Malta entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Malta. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or visa application centre before you travel. This requirement remains in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Malta visa application centre in your country of residence. Processing takes 15 calendar days — apply at least 3 weeks before travel. The official visa information page is at homeaffairs.gov.mt.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Zimbabwe passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline may enforce it — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Malta. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, you need it on the spot. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay — roughly €50 per day. Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds at the border. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Zimbabwean passport holders must get a Schengen visa before travelling to Malta. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow for processing delays.
Schengen area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen zone. A visa for Malta allows you to travel to other Schengen countries (e.g., Italy, France, Spain) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Malta.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, bank statements, flight booking, accommodation proof, travel insurance, and completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Submit your application at the Maltese embassy or visa application centre in Zimbabwe (usually in Harare). You may need to book an appointment online first. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for under 6s).
3
Attend the visa interview
Bring all original documents to your appointment. You'll be asked about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Zimbabwe. Answer honestly and clearly.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if the centre offers it.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport will have a visa sticker. Check the dates and details are correct before leaving the centre.
6
Travel to Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. Have your travel insurance and bank statements handy.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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 within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires proof of need for frequent travel.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (≈ $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Single Work Permit (Malta)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€280 (≈ $305 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Maltese employer. Requires a work license and residence permit. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (National D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈ $108 USD) visa fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Maltese institution. Requires proof of enrollment, funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (≈ $327 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite (subject to annual renewal)
€2,500 (≈ $2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with a stable pension income. Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and property rental/purchase. Offers favorable tax treatment.
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) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for processing through VFS. | €30 (≈ $33 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty per overstay incident, depending on duration. | €100–€500 (≈ $109–$545 USD) |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders require an airport transit visa to change flights 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
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
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., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; vaccination recommended for long stays or outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is safe to drink.
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 extensions and residence permits; appointments recommended.
Birkirkara
Malta Police Force – Immigration Section
Police General Headquarters, St. George’s Square, BKR 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstay or visa issues; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for ZW 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
If you are transiting through Malta to a non-Schengen country and staying airside (not passing through passport control), 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 visa sticker will show the exact validity dates and number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
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 at the visa application centre.
Extensions are not normally granted for tourist stays. If you have an emergency (e.g., medical), you can apply at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs in Valletta, but approval is rare. Plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the rejection letter. The appeal must be submitted to the Maltese embassy or consulate that processed your application. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Zimbabwe.
Immigration officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds. Have your bank statements or a sponsor letter ready. A good rule is to show at least €50–€100 per day of your stay.
No. Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival for Malta. You must obtain a Schengen visa before you travel.
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.