United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Malta passport holders
Malta passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days. The historical relationship between Malta and the UK is among the deepest in the EU-UK relationship.
Great news! Malta passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for stays up to 180 days for tourism. Malta passport required (ID card not accepted post-Brexit). Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required from 2025 (GBP 10, applied online at gov.uk/eta before travel). No work permitted on visit status.
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 and UK are not Schengen. A passport is required for UK entry post-Brexit.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Required from 2025. Apply at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta. Cost GBP 10.
Proof of Onward Travel Recommended
Return or onward ticket recommended.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Immigration may ask for evidence of funds.
Current Travel Situation
Malta to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Malta and the United Kingdom share one of the most profound bilateral relationships in European history. Malta was a British Crown Colony from 1800 to 1964, and the British influence on Maltese institutions, language, culture, law, and education is pervasive. English remains one of Malta's two official languages. During WWII, Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI for its extraordinary resistance during the siege (1940-1942). Significant Maltese diaspora communities exist in the UK, particularly in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The UK is Malta's single largest source of tourists. Post-Brexit, EU passport holders including Maltese require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and passport (not ID card) for UK entry.
How to Get There
London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton are all served by direct flights from Malta. Air Malta, Ryanair, and British Airways serve the route. Flight time approximately 3 hours. The Eurostar (Brussels to London, 2 hours) is an alternative for those already in continental Europe.
Money & Banking
UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). London is expensive: pint of ale GBP 5.50-7, restaurant dinner GBP 20-35, hotel rooms GBP 100-250/night in central London. Outside London, UK cities are considerably more affordable: Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol offer excellent value. The Oyster card (or contactless card) is essential for London transit.
Practical Tips
London: the British Museum (Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, the British Museum itself is free), the National Gallery (Sunflowers by Van Gogh, Turner, da Vinci), the Tower of London (Crown Jewels), Westminster (Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace), Borough Market, Notting Hill, and the South Bank (Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the Shard). Outside London: Bath (Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent), Oxford (university colleges, the Bodleian Library), Edinburgh (the castle, Arthur's Seat, whisky distillery tours on the Royal Mile), and the Scottish Highlands. The George Cross awarded to Malta is displayed in Valletta; a replica with the citation is in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Malta citizens need a visa for the UK?
No. Malta EU citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism. However, post-Brexit, a passport is required (not just an ID card), and from 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing GBP 10 is required.
What is the relationship between Malta and the UK?
Malta was a British Crown Colony from 1800 to independence on September 21, 1964, making it one of the last British colonies in Europe. The British influence on Maltese law (based on English common law), education, language (English is co-official), architecture (especially in Valletta and Floriana), and culture is profound. During WWII, Malta was awarded the George Cross (the highest civilian honor) by King George VI for its extraordinary resistance. The King's Own Malta Regiment fought alongside British forces.
Do Maltese citizens need the ETA to enter the UK?
Yes. From 2025, EU citizens including Maltese require the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK by air. Apply at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta. Cost GBP 10. Usually approved within minutes.
What is London's most unique attraction?
The Tower of London: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace, prison, treasury, and menagerie (now zoo-free), housing the British Crown Jewels (one of the world's most valuable collections of gems and ceremonial regalia) and the famous Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tours. The Jewel House queue can be 45-60 minutes; arrive early.
Is there a Maltese community in the UK?
Yes. The Maltese diaspora in the UK is significant: an estimated 30,000-40,000 people of Maltese descent, concentrated particularly in London (Hammersmith and Fulham has historically had a large Maltese community) and the southeast. The UK Maltese Community has cultural associations, a Maltese church (St. Peter's, Beauchamp Place, Kensington), and annual events.
What are Scotland and Northern Ireland like compared to England?
Scotland has its own parliament, legal system (Scots law), educational system, and national church (Church of Scotland). Edinburgh (the capital) has a magnificent castle and medieval old town. The Scottish Highlands offer extraordinary mountain and loch scenery. Northern Ireland is a separate jurisdiction (part of the UK) with a complex recent history (The Troubles, 1968-1998), the spectacular Giant's Causeway (UNESCO), and the Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones filming location).