Malta entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
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
Nigerian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Malta. Apply at the Maltese embassy or a visa application center in Nigeria. This rule stays in effect through 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Nigerian passport holders. Apply at the Maltese embassy or visa application centre in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 3 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malta. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Immigration may ask to see this during the visa interview or at the border. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Nigerian passport holders cannot enter Malta without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Malta, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application at the Maltese embassy or a visa application center in Nigeria. Include your passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book your flight to Malta International Airport (MLA) and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations handy.
3
Prepare for immigration
At Malta International Airport, join the non-EU queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your plans and funds.
4
Enter Malta
After passing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Your visa allows you to stay for the duration specified on the sticker.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€280 (approx. $305 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and work permit approval.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
1 year, renewable annually
€300 (approx. $327 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 per day (max €1,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Malta
Transit visa required
Nigeria passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change planes in Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid UK, US, or Canada visa
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Nigeria).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Valletta
Identity Malta Agency
Triq il-Merkanti, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
St. Julian's
Malta International Airport Immigration Office
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues and transit matters.
Practical information for NG travellers
Country basics
CapitalValletta
LanguageMaltese, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK-style)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but many prefer bottled water due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a visa. Apply at the Maltese embassy or a visa application center in Nigeria before you travel. The visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Processing usually takes 2-4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to avoid delays.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Check the embassy's website for the full list.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or future visa denials.
Yes, immigration may ask to see your return or onward ticket. It's a standard requirement for entry.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian passport holders in Malta.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.