Malta entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Malta. Since Malta is in the Schengen zone, you get 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries — not just Malta. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen zone | Immigration at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within 90 days. Airlines check this before boarding too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from your host ready. Border officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you have enough money for your trip. Malta doesn't publish a fixed amount, but €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen Area, not just Malta. If you've already spent time in France, Germany, or other Schengen countries, that time counts against your 90 days. Use the Schengen calculator online to track your days.
Keep digital copies of documents
Save screenshots of your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, email copies to yourself. Immigration rarely asks for printed copies, but having them accessible avoids stress.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
Follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
2
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport. If asked, state your purpose (tourism, business, family visit) and show your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No further formalities for visa-free travellers.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; must apply at Maltese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 application fee (approx. $330 USD)
For remote workers earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year with family.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 application fee (approx. $2,750 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, renewable
€30,000 contribution + property investment (approx. $33,000 USD)
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase (€300,000+) or rental (€10,000/year) and donation to government. Grants permanent residence.
Apply work visa
Single Permit (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€280 (approx. $308 USD)
For employed individuals with a job offer in Malta. Employer must apply. Allows work and residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplied if stay exceeds 90 days in 180-day period. | €100 per day (approx. $110 USD), max €1,000 (approx. $1,100 USD) |
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
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for Malta as they enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. However, if transiting to a non-Schengen country, ensure you have valid documents for the final destination.
Airside transitAllowed
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
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is generally good; risk of traveler's diarrhea is low.
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
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa and residency matters; appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Regional Office (St. Julian's)
Triq il-Knisja, St. Julian's STJ 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30
Handles extensions and permits for tourists in the area.
Practical information for AE 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, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Malta before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from the Schengen Area.
You need to apply for a national visa (type D) at the Maltese embassy in Abu Dhabi before you travel. This is for work, study, or long-term stays. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
No, UAE passport holders do not need to register with local authorities for stays under 90 days. Your entry stamp is sufficient.
Yes, the 90-day visa-free period applies to the entire Schengen Area (29 European countries). Your stay counts across all Schengen countries combined.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may be fined, deported, or banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 3 years. Always track your days carefully.
No, it's not mandatory for visa-free entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospitalisation can cost thousands of euros. Many travellers use SafetyWing or World Nomads.
No, only full-validity UAE passports are accepted for visa-free entry. Emergency passports are not recognised for visa-free travel to Malta.
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.