Malta entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Malta for any purpose, including tourism. As of 2026, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or visa application centre before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Malta. Apply at the Maltese embassy or visa application center in Sri Lanka. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days, so submit your application well in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen area | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Malta. | 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 your visa's validity. Budget airlines check this before boarding too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Malta ready. Immigration officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Immigration can ask to see proof of sufficient funds. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointments at the Colombo embassy or VFS centre can book out weeks in advance, especially from March to September. Don't wait until the last minute.
Schengen visa covers all 27 countries
A Malta-issued Schengen visa lets you travel to any Schengen country (France, Germany, Italy, etc.) for up to 90 days. But you must enter Malta first or spend the most time there.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, bank statements, flight booking, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, and the completed visa form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Maltese embassy in Colombo or the nearest VFS Global centre. Slots can fill up weeks ahead, especially in peak season (summer).
3
Attend the visa interview
Go to the embassy or VFS centre on your appointment date. Submit your documents, pay the fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The interview is usually brief — answer honestly.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can stretch to 30–45 days during busy periods. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and validity immediately — if there's an error, report it before you travel.
6
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your accommodation, return ticket, and purpose of visit. Answer calmly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay Schengen visa. Must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or longer
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; validity depends on travel history.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Single Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€280.50 (~$306 USD) application fee
For employment with a Maltese employer. Requires job offer and labour market test. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) visa fee
For full-time study at a recognised institution. Must show sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income. Minimum income requirement: €2,700/month. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional fee charged by visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by location |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in Malta, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, or Japan visa
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Malta, but ticks can be present in rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but travellers should be cautious with street food.
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
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointment recommended.
St. Julian's
Malta Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. George's Road, St. Julian's STJ 3200
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstay or visa issues.
Practical information for LK 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
Yes. Sri Lanka is not on the EU visa-waiver list, so you must get a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Malta.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa sticker will show the exact validity dates. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
You apply at the Maltese embassy in Colombo or through VFS Global in Colombo. Check the embassy website for the latest appointment booking process.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about LKR 28,000 as of 2026). Children 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Service charges from VFS may add extra.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak travel seasons (May–September). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Extensions are rarely granted for tourism. You'd need a compelling reason (e.g., medical emergency). Apply at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs in Valletta before your visa expires.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter with the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Maltese embassy, or reapply with stronger documents (e.g., more bank statements, a clearer itinerary).
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.