Malta entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or a visa application center before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. Use the official portal to find the application form and required documents.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay in Schengen area | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Malta and the Schengen zone. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Schengen rules, but some airlines enforce 3 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration at Malta International Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they scan the barcode at the booth. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Malta. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need a document showing your full name and the address where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Schengen rules suggest €50–€100 per day, but Malta rarely enforces a specific amount — just have something that shows you're not broke. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Don't wait until the last minute. Schengen visa processing can take 15-45 days. Book your appointment as soon as you have your travel dates. Missing documents will delay things further.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save scans of your passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and insurance on your phone and email. If you lose the originals, digital copies can save you at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Maltese embassy or a visa application center (like VFS Global) in Ethiopia. You'll need to book an appointment, fill out the application form, and provide your documents. Processing usually takes 15-30 days.
2
Attend the visa interview
You'll be called in for a short interview. Bring all your original documents — passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, insurance, bank statements. Answer honestly about your travel plans.
3
Wait for visa decision
After the interview, your application is processed. You'll get your passport back with the visa sticker if approved. Check the visa validity dates carefully — don't overstay.
4
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), go to the non-EU passport queue. Have your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — keep answers simple and consistent with your application.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 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
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with good travel history)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
National long-stay visa (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 employment with a Maltese employer. Requires a job offer and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD)
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (≈$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Malta. Minimum income requirement applies. Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian nationals; may be reduced for children. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional service charge may apply when applying through VFS or TLScontact. | Varies by application center |
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
Ethiopian nationals generally require a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Malta airport, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa may transit without visa under certain conditions
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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
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 l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30
Handles visa applications, residence permits, and extensions.
Valletta
Malta International Airport – Police Immigration Desk
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for ET 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
If you're just changing planes at Malta International Airport and staying airside, you generally don't need a visa for a short transit. But if you need to enter Malta (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days during peak seasons. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. The visa fee is about €80 for adults, plus service charges if using a visa center.
No. Schengen visas are strictly limited to the dates shown. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area. If you need more time, you must leave and reapply from your home country.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Malta, not your application date.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of funds. Have bank statements or cash ready. A safe amount is around €50-100 per day of your stay. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation plus their proof of funds may help.
Yes, a Maltese Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., Italy, France, Germany) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But your main destination should be Malta — that's where you apply and spend most of your time.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger evidence. Consider consulting a visa agent if you're unsure.
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.