Malta entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Malta for any purpose. This has been the case since Malta joined the Schengen Area. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area | Your South African passport needs at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire Schengen stay — if you leave on June 1, your passport must be valid until at least September 1. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return flight or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. A bus or ferry ticket to another Schengen country does not count — you need proof you will leave the Schengen zone entirely. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in Malta. The visa application already requires this, but border officers may ask to see it again on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least €50 per day of your stay, or a credit card with a sufficient limit. Immigration officers rarely check this for visa holders, but the Schengen rules allow them to ask. | Recommended |
Visa required — plan ahead
South African passport holders must get a Schengen visa before traveling to Malta. Processing can take 3–6 weeks, so start your application at least 2 months before your departure.
What happens at the border
1
Gather documents
Collect your passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment letter or proof of ties to South Africa.
2
Submit visa application
Submit the application in person at the Maltese embassy in Pretoria or the visa application centre (VFS Global). You'll need to book an appointment online. Bring all originals plus photocopies.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. You'll be notified when your passport is ready for collection.
4
Travel to Malta
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA). Go through passport control — have your passport, visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$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 (~$2,725 USD) application fee
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, renewable
€30,000 (~$32,700 USD) contribution + property investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase (€300,000+) or rental (€10,000+/year) and a government contribution. Grants permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €60 (~$65 USD) per day, max €600 (~$650 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South African 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 are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia may transit without visa.
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
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 water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but standard precautions advised.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Book appointment online.
Mosta
Identity Malta Agency (Central Office)
Triq il-Kbira, Mosta
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Alternative location for immigration services.
Practical information for ZA 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
No, you must submit the application in person at the Maltese embassy in Pretoria or through VFS Global. You can book an appointment online, but the physical submission is mandatory.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. During peak summer season (June–August) or if additional documents are requested, it can take 30–45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, free for children under 6. Fees are paid in ZAR at the current exchange rate when you submit. Service charges from VFS Global apply separately.
Yes, as long as Malta is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry. If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time.
If you're transiting through Malta International Airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you do not need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have a layover longer than 12 hours, you'll need a Schengen visa.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Maltese embassy. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to South Africa, or incomplete documents. Reapply after addressing the issue.
No, the Schengen visa is strictly for short stays up to 90 days. For longer stays (work, study, family reunion), you need a national visa (type D) applied for at the embassy before travel.
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.