Malta entry requirements for Tunisia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 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
Tunisian passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate before your trip. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Tunisian passport holders. Apply at the Malta visa application centre in Tunis or through the official portal. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — start at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Malta and the Schengen zone. Airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen zone | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy showing your departure from the Schengen area within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a signed letter from your host in Malta. Border officers check this to verify your stay address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers may ask for this at passport control — keep a printout handy. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Tunisian passport holders in Malta. You must get a Schengen visa before you travel. Processing can take weeks, so start your application at least 6 weeks before your departure.
Schengen visa rules
With a Malta visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just make sure Malta is your main destination or your first point of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or leave.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Tunis (or the nearest Schengen embassy handling Malta applications). Attend in person to submit your documents and biometrics. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for under-6s).
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days in busy periods or if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the visa dates and number of entries match your travel plans.
5
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with visa, boarding pass, and be ready to show return ticket and accommodation details if asked. Expect a brief interview about your trip purpose and funds.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Work Permit (Malta)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€280 (approx. $305 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and work permit application. Allows long-term stay and work.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Malta)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
1 year, renewable annually
€2,500 (approx. $2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable income. Requires proof of pension or passive income. Offers tax benefits and residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 (approx. $109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (approx. $1,090 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
Tunisian passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Malta airport, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, or Japan visa may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
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 il-Maltin, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Malta Police General Headquarters – Immigration Section
St. George's Square, St. Julian's STJ 3200
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstays or visa issues; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for TN 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days during peak season or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
No, you must submit a paper application in person at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Tunis. You can fill out the application form online and print it, but the submission and biometrics require a physical appointment.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa application centre.
Yes, it is mandatory. Your insurance must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation, and be valid across all Schengen countries. Bring a copy of the policy with your application.
You cannot extend a short-stay Schengen visa in Malta except in very rare emergencies (e.g., medical reasons, force majeure). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area. Plan your trip within the visa's validity.
Yes, a Malta-issued Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, your main destination must be Malta — meaning you should spend the most time there or enter through Malta.
At Malta International Airport, have your passport with valid visa, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or cash). Be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose and length of stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.