Malta entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can enter Malta without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, including Malta, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Romanian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. As a Schengen member, Malta follows the standard 90/180-day rule — you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone, not just Malta. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area before your 90 days expire. Budget airlines check this before boarding too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Schengen Area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day stay counts across all Schengen countries. If you've already spent time in France or Germany earlier in the year, that time counts toward your 90-day limit.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration officers at Malta International Airport check passport validity carefully. If your passport has less than 6 months remaining from your entry date, you may be denied boarding or entry. Renew early to avoid problems.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your booking confirmations, travel insurance, and proof of funds.
2
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU citizens. The queue can be long during peak hours (summer mornings and evenings). Have your passport and supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about the purpose of your visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and honestly. They may also ask to see your return ticket or proof of accommodation.
4
Receive your entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day Schengen stay. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it for your exit.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional checks for Romanian citizens. You're free to enter Malta.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
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
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if you need a visa. Apply at Maltese embassy in Bucharest.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Must show need for frequent travel.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 application fee (approx. $327 USD)
For remote workers earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work in Malta.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 application fee (approx. $2,725 USD)
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires property purchase or long-term rental. Offers tax benefits on foreign income.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence
€100,000+ (approx. $109,000 USD) plus property investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase (€300,000+) or rental (€10,000/year) and a contribution to the Maltese government. Grants permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used. Apply at Maltese embassy. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. Conditions apply. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90/180-day limit incurs fines. Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (max €500) |
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 Malta
No transit visa needed
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for Malta. You can transit through any Maltese airport without a visa, even if leaving the airside area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas. Use insect repellent and avoid tick habitats.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illnesses can occur. Practice good hygiene.
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
Expatriates Unit, 3, Castille Place, Valletta VLT 1062
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles residence permits and visa extensions. Book appointment online.
St. Julian's
Police General Headquarters – Immigration Section
Police General Headquarters, St. Julian's STJ 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For overstay fines and entry permit issues. Bring passport and proof of funds.
Practical information for RO 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
No, Romanian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area, which includes Malta.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a national visa or residence permit from the Maltese authorities.
Extensions are not normally granted for tourism. If you have a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency), you can apply at the Identity Malta Agency in Valletta. Expect a fee of around €100 and processing time of a few weeks. Overstaying without permission can lead to fines or a ban.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Malta. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. Immigration may deny entry if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Yes, you must have a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration officers may ask to see it. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel could result in being denied boarding or entry.
It is not legally required for Romanian citizens, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Malta can be high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros. Insurance covers unexpected medical expenses and trip disruptions.
Have your valid passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental agreement), and proof of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, or bank statements). Travel insurance is also a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.