Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Malta passport holders
Ireland is an EU member but not in Schengen. Malta passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, though a passport (not just ID card) is required.
Great news! Malta passport holders can enter Ireland without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required for Malta EU citizens. Carry a valid Malta passport (ID card may not be accepted as Ireland is not Schengen). 90-day maximum stay. EU treaty rights apply for long-term stays with registration.
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
Ireland is not Schengen. A passport is required (national ID card may not be accepted).
Proof of Onward Travel Recommended
Return or onward ticket recommended when entering Ireland.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statement or credit card if requested.
Current Travel Situation
Malta to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is the only English-speaking EU member state, making it a particularly natural destination for Maltese travelers given that English is one of Malta's two official languages. Ireland opted out of the Schengen Area and maintains its Common Travel Area with the UK. Many Maltese have studied in Ireland (Dublin is a popular English-language learning destination) or work there in EU-related sectors. Ireland has 5 million people and extraordinary natural and cultural heritage: the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, ancient Newgrange (older than Stonehenge), the Ring of Kerry, and Dublin's literary and pub culture.
How to Get There
Dublin is about 3-4 hours by direct flight from Malta. Ryanair (Ireland's national carrier) and Air Malta serve the route. The Irish bus network (Bus Eireann) and rail system cover major destinations.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the euro (EUR). Dublin is one of Western Europe's more expensive cities: pint of Guinness EUR 6-7.50, restaurant meals EUR 15-35, hotel rooms EUR 120-250/night. Rural Ireland is more affordable. Renting a car is highly recommended outside Dublin.
Practical Tips
Dublin: Trinity College and the Book of Kells (the 9th-century illuminated manuscript), the National Museum of Ireland (Viking and Bronze Age gold), the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol (powerful site for Irish independence history), and the lively Temple Bar quarter. The Wicklow Mountains are 45 minutes from Dublin. The Wild Atlantic Way: the Cliffs of Moher (County Clare), the Ring of Kerry (a day-long circular driving route from Killarney), the Dingle Peninsula, and Connemara's lake and bog landscape. The Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland, UK territory) is 2 hours from Dublin by bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Malta citizens need a visa for Ireland?
No. Malta EU citizens can visit Ireland visa-free as EU treaty rights apply. However, carry a passport rather than just a national ID card, as Ireland is not in Schengen and conducts border checks.
Do Malta and Ireland have anything in common?
Malta and Ireland are both EU island nations with English as an official language, strong Catholic traditions, economies that transformed rapidly from agriculture to services/technology (Malta's iGaming, Ireland's tech multinationals), and significant diaspora communities worldwide. Both are peripherally located EU members with punched-above-weight EU institutional influence.
What is Guinness and should I drink it in Dublin?
Guinness is Ireland's iconic dark stout beer, brewed at the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin since 1759. A pint of Guinness in a Dublin pub costs EUR 6-7.50. The pour takes approximately 119.5 seconds (per Guinness's own instructions). The Guinness Storehouse (brewery tour and tasting) is Dublin's most visited attraction.
What is a traditional Irish music session?
A trad session (seisiun) is an informal gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music (reels, jigs, hornpipes, airs) in a pub. Sessions typically occur on set nights (often Tuesday-Thursday or weekend evenings) in pubs in Galway, Doolin (County Clare), Dublin, and throughout rural Ireland. They are not performances but communal music-making; listeners are welcome.
What are the Irish Midlands like compared to the west coast?
The Wild Atlantic Way (west coast) is dramatic: Cliffs of Moher, Connemara's boggy highlands, the Aran Islands, and the Ring of Kerry are all on the Atlantic facing coast. The Midlands are quieter, with the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise monastic site, Birr Castle, and accessible bog landscapes for cycling and walking.
Is Dublin airport efficiently connected to the city?
Yes. The Aircoach (EUR 10-12 one way, 25-30 minutes to O'Connell Street), Dublin Bus route 747 (cheaper but slower), and taxis (EUR 25-35) all connect Dublin Airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the city center. The Luas tram network is excellent within the city.