South Africa entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa 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 can visit South Africa for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is valid through 2026 and covers most short-term visits. Just make sure your passport meets the entry requirements before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. It must also have at least two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town International sometimes ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash to show you can support yourself during your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around 3,000 ZAR per day is a safe benchmark if asked. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a day can get you declared 'undesirable' and banned from South Africa for up to 5 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in South Africa, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at South African immigration
At major airports like Johannesburg OR Tambo or Cape Town International, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and concisely.
3
Get entry stamp and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the date is correct. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at South African embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
2 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognised South African institution. Requires proof of acceptance and financial support. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Requires proof of investment and job creation. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at South African embassy. | ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | ZAR 1,350 (~$72 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap is ZAR 10,000 (~$540 USD). Overstaying may also lead to deportation. | ZAR 500 (~$27 USD) per day |
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 South Africa
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at South African airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
DengueLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents and copies.
Cape Town
Department of Home Affairs (Cape Town)
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.59 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable for Maltese passport holders. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entering.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transited through one for more than 12 hours). Malta is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it. Check the latest WHO list before travel.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism or business visits (meetings, conferences). Remote work for a foreign employer is in a grey area. For long-term or paid work, you need a proper work visa.
You'll be declared 'undesirable' and may be banned from South Africa for 1–5 years. Overstaying also makes future visa applications difficult. Set a reminder to leave on time.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration for Maltese passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
No, immigration will deny entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport if it's close to expiry.
No, there is no visa on arrival. Maltese passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a South African embassy before travel.
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.