Complete List of Malta Visa-Free, Visa-on-Arrival, and eVisa Countries in 2026
TGA Migration Guide for Investment Immigration Clients
Malta is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for investors, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile families. A Maltese passport offers strong international mobility, EU rights, and access to one of the world’s most respected travel documents.
For investors exploring Citizenship by Investment, Residency by Investment, and Business Investment migration, Malta remains an important European option to understand. However, it is important to note that Malta’s direct investor citizenship rules have faced major legal and policy changes, so applicants must always seek updated professional guidance before starting any process. The EU’s Court of Justice ruled against Malta’s former “golden passport” model in 2025, making current eligibility and routes highly sensitive to legal updates.
At TGA Migration, we guide investors through structured and compliant investment immigration pathways, including residency, business investment, and citizenship planning where legally available.
Malta Passport Travel Access in 2026
As of 2026, the Maltese passport remains one of the world’s strongest passports, with visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel access to a large number of destinations. Henley Passport Index rankings are based on IATA travel data, while Passport Index lists Malta with broad global access across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.
Maltese citizens also enjoy full EU citizenship rights, including the right to live, work, study, and do business across EU member states.
Visa Free Countries for Maltese Passport Holders in 2026
Visa-free access means Maltese citizens can enter a country without applying for a visa before travel. This is usually for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term travel.
Common visa-free destinations for Maltese citizens include:
Europe
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Andorra, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, and Türkiye.
Asia
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Brunei, Armenia, and China.
Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
North, Central, and South America
Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel, and Palestine.
Africa
Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Oceania
Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
What Does Visa-Free Mean for Maltese Citizens?
Visa-free travel means you do not need to apply for a visa before arrival.
However, visa-free entry does not usually allow you to:
- Work for a local employer
- Study long-term
- Stay permanently
- Conduct regulated business activities
For most countries, visa-free entry is limited to short stays such as 30, 60, 90, or 180 days, depending on the destination.
U.S. Travel Privileges for Maltese Citizens
Maltese citizens can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, provided they apply for and receive an approved ESTA before travel.
This allows short stays for:
- Tourism
- Business meetings
- Transit
Typical stay limit: up to 90 days per visit
Important: ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. Final admission is decided by U.S. border authorities at the port of entry.
Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Maltese Citizens in 2026
Visa-on-arrival means you do not need to apply before travel. Instead, the visa is issued when you arrive at the airport, seaport, or land border.
Common visa-on-arrival or similar entry destinations may include:
Burundi, Comoros, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Palau, and Bolivia.
Before travelling, always check the latest entry rules because visa-on-arrival availability can change based on airport, nationality, travel purpose, or political updates.
Documents Usually Needed for Visa-on-Arrival
Maltese passport holders may need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or address of stay
- Proof of funds
- Visa fee payment
- Travel insurance in some cases
Visa-on-arrival is convenient, but travellers should not assume approval is automatic.
eVisa Countries for Maltese Citizens in 2026
An eVisa is applied for online before travel. Once approved, the traveller receives a digital confirmation, usually by email.
Common eVisa or electronic-authorisation destinations may include:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Korea, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Some destinations use eTA systems instead of traditional eVisas, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Common eVisa Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes before travelling:
- Applying through unofficial websites
- Entering passport details incorrectly
- Waiting until the last minute
- Not printing or saving the approval confirmation
- Assuming eVisa approval guarantees entry
Always use the official government portal of the destination country.
Standard Visa Requirements for Maltese Passport Holders
Even with a strong passport, Maltese citizens still need a traditional visa for some destinations.
These may include countries with stricter immigration controls, security screening, limited diplomatic access, or specific entry restrictions.
Common visa-required countries may include:
Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Yemen, Nauru, Guyana, and Paraguay.
Requirements usually include:
- Visa application form
- Passport photos
- Valid passport
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel booking
- Bank statements
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee
- Embassy appointment in some cases
Duration of Stay in Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access does not mean unlimited stay.
Typical stay periods include:
| Region / Country Type | Common Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| EU / Schengen | Freedom of movement for Maltese citizens |
| United Kingdom | Up to 6 months for short visits |
| Japan | Up to 90 days |
| Canada | Usually up to 6 months, subject to entry approval |
| Southeast Asia | Usually 30–90 days |
| South America | Usually around 90 days |
| Oceania | Usually 30–90 days |
For non-EU countries, stay limits are controlled by local immigration rules.
Travel Privileges with Maltese Citizenship
1. Strong Global Travel Access
Maltese citizens benefit from one of the strongest passports globally, with broad visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel access.
2. Full EU Rights
Maltese citizens are EU citizens. This means they can live, work, study, retire, and establish businesses across EU member states.
3. EU Consular Protection
If Malta does not have an embassy in a country, Maltese citizens can receive consular support from another EU country’s embassy or consulate.
4. Dual and Multiple Citizenship
Malta allows dual and multiple citizenship. Malta’s official citizenship agency confirms that since 10 February 2000, Maltese citizens may acquire and retain foreign citizenship alongside Maltese citizenship.
5. Strong Business and Lifestyle Value
For investors, Malta offers access to the EU market, a Mediterranean lifestyle, English-speaking environment, and attractive positioning for international business families.
ETIAS and Maltese Citizens
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, according to the official EU travel portal.
Maltese citizens will not need ETIAS to travel within the EU or Schengen Area because Malta is an EU member state. ETIAS applies to visa-exempt non-EU travellers entering participating European countries.
Malta and Investment Immigration
Malta has historically been known for investor immigration options, including residency and citizenship-linked pathways. However, due to legal developments in the EU, Malta’s investor citizenship framework has undergone significant scrutiny and change.
For investors, Malta may still be relevant for:
- European residency planning
- Business relocation
- EU lifestyle access
- Long-term naturalisation planning
- Family and wealth mobility planning
At TGA Migration, we help investors assess whether Malta or another European RBI route is suitable based on investment goals, family profile, residence plans, and compliance requirements.
Why Choose TGA Migration?
TGA Migration focuses only on:
- Citizenship by Investment
- Residency by Investment
- Business Investment Migration
- Investor and entrepreneur immigration pathways
We help clients compare Malta with other European and global investment immigration options, including Caribbean CBI programs, European Golden Visa routes, and business investment residency pathways.
Our goal is to help you choose a route that is legal, suitable, transparent, and aligned with your long-term plans.
FAQs
Maltese Passport and Visa-Free Travel
How many countries can Maltese citizens visit without a visa?
Maltese passport holders enjoy access to a large number of countries through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisations. Exact numbers change regularly depending on passport index methodology and government updates.
Do Maltese citizens need ETIAS?
No. Maltese citizens are EU citizens and do not need ETIAS for travel within the EU or Schengen Area.
Does Malta allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Malta permits dual and multiple citizenship.
Can investors still apply for Malta citizenship directly by investment?
Malta’s former investor citizenship model has faced major legal changes after the EU Court of Justice ruling in 2025. Investors should get updated legal guidance before relying on any citizenship-by-investment route.
Is Malta suitable for business investors?
Yes, Malta can be suitable for investors seeking European residency, business positioning, EU lifestyle access, and long-term planning, subject to current immigration rules.