Canada entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 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 need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Maltese citizens. Plan ahead, as processing times can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Malta passport holders are visa-exempt for Canada but must obtain an eTA online before flying. Required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying. Fee: CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. You must have a valid eTA linked to your passport before boarding. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCheck that you have a blank page available for border officials. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps or other endorsements. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a copy of your return or onward ticket to avoid delays. May be requested at border | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of onward travel (return ticket or itinerary) if asked by a border services officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers may ask how you'll fund your trip; have documents handy. May be requested at border | Be ready to show evidence that you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). No specific amount is set, but you should have enough for your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to submit anything before arrival, just fill out the customs form on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via kiosk or eDeclaration app). | Not required |
| Maximum stayPlan your trip to stay within 180 days; extensions are not available for this visa type. Up to 180 days per visit | As a visitor, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
No eTA for Maltese citizens
Unlike some EU countries, Malta is not on the eTA-eligible list. You must apply for a full visitor visa. Do not try to board a flight with just an eTA — you will be denied boarding.
Biometrics required
You will need to give your fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Malta. Book an appointment online after submitting your application. The fee is CAD $85.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Visitor Visa Online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds, itinerary), and pay the $100 fee. You'll get a confirmation and a file number.
2
Wait for Processing
Processing times vary — typically 2 to 8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. You may be asked to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Malta — book an appointment online.
3
Receive Your Visa Decision
If approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport (either mailed to you or collected from the VAC). The visa will show the validity dates and whether it's single or multiple entry.
4
Arrive at a Canadian Port of Entry
When you land at any Canadian airport (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal), go to the primary inspection kiosk. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your plans and funds. Answer honestly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Visitor visa extension
Max stayUp to 6 months per extension
ValidityVaries; typically 6 months
Cost$100 CAD
Must apply online before current status expires; processing can take months
Work permit
Max stayUp to 2 years (typical)
ValidityDuration of job offer
Cost$155 CAD
Requires LMIA or exemption; not a simple alternative
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityProgram length + 90 days
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a valid job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on and off campus during studies.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 1,575 (~USD 1,180) processing fee + other costs
For innovative entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; options via Super Visa or permanent residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may consider the Super Visa (for parents/grandparents) or apply for permanent residence through family sponsorship or other programs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For stays beyond 180 days; apply before status expires | $100 CAD |
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Malta citizens transiting through Canada to a third country generally need a transit visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program may be exempt, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and depart within 24 hours.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series and booster)Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer months in southern regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter months, especially in northern areas; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa Office
219 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing centre; applications are typically submitted online or by mail.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person inquiries by appointment only; bring all supporting documents.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you still need a visitor visa (or an eTA if you qualify, but Maltese citizens do not). There is no transit without a visa exemption for Malta. Apply for a visitor visa before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically 2 to 8 weeks. You can check current estimates on the IRCC website. Biometrics appointments at the VAC in Malta add a few days. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must submit an application online, pay a fee (CAD $100), and provide a reason. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Malta, or incomplete documents. You can also request reconsideration or appeal through the Federal Court, but that is a lengthy process.
Yes, immigration officers may ask. Have bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter ready. There is no fixed minimum, but you should show you can cover your stay without working illegally.
No, it is not a legal requirement for the visa application or entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Canada are very high. Some airlines may require it for boarding.
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. If you want to work, you need a separate work permit. Volunteering for expenses (like room and board) is generally allowed, but paid work is not.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.