Malta entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take 2–3 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire stay in the Schengen zone — not just Malta. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport expiry before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. A flight booking confirmation or e-ticket works — just have it ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Malta. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying in private accommodation. A printout or digital copy on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Malta's immigration officers rarely ask for this, but having it ready avoids delays. A recent bank statement from the last 30 days works best. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen zone. Your visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries (e.g., Italy, France) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your first entry must be Malta.
What happens at the border
1
Submit your Schengen visa application
Apply at the Malta embassy or consulate in Nairobi (or the VFS Global centre handling Malta applications). You'll need to book an appointment, fill the application form, and submit your documents in person.
2
Attend the visa interview
Bring your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. The officer may ask about your travel plans and ties to Kenya.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. Track your application online if available.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries (single or multiple) match your plans.
5
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
work visa
Single Work Permit (Malta)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€205 (approx. $224 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and labor market test. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (National D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For full-time study at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income above €3,500/month. No local employer needed. Includes family.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€2,500 (approx. $2,725 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires property purchase or long-term rental. Tax benefits available.
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) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional handling fee may apply at VFS or TLScontact. | Varies by application center |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying Schengen visa can result in fines and entry bans. | Up to €500 per day (max €5,000) |
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
Kenya passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, or Japan 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., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices recommended; tap water is safe.
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 il-Mall, Floriana FRN 1470
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Valletta
Malta International Airport Police (Immigration)
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for KE 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. Kenya passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Malta.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can take up to 30–45 days during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa application centre like VFS Global.
Yes. Bank statements or payslips showing you can cover your stay. A rough guideline is €50–100 per day. For a 7-day trip, showing at least €500 is advisable.
No. The Schengen visa has a fixed validity. You cannot extend it while in Malta. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a national visa (Type D) before travelling.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The appeal must be submitted to the Maltese embassy or consulate that processed your application. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or unclear travel purpose.
If you are transiting through Malta and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
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.