United States entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Malta before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | Malta passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Malta. The application starts at travel.state.gov with a $185 USD fee and requires an in-person interview.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Malta passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Immigration officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you can cover your stay. US Customs and Border Protection officers can ask for proof of financial means at the port of entry. | Recommended |
ESTA not available for Malta passport holders
Unlike many European countries, Malta is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must apply for a full B-1/B-2 visa at the embassy.
Book your interview early
Interview slots at the US Embassy in Ta' Xbiex can fill up weeks or months in advance. Check the appointment calendar as soon as you pay the fee. If you have urgent travel, mention it when booking — they may offer an expedited slot.
Overstaying can get you banned
If you stay beyond the date on your I-94 (usually 6 months), you risk a 3- or 10-year ban from the US. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your stay expires.
What happens at the border
1
Complete DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (ceac.state.gov) and fill out the DS-160. Select Malta as your location. Submit and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 fee online via the payment portal or at a designated bank in Malta. Save the receipt — you'll need the number to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, enter your receipt number, and pick a date. Interviews are at the U.S. Embassy in Ta' Xbiex. Wait times can be weeks or months — check current estimates on the embassy website.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and asked about your trip, job, and ties to Malta. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll get a notification to pick it up or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your visit. They may also take your photo and fingerprints. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Maltese)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Allows tourism and business visits; must apply at US embassy in Malta.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical for Maltese)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over 10 years.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (€150) SEVIS fee + visa fee
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from a US school.
Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityVaries by visa type
Cost$190–$460 USD (€175–€430) plus fees
Requires employer sponsorship; highly competitive.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190–$460 USD (€175–€430) plus legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD (€150) SEVIS fee + visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD (€980,000) minimum investment
For individuals investing at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 1–2 years, depending on program
$160 USD (€150) visa fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, study, or work-and-travel programs. Requires sponsorship by a designated US organization. May include a two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (€150) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Maltese citizens. | $160 USD (€150) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee to apply for an extension of stay; processing can take months. | $370 USD (€345) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can lead to fines and future inadmissibility; no fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Malta30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 States
Transit visa required
Maltese citizens generally need a visa (C-1 transit visa) to transit through the US, even if staying airside, unless they have a valid US visa or are from a visa waiver country (Malta is not in the Visa Waiver Program).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt; check with the US embassy.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk increases in rural or southern regions during summer.
Food and waterborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe; risk is low but can occur from undercooked food or untreated water in remote areas.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW, Washington, D.C. 20530
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions, file Form I-539 by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain cases; check USCIS website.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The whole process takes 2–4 months on average. The DS-160 takes about an hour to fill. Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Ta' Xbiex vary — check the current estimate on the embassy website. After approval, passport return takes 3–5 business days.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Ta' Xbiex. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver.
You'll be told the reason (usually under Section 214(b) — insufficient ties to Malta). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for rejection. There's no appeal process. The $185 fee is non-refundable.
The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years (multiple entries), but each stay is typically granted for up to 6 months by the CBP officer at the port of entry. You cannot work or study on this visa.
No, but you should have a rough travel plan. At the interview, you may be asked about your itinerary. After the visa is issued, you must have a return or onward ticket when you actually travel — immigration at the US border may ask to see it.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539. You must apply before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying can get you banned from re-entry.
Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a visa or an ESTA (if eligible). Malta passport holders are not eligible for ESTA — you must get a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no transit without a 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.