China Visa RequirementsFor Malta passport holders
Malta passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days under China's expanded 2024 unilateral exemption policy covering EU member states.
Great news! Malta passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No visa required for stays up to 15 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. The 15-day exemption is for a single entry and cannot be extended without applying for a visa. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a Chinese visa (L for tourism) at the Chinese Embassy in Malta (Valletta) or other consular posts before travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Malta Passport
Minimum 6 months validity. 15-day visa-free exemption for EU passports.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of onward travel required for 15-day visa-free entry.
Hotel Booking Confirmation
Address of accommodation in China.
Current Travel Situation
Malta to China: What You Need to Know
China extended its unilateral visa-free policy in 2024 to include EU member states including Malta, for short stays of up to 15 days. China is the world's most populous country (1.4 billion), second-largest economy, and offers an extraordinary range of historical, cultural, and natural experiences. From Beijing's imperial palaces to Shanghai's hyper-modern skyline, Xi'an's terracotta army, Guilin's karst landscapes, and Chengdu's pandas, China rewards multiple visits. Malta and China have growing ties through trade and the Belt and Road Initiative, with China one of Malta's growing economic partners.
How to Get There
Flights from Malta to Beijing or Shanghai connect via major European hubs or Middle Eastern airports. Air China, Lufthansa, and Emirates offer options. Flight time approximately 13-15 hours total journey.
Money & Banking
China uses the yuan/renminbi (CNY/RMB). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) now have tourist access options via foreign Visa/Mastercard binding. ATMs in major cities accept foreign cards (Bank of China, ICBC most reliable). Budget EUR 80-150/day for mid-range travel in China.
Practical Tips
Beijing (minimum 3-4 days): the Forbidden City (world's largest palace complex, 9,999 rooms), Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace lake and gardens, and a Great Wall section (Mutianyu has a cable car and toboggan). Shanghai: the Bund colonial waterfront, the futuristic Pudong skyline, Yu Garden, the former French Concession, and contemporary art at Power Station of Art. Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors (a half-day, 45 minutes from city), the ancient city walls (cycle the perimeter), and the Muslim Quarter's night market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Malta citizens need a visa for China?
No, not for stays up to 15 days. China extended its unilateral visa-free policy to EU members including Malta in 2024, allowing stays of up to 15 days for tourism, transit, or business.
Can I extend the 15-day visa-free stay in China?
No. The 15-day unilateral exemption is a single-entry, fixed-duration stay. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a Chinese L (tourist) visa or M (business) visa at the Chinese Embassy in Rome (accredited for Malta) before travel.
What is the Great Wall of China and which section is best to visit?
The Great Wall stretches approximately 21,000km in total (all sections combined). The best-preserved and most accessible sections from Beijing are Mutianyu (has a cable car and toboggan, fewer crowds than Badaling), Jinshanling (more authentic, requires a hike), and Simatai (night walks available). Badaling is the most touristy.
What is the internet situation for foreigners in China?
China's "Great Firewall" blocks Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and most Western websites and apps. Download a VPN on your phone before arriving in China (once in China, most VPN websites are blocked). China-based alternatives (WeChat, Weibo, Baidu Maps) work fine.
Is Mandarin necessary for visiting China?
Mandarin is helpful but not essential at major tourist destinations, hotels, and airports. Outside of major cities and tourist areas, English is rarely spoken. Google Translate's offline mode and the Pleco dictionary app are invaluable. The Baidu Maps app (Chinese only) is the most accurate navigation tool in China.
What should I know about food in China?
Chinese cuisine is extraordinarily regional: Sichuan (fiery, numbing peppercorns), Cantonese (dim sum, roast meats, delicate flavors), Shanghainese (sweeter, braised dishes), Beijing (Peking duck, jiaozi dumplings, zha jiang mian noodles). Street food is generally very safe with high turnover. Use chopsticks, try everything.