United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can visit the United Arab Emirates without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and business visits in 2026. Just show up at any UAE airport or land border with a valid passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in the UAE | Your Maltese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the UAE | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Budget airlines like Flydubai and Air Arabia enforce this strictly at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE ready. Officers at immigration sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry cash, credit cards, or a bank statement showing you can support yourself. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around 3,000 AED (approx. 750 EUR) for a short trip is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in the UAE. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry — no exceptions.
Overstaying costs money
If you stay beyond 90 days, you'll be fined 50 AED (about 14 USD) per day. Pay before leaving at the immigration office at the airport. Unpaid fines can lead to a ban from re-entering the UAE.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date. Book a return or onward flight. Reserve your first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of your flight booking and hotel confirmation on your phone.
2
Arrive at UAE airport or land border
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Passport Control'. Land borders like Al Ghuwaifat (from Saudi Arabia) have similar procedures.
3
Present passport at immigration counter
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day visit entry.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. You're now in the UAE.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity2 months from issue date
Cost350 AED (~$95 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking. Can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost650 AED (~$177 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Extendable per visit.
Long-term tourist visa
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost2,500 AED (~$680 USD)
For frequent visitors. Requires sponsor.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
~1,000 AED (~$272 USD) processing fee + medical insurance
For residents aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of 15,000 AED or savings of 1 million AED. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
~1,200 AED (~$327 USD) processing fee
For remote workers with a valid employment contract, minimum salary of 3,500 USD per month, and health insurance. Allows stay with family.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
~2,500 AED (~$680 USD) processing fee + property value of at least 1 million AED
For property investors. Requires ownership of a property worth at least 1 million AED. Can sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored, varies
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and health insurance. Most common long-term option.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineCharged per day after visa-free period expires. | 50 AED (~$13.60 USD) per day, no maximum cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 48 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
- For transits over 48 hours, a transit visa is needed.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office (Al Shahama)
Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services. Use the smart lobby for quick transactions.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying incurs a fine of 50 AED per day (about 14 USD). To stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at UAE immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside (don't pass through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a transit visa or use your visa-free entry if you're eligible. Check with your airline for specific transit procedures.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. You cannot work or study. For employment or study, you need a proper visa sponsored by your employer or educational institution.
Denial is rare for Maltese citizens with proper documents. If it happens, you'll be held in a transit area and returned on the next flight at your expense. Common reasons: passport validity under 6 months, no return ticket, or previous overstay. You have the right to ask why, but there's no appeal process at the airport.
No registration or payment is required. The entry stamp is free. Just present your passport at immigration.
Yes, Maltese passport holders can enter the UAE via land borders like Al Ghuwaifat. The same 90-day visa-free rule applies. You'll need a valid passport and return ticket. Note that entering Saudi Arabia first may require a separate visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.