Malta Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Malta visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Malta is a tiny Mediterranean archipelago with a warm climate, ancient megalithic temples, the baroque capital Valletta, and excellent English-language immersion.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Malta without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport, served by Air Malta and many European carriers. Days in Malta count toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Malta uses the Euro. English is an official language. ETIAS will apply in the future. Malta's small size (316 km2) makes it easy to cover in 4-7 days.
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Malta, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Malta.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Malta.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Malta: What You Need to Know
Malta is a unique Mediterranean destination and the European Union's smallest state. The island has an extraordinary density of historic sites: the UNESCO Old City of Valletta (Europe's smallest capital), the megalithic Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra (older than Stonehenge), the medieval walled cities of Mdina and Victoria, and the island of Gozo (Malta's quieter sister island). Malta was a British colony until 1964 and English remains an official language, making it very accessible for NZ visitors. Malta is also a significant diving destination: clear visibility, warm waters, and numerous WWII wrecks.
How to Get There
Malta is easily reached from London (3h), Amsterdam (3h), Rome (1.5h), and other European hubs. Air Malta and Ryanair serve Malta International Airport extensively. Most NZ travellers reach Malta via a European hub connection. Malta is naturally combined with Sicily, Italy (90-min ferry from Malta to Pozzallo) or as a Mediterranean extension after a European trip.
Money & Banking
Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Malta is moderately priced by European Mediterranean standards. A Maltese pastizzi (flaky pastry) costs EUR 0.50-1. A mid-range restaurant in Sliema or St. Julian's costs EUR 20-35 per person. Maltese wine and the local Cisk lager are affordable. Summer accommodation books out quickly; shoulder season (October-May) offers better value.
Practical Tips
Malta is warm and sunny year-round (best October-May for avoiding summer heat). The Malta bus network connects all main attractions, though routes can be slow. Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Bolt) are affordable. Day trips to Gozo: 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa. Valletta is UNESCO listed and entirely walkable. Scuba diving: Malta has excellent dive sites for all levels; WWII wreck diving (SMS Wespe, Um El Faroud) is particularly sought-after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Malta?
No. Malta is part of the Schengen Area and the European Union, and NZ citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Why is Malta a unique destination for NZ travellers?
Malta is extraordinary for its density of history (the oldest free-standing structures on Earth are here), its Mediterranean climate, the Maltese welcome for English-speaking visitors (English is an official language alongside Maltese), and world-class diving. The UNESCO city of Valletta (Europe's smallest capital) and the islands of Gozo and Comino add variety within a tiny country.
What are the Megalithic Temples of Malta and why are they significant?
The Megalithic Temples of Malta (Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ggantija on Gozo) are among the world's oldest free-standing stone structures, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by over 1,000 years (built 3600-2500 BC). They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Protective tent structures have been erected over some temples to preserve them from erosion.
Is Malta good for diving and snorkeling?
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's best dive destinations. Clear warm water (visibility up to 30m+), WWII wrecks (HMS Maori, German aircraft), and diverse marine life make Malta excellent for divers of all levels. Snorkeling is good from rocky shores throughout Malta and Gozo. The Blue Lagoon at Comino Island is stunning for snorkeling but very crowded in summer.
How do NZ visitors get around Malta?
Malta has no trains. The bus network (Malta Public Transport, using 'Tallinja' card) covers the main towns and is the main public transport option. Taxis and Bolt (ride-share) are available. The ferry from Malta to Gozo runs frequently (25 min). Renting a car gives maximum flexibility but traffic around Valletta is congested. Malta drives on the left.
What is Mdina in Malta and why should NZ visitors go?
Mdina (the 'Silent City') is a perfectly preserved medieval walled city on a hilltop in central Malta. It was the island's ancient capital. The city is closed to most traffic, making it serene and beautiful to walk. The Cathedral of St. Paul, the Palazzo Falson, and the city walls offer wonderful views. Mdina is best experienced in the evening when day-trippers have left.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
October-May is ideal: temperatures are pleasant (15-25 Celsius), beaches are accessible in May, and tourist crowds are manageable. June-September is hot (30-36 Celsius) and very crowded, particularly in August. Christmas in Malta is celebrated elaborately. The Malta International Arts Festival (July) and the Carnival (February) are both worth planning around.