United States entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malta passport holders must obtain an approved ESTA before traveling to the United States for tourism or business in 2026. The application is completed online, and approval is typically instant, though it's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)You need this online authorization before you fly; without it you won't be allowed to board. Visa waiver entry | Malta passport holders must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). The fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your trip. Valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see your departure plans, so have a ticket ready. Recommended | Although not explicitly required for ESTA, you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave a credit card or bank statement handy in case they ask how you'll support yourself. Recommended | While not mandatory, you should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the ESTA. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Malta citizens entering the United States under ESTA. | Not required |
ESTA is valid for 2 years
Once approved, your ESTA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You don't need to reapply for each trip.
Apply at least 72 hours before departure
While most ESTA applications are approved instantly, some take up to 72 hours. Apply well in advance of your flight to avoid last-minute issues.
Overstaying can get you banned
If you stay beyond the date on your I-94 (usually 90 days), you risk a 3- or 10-year ban from the US. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time. Extensions are not available under the Visa Waiver Program.
What happens at the border
1
Complete ESTA application online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel information, and payment method. Submit the form and note your application ID.
2
Pay the ESTA fee
Pay the US$40.27 fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee covers processing and authorization. Save the confirmation receipt.
3
Receive ESTA decision
Most applications are approved instantly. If not, you'll receive a decision within 72 hours. Check your application status online using your application ID. If approved, your ESTA is linked to your passport electronically.
4
Book your travel
Once approved, book your flights and accommodation. Ensure your passport details match your ESTA application. Keep a copy of your ESTA approval for your records.
5
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport. A CBP officer will ask about your visit. They may take your photo and fingerprints. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUsually 10 years
Cost$185
Required if ESTA denied or for stays over 90 days
Work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityVaries
Cost$190-$780
Requires employer sponsorship and US petition approval
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190–$460 USD (€175–€430) plus legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD (€150) SEVIS fee + visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD (€980,000) minimum investment
For individuals investing at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 1–2 years, depending on program
$160 USD (€150) visa fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, study, or work-and-travel programs. Requires sponsorship by a designated US organization. May include a two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeIncludes $4 processing fee; non-refundable | $21 |
| ESTA authorization feeCharged only if approved | $10 |
| Visa application fee (B1/B2)For those who do not qualify for ESTA or need longer stay | $185 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Malta30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and do not need a transit visa for airside transit through US airports, provided they have an approved ESTA.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If ESTA is not approved or not obtained, a transit visa (C-1) is required.
- If you plan to leave the airport during transit, you must have a valid visa or ESTA.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk increases in rural or southern regions during summer.
Food and waterborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe; risk is low but can occur from undercooked food or untreated water in remote areas.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use insect 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
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW, Washington, D.C. 20530
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions, file Form I-539 by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain cases; check USCIS website.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most ESTA applications are approved instantly. If not, the official processing time is up to 72 hours. The application itself takes about 15 minutes to complete. After approval, your ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Yes, the entire ESTA application is completed online. No interview is required. You simply fill out the form, pay the fee, and receive a decision electronically.
If your ESTA is denied, you'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process. The US$40.27 fee is non-refundable. If denied, you may need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US embassy instead.
Each stay is typically granted for up to 90 days by the CBP officer at the port of entry. Your ESTA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years, but each visit must not exceed 90 days. You cannot work or study on this authorization.
No, but you should have a rough travel plan. At the border, you must have a return or onward ticket when you actually travel — immigration at the US border may ask to see it.
No, the Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions. You must leave the US by the date on your I-94 (usually 90 days). Overstaying can result in a 3- or 10-year ban from the US. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need an approved ESTA or a visa. Malta passport holders are eligible for ESTA, so you can use it for transit. There is no transit without authorization.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.