Malta entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Malta without a visa for up to 90 days in 2026. This covers tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Malta. Schengen border officers rarely enforce the 6-month rule for South Korean passports, but your airline might check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration at Malta International Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or a letter from your host ready. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day. Malta rarely enforces this strictly for South Korean passport holders, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Malta is part of the Schengen zone. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts toward the total 90 days allowed in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Keep track of your days.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Malta, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU citizens. There are separate queues for EU and non-EU travelers. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then head through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter Malta.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Maltese embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or longer, up to 5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €3,500/month. Allows stay and work in Malta for up to 1 year, renewable. Must have health insurance and clean criminal record.
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.
investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence
€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 in Malta.
Apply work visa
Single Permit (Work Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Malta. Employer must apply. Allows work and residence. Requires employment contract and health insurance.
student visa
Student Visa (National D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Maltese institution. Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week). Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Maltese embassy/consulate. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines and entry bans. | €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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Malta International Airport, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe to drink.
Sun exposureModerate risk
High UV levels; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
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)
3, Castille Place, Valletta VLT 1062
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles residence permits, visa extensions, and registration for long-stay visas.
St. Julian's
Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. Julian's Police Station, Triq il-Qaliet, St. Julian's STJ 3200
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstays or immigration violations; not for extensions.
Practical information for KR 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 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. If you want to work remotely, you'd need a Malta Digital Nomad Visa, which requires proof of remote employment and a minimum income.
No, the visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave the Schengen area before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering.
You'd need to apply for a national visa (type D) from the Maltese embassy in Seoul before traveling. This is for study, work, or long-term stays. Processing takes several weeks.
No, for stays under 90 days, no registration is required. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. If you need medical care, a hospital stay can cost hundreds of euros per day. Many travelers use SafetyWing or World Nomads.
You'll be fined and may be banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 3 years. Overstaying is taken seriously. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
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.