flights in Ireland, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)
Health & vaccines for Ireland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use tick precautions.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in woodland areas; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dublin
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and registration; appointments required.
Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 YN45
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local registration and queries.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalDublin
LanguageIrish, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
As a Maltese passport holder, you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits. You cannot work without a separate permit.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your 90 days expire. Contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in Dublin for advice.
No. Malta is an EU country, so you don't need a transit visa for Ireland. You can pass through Dublin or Shannon airports without a visa, even if you're connecting to a non-Schengen destination.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before travel. If it's damaged (torn pages, water damage, etc.), get a new one — immigration officers can refuse entry.
No. For stays under 90 days, there's no registration requirement. If you plan to stay longer (e.g., for work or study), you must register with INIS within 90 days.
Yes, as an EU citizen you have the right to work in Ireland without a visa or work permit. You just need your valid passport. For stays over 90 days, you should register with INIS.
Overstaying is a breach of immigration rules. You could be fined, banned from re-entering Ireland, or face deportation. Always leave before your 90 days are up, or apply for an extension if you have a valid reason.
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.