Malta entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Malta. You must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling, as Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Apply at the Maltese embassy or visa application center in your home country. Submit your application at least 15 days before your trip and no earlier than 6 months before.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Malta. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Malta. Officers may ask to see where you are staying for the entire trip. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have at least €50 per day for your stay. This is not always checked, but officers can ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Filipino passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Malta. Processing can take 15–45 days, so apply at least a month before your planned departure. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
Schengen rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries, but you must enter through Malta (or the country that issued your visa) unless you have a multiple-entry visa.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, completed visa application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers.
2
Submit your visa application
Submit the application and documents in person at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Manila (or the visa application center they use). You may need to book an appointment online first.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee (around €80 for adults, reduced for children). Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
4
Attend the interview (if required)
You may be called for a short interview where they ask about your travel plans, finances, and ties to the Philippines. Answer honestly and bring all original documents.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak periods. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once processed, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, dates, and number of entries are correct.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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 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
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income above €2,700/month. Allows stay up to 1 year, renewable. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite (subject to conditions)
€2,500 (approx. $2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires property rental or purchase in Malta. Offers tax benefits on foreign income.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence (renewable)
€100,000 (approx. $109,000 USD) contribution + property investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase (€300,000+) or rental (€10,000+/year). Includes family members.
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. | €60 (approx. $65 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | €3,000 (approx. $3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Philippines passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa (for certain conditions)
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended.
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 (Expatriates Unit)
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa applications, extensions, and residence permits.
Birkirkara
Malta International Airport Police (Immigration)
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for PH 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 = 0.88 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
If you are transiting through Malta and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area or your layover is long, you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration will be printed on your visa sticker.
Extensions are rarely granted and only for exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future visa bans.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are subject to change and are non-refundable.
You apply at the Embassy of Malta in Manila or through an authorized visa application center (like VFS Global). Check the embassy website for the latest procedures and appointment booking.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within a specified period (usually 30 days) or reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to the Philippines.
Yes. You need to show that you have enough money to cover your stay. A general guideline is around €50–€100 per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the most common proof.
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.