Greece entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No 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
Malta passport holders can travel to Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This has been the case since Greece joined the Schengen Area. As of 2026, you just need a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Maltese passport must be valid for your entire stay in Greece. No minimum validity beyond departure is required for Schengen entry, but airlines may still enforce a 3-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a host's invitation letter. Officers at Athens and Thessaloniki airports sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement, credit card, or cash showing you have at least €50–€100 per day of your stay. Border officers rarely check this for Maltese passport holders, but it's smart to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Schengen Area Rules Apply
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day allowance counts across all 27 Schengen countries. If you've already spent 30 days in France, you only have 60 left for Greece.
Passport Validity Check
Airlines are strict about the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you may be denied boarding even if Greece would let you in. Renew early.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Documents Before Travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Book your return/onward ticket. Save your accommodation confirmation and travel insurance docs on your phone. Print nothing unless you prefer paper.
2
Arrive at Greek Immigration
At Athens or any Greek airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Exit Greece
On departure, you'll get an exit stamp. Keep your boarding pass handy. No additional forms needed.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
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
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Required for stays beyond 90 days or if you want a formal visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (approx. $82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of €3,500/month income and health insurance. Allows family members.
Apply retirement visa
Greece Retirement Visa (Long-Stay Visa for Financially Independent Persons)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (€2,000+/month) and health insurance. No work allowed. Requires proof of accommodation.
Apply investor visa
Greece Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 minimum real estate investment
For investors purchasing property worth €250,000+ (€500,000 in high-demand areas). Grants residency for family; no minimum stay required.
Apply student visa
Greece Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $131 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Greek universities or accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for up to 5 years for frequent travellers. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for overstaying the 90-day limit; may include deportation. | €50 per day (max €3,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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 Greece
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Greek airports, as Malta is an EU member state.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer months in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is safe in most areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Athens Immigration Office (Aliens and Immigration Directorate)
Karaiskaki 1, 104 37 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Monastiriou 190, 546 27 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for northern Greece; similar procedures to Athens.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Safe in Athens but most visitors use bottled. On islands, use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Malta passport holders can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the Schengen Area rule. If you overstay, you risk fines and a ban.
Generally no for tourism. Extensions are only granted for exceptional circumstances (medical emergencies, force majeure). Apply at the local Aliens and Immigration Department in Greece before your 90 days expire.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. You need proof you'll leave the Schengen Area within 90 days. A flight to another Schengen country doesn't count — you need a ticket to a non-Schengen destination.
Not for short stays, but it's strongly recommended. If you need medical care, costs can be high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
You'll be fined (typically €100-500 depending on duration) and may be banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 3 years. Avoid it.
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.