Malta entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Malta. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Iraqi passport holders. Apply at the Maltese embassy or visa application center in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 3 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Budget airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in Malta ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or cash showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Malta's immigration officers occasionally ask for this, particularly for first-time Schengen visitors. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Malta without a visa. Start your application at least 3-4 weeks before your trip. Processing can take up to 30 days during peak season.
Schengen area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen area. A Malta visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your visa will specify the exact validity dates.
What happens at the border
1
Gather documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, two passport photos, return flight booking, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit visa application
Submit your application at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Iraq, or at the visa application centre they use. You'll need to book an appointment in advance. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6).
3
Attend biometrics appointment
At the appointment, you'll submit your documents, provide fingerprints and a photo, and answer questions about your trip. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Processing usually takes 15 calendar days.
4
Wait for visa decision
The embassy will process your application. You can track it online if they provide a tracking number. Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside.
5
Travel to Malta
When you arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA), go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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 1-3 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism. Must apply at Maltese embassy or VFS.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-3 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries. Requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Single Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€280 (approx. $305 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and work permit approval. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (National D)
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 digital nomad visa
Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Malta. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€6,000 (approx. $6,540 USD) annual tax
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires property purchase or long-term rent. Offers tax benefits.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 per day (max €1,000) |
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
Iraqi passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change flights in Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, or Canada 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Ticks and Lyme diseaseLow risk
Risk in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is generally good.
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 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications. Book appointment online.
Birkirkara
Identity Malta Agency (Birkirkara)
Triq il-Kbira, Birkirkara BKR 3000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles residence permits and extensions. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for IQ 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date you submit your application. In busy periods (summer, holidays), it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. This is the standard fee set by the EU. You pay it when you submit your application.
No, you cannot apply entirely online. You must submit your application in person at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Iraq, or at the visa application centre they use. You may need to book an appointment first.
Yes, you need to show you have enough money to cover your stay. The standard requirement is €50 per day of your trip. Bank statements from the last 3 months are usually accepted.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The embassy will give you a written reason for the rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or doubts about your intention to return to Iraq.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country, you can enter Malta as long as the visa is still valid and covers the period of your stay. The visa must be for tourism or business purposes.
If you are transiting through Malta International Airport and staying in the international transit area, you do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area or stay overnight, you will need a Schengen visa.
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.