Malta entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Japanese passport holders can visit Malta without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business meetings, or family visits. The policy is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in Malta | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. Unlike some countries, Malta does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just cover your stay. Airlines may still enforce a 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. This applies to all visa-free entries into the Schengen area — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready. Border officers in Malta occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — typically around €50–€100 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card with a decent limit works. Officers rarely ask, but it's a legal requirement for Schengen entry. | Recommended |
Schengen Area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries combined, not just Malta. If you've already spent time in France or Germany earlier in the year, that time counts toward your 90-day limit.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines may deny boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
You'll land at the only international airport, about 8 km from Valletta. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at the non-EU passport line
Japanese passports go through the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU/EEA' lane. Wait times vary — typically 10–30 minutes.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and proof of onward travel. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is correct before walking away. If they write a shorter stay, ask politely why.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter Malta.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if you need a visa; apply at Maltese embassy in Japan.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (typical)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €3,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work from Malta.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 (~$2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Offers tax benefits on foreign income.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence, renewable
€100,000 (~$109,000 USD) contribution + property investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires property purchase or lease, donation to government, and clean background. Grants permanent residence.
Apply work visa
Single Permit (Work and Residence)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Malta. Employer sponsors the permit. Requires contract and qualifications.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable; apply at Maltese embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity; subject to approval. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines and possible ban; avoid by leaving on time. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (~$1,090 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
Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa for Malta. You can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; use insect repellent and avoid tick bites.
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 (Immigration Office)
3, Castille Place, Valletta VLT 1062
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Regional Office (Paceville)
Triq il-Qaliet, St. Julian's STJ 3200
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles residence permits and extensions for expats in tourist areas.
Practical information for JP 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
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits only. You cannot work for a Maltese employer or do paid work for a local company. Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — technically not allowed under tourist rules, but rarely enforced for short stays. If you plan to stay longer and work remotely, look into Malta's Nomad Residence Permit.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave the Schengen Area (which includes Malta) for 90 days before you can return. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban.
No. For stays under 90 days, Japanese nationals do not need to register with Maltese authorities. Your passport stamp is sufficient.
You need a national visa or residence permit. Options include a work visa, student visa, or the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (for remote workers). Apply at the Maltese embassy in Tokyo before you travel. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
It depends on the damage. Minor wear and tear is usually fine, but if the chip is damaged, pages are torn, or the photo is unrecognisable, you risk being denied boarding or entry. Get a new passport before you travel.
No. If you're transiting through another Schengen country (e.g., Frankfurt, Paris) to reach Malta, you still enter the Schengen Area at your first point of entry. The same visa-free rules apply — you can stay up to 90 days total in the Schengen Area.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may be fined, deported, and banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 5 years. Always track your days carefully — use a travel app or calendar.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.