United States Visa RequirementsFor Malta passport holders
Maltese passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Malta passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
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
Current Travel Situation
Malta to United States: What You Need to Know
Malta is a member of the US Visa Waiver Program, benefiting from its EU membership and close alignment with Western security standards. The small island nation in the Mediterranean has a notable diaspora in the US, particularly in Detroit and the broader Michigan area, where Maltese immigrants settled in the early 20th century. Malta and the US share historical ties from WWII, when Malta was a strategically critical Allied base. Malta International Airport (MLA) connects to European hubs for transatlantic travel. Malta also has generous citizenship-by-investment programs, but only those who hold Malta as their primary nationality benefit from VWP access.
How to Get There
From Malta (MLA), connections to the US are available via London (LHR) with British Airways or Air Malta codeshares, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, or Rome (FCO) with Alitalia/ITA Airways. New York (JFK/EWR) and Washington (IAD) are common US gateways for Maltese travelers.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted universally. Tipping is expected and non-negotiable: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, a few dollars for taxis and hotel housekeeping. In Malta, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; in the US it is an essential part of service workers' income. Carry some USD cash for smaller purchases.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight. The 90-day limit is firm. Carry your return ticket and proof of accommodation. US customs will ask standard questions about your visit. Note that ESTA covers tourism, business meetings, and transit; paid work and study are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltese citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Malta is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Maltese passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain an ESTA authorization before travel.
How do Maltese citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Complete the form, pay $21, and receive authorization, usually within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
What airlines fly from Malta to the United States?
There are no nonstop flights from Malta (MLA) to the US. Connections via London (LHR) with British Airways, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, or Rome (FCO) reach New York and other US gateways.
How long can Maltese citizens stay in the United States on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit. The stay cannot be extended under VWP status.
Can Maltese citizens work in the United States on ESTA?
No. ESTA covers tourism, transit, and business meetings only. Paid work requires a US work visa.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. An approved ESTA allows boarding; a US CBP officer makes the final admission decision.
What happens if a Maltese citizen overstays 90 days in the US?
Overstaying is a serious violation leading to removal, VWP ineligibility, and future visa difficulties.
Malta offers citizenship by investment. Does an investment passport qualify for ESTA?
Only genuine Maltese nationals benefit from VWP. US authorities can deny ESTA or entry if they determine that a passport was obtained primarily for travel benefits rather than genuine citizenship.