United Kingdom entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Good news: as a Maltese passport holder, you don't need a traditional visa to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. However, from 2026, you'll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before you travel. It's a quick, digital pre-screening that takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Apply for United Kingdom eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt visitors since 2024-2025. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport. Apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)You must obtain an ETA before flying to the UK, even as a Maltese citizen. Visa-free travel authorisation | Malta is eligible for the UK ETA scheme. Apply online at the official UK government ETA website (gov.uk/eta) before travel. The ETA is valid for multiple entries and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your UK arrival date. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe UK border officer needs a blank page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the UK. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward travel ticket showing you will leave the UK before your ETA or visa-free period expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof of funds can help if questioned. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UK, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out a landing card or online arrival form. UK landing card | No separate arrival declaration is required for Malta passport holders entering the UK. | Not required |
| Visa (if not using ETA)For most Maltese travellers, the ETA replaces the need for a traditional visa. Embassy/consulate application | If you do not qualify for or wish to use the ETA, you must apply for a standard visitor visa at a British embassy or consulate. The ETA is the standard route for Maltese citizens. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is a digital travel authorisation, not a visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or provide biometrics. It's all done online.
Apply early
Even though ETA approval is usually instant, it can take up to 3 working days. Don't leave it to the last minute—apply as soon as you book your trip.
Multiple entries allowed
With a valid ETA, you can enter and exit the UK multiple times during its 2-year validity. Perfect for short trips or stopovers.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://www.gov.uk/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a valid email, and a debit/credit card to pay the fee. The process takes about 10 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETA applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 3 working days. Check your email for the decision. If approved, it's linked digitally to your passport—no paperwork needed.
3
Head to the airport
Arrive at the airport with your Malta passport. At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA status electronically. If you don't have one, you won't be allowed to board.
4
Arrive in the UK
On arrival, go to the ePassport gates (if available) or join the standard queue. Your passport will be scanned, and the border officer will see your ETA automatically. You'll get an entry stamp on a blank page.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (longer stay)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost£115 (6 months), £400 (2 years), £771 (5 years), £963 (10 years)
Optional for those who prefer a visa stamp or need multiple entries over a longer period.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months (single entry)
Cost£115
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months (single entry)
Cost£115
For approved paid engagements, e.g., guest lecturing or expert witness work.
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
£719 (~$913 USD) for 3 years; £1,423 (~$1,806 USD) for 5 years
For those with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation. Requires sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
£490 (~$622 USD)
For full-time study at a licensed institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays. Can switch to work visa after graduation.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, renewable
£1,036 (~$1,315 USD)
For those with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds. Leads to settlement after 3 years.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, renewable
£1,538 (~$1,952 USD)
For partners of UK citizens or settled persons. Requires meeting financial and relationship requirements. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Required for visa-free nationals, including Maltese citizens, for all travel to the UK (including transit). | £10 |
| Visa extension (standard visitor)For extending a stay beyond 6 months in exceptional circumstances; application must be made before current leave expires. | £1,000 |
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 United Kingdom
No transit visa needed
Maltese citizens do not need a visa for transit through the UK, but must hold a valid ETA if transiting via air or land (including airside transit).
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa required for transit, but ETA is mandatory for all transit routes.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; annual vaccination recommended.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Ongoing transmission; stay up to date with vaccines and follow local guidelines.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – Premium Service Centre
70 Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2EG
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For in-person queries; appointments required for premium services.
Croydon
UKVI Croydon Office
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa applications and extensions; bring all documents.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa for short visits (up to 6 months). But from 2026, you must have an ETA before you travel. It's a quick online application, not a visa interview.
The ETA fee is £10 (about €11.50). You pay online with a debit or credit card when you apply.
The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to the UK during that time.
Most applications are approved within minutes. However, the official processing time is up to 3 working days, so apply well in advance.
No, the ETA does not allow extensions. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa before your current permission expires.
You won't be allowed to board your flight or train. The airline checks your ETA status at check-in. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ETA. You'll need to apply for each child separately using their own passport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.