Malta visa-free countries allow visa-free access and travel without complicated entry requirements. According to the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions, which ranks passports across the world to help you discover the actual value of your passport or even a secondary passport that you might be considering. The Malta passport is one of the most powerful passports, ranking 28th on the Global Passport Index and the Enhanced Mobility Index, and granting access to 198 countries.

In this guide, you will find:

Malta Passport Ranking Overview

According to Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, Malta ranks 28th and offers visa-free access to 123 countries, with Maltese passport holders able to travel to up to 198 destinations. A Maltese passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to countries like Belgium, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Cape Verde, and Peru, enabling nearly instant global travel. However, visa requirements still apply for about 26 countries, including China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Ghana, and Guyana.

Visa Free Access Countries

123

Global Passport Index Ranking

#28

Ehanced Mobility Ranking

#28

Investment Index

#34

Investment Index

#32

Visa Free Countries for Malta Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow visa free entry to Malta passport holders:

Angola Grenada Palau
Albania Guatemala Poland
Andorra Hong Kong Portugal
United Arab Emirates Honduras Paraguay
Argentina Croatia Palestine, State of
Armenia Haiti Qatar
Antigua and Barbuda Hungary Romania
Austria Ireland Senegal
Belgium Iceland Singapore
Bulgaria Israel Solomon Islands
Bahamas Italy El Salvador
Bosnia and Herzegovina Jamaica San Marino
Belarus Japan Serbia
Belize Kazakhstan Sao Tome and Principe
Brazil Kyrgyzstan Slovakia
Barbados Kiribati Slovenia
Brunei Darussalam Saint Kitts and Nevis Sweden
Botswana Korea, Republic of Eswatini
CanadaKOS (Flag Not Available) Seychelles
Switzerland Saint Lucia Tajikistan
Chile Liechtenstein Timor-Leste
Colombia Lesotho Tonga
Cabo Verde Lithuania Trinidad and Tobago
Costa Rica Luxembourg Tunisia
Cyprus Latvia Turkey
Czechia Macao Tuvalu
Germany Morocco Taiwan, Province of China
Dominica Monaco Tanzania, United Republic of
Denmark Moldova, Republic of Uganda
Dominican Republic Mexico Ukraine
Ecuador Marshall Islands Uruguay
Spain North Macedonia United States
Estonia Montenegro Uzbekistan
Finland Mauritius Holy See (Vatican City State)
Fiji Malaysia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
France Nicaragua Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Micronesia, Federated States of Netherlands Vanuatu
United Kingdom Norway Samoa
Georgia Panama South Africa
Gambia Peru Zambia
Greece Philippines Zimbabwe

Passport Free Countries for Malta Passport Holders

The table below lists European Union countries that allow Malta citizens to Enter with only an ID card:

Andorra Greece Norway
Austria Hungary Poland
Belgium Iceland Portugal
Bulgaria Ireland Romania
Croatia Italy San Marino
Cyprus Latvia Slovakia
Czechia Liechtenstein Slovenia
Denmark Lithuania Spain
Estonia Luxembourg Sweden
Finland Monaco Switzerland
France Netherlands Holy See (Vatican City State)
Germany

Visa on Arrival Countries for Malta Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow visa on arrival access to Malta passport holders:

Burkina Faso Iraq Mauritania
Bangladesh Jordan Nepal
Bolivia, Plurinational State of Lebanon Sierra Leone
Comoros Maldives Somalia
Guinea-Bissau Mongolia Togo
Indonesia Mozambique Thailand

eTA Countries for Malta Passport Holders

The below table lists the countries that allow Malta passport holders entry with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

Australia Kenya Pakistan
Cuba New Zealand Suriname

Countries that Require an eVisa for Malta Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow Malta passport holders entry with an eVisa:

Azerbaijan India Malawi
Benin Iran, Islamic Republic of Oman
Bahrain Cambodia Papua New Guinea
Côte d'Ivoire Kuwait Russian Federation
Djibouti Lao People's Democratic Republic Rwanda
Egypt Sri Lanka Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia Madagascar South Sudan
Gabon Myanmar Viet Nam
Guinea

Countries with Visa Requirements for Malta Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that require Malta passport holders to obtain a visa:

Afghanistan Eritrea Nigeria
Burundi Ghana Nauru
Bhutan Equatorial Guinea Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
Central African Republic Guyana Sudan
China Liberia Syrian Arab Republic
Cameroon Libya Chad
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Mali Turkmenistan
Congo Namibia Yemen
Algeria Niger

Other requirements for Malta passport holders

  1. Each travel destination country has unique requirements. Some countries may require additional documentation, such as an invitation letter, proof of employment, or a health certificate.
  2. Entry requirements for Malta citizens travel to specific countries may include proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves for the duration of stay.

It’s worth noting that the visa requirements for countries in the above list are subject to change, and it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.

Read Our Ultimate Guide to the Malta Passport

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Malta Passport by Investment Program

As the Malta MEIN (Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment) also known as the Malta Citizenship by Investment program, was ruled against by the European Court of Justice, it is no longer a guaranteed route to citizenship. However, foreigners can still apply for permanent residency through the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), also known as the Malta Golden Visa. While this program does not lead to a passport, it offers many benefits, including the right to live long-term in Malta, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and a stable residence in an EU country with a favorable tax environment.

Read our Malta Citizenship by Investment Guide

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Benefits of a Malta Passport

  • Visa-free travel to over 198 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, making global mobility easy and efficient.
  • EU citizenship with the right to live, work, and study in any EU or EEA country, giving you full access to the European single market and job opportunities across the bloc.
  • Access to an EU residence permit, allowing easier relocation, family reunification, and long-term residence options across Europe.
  • Malta offers favorable tax planning, with no inheritance, wealth, or capital gains tax on worldwide income in certain circumstances, making it attractive for global investors.
  • Dual citizenship is permitted, so you can maintain your original nationality while enjoying the full rights of Maltese and EU citizenship.

How can Malta passport holders travel without a visa?

Malta passport holders can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival to numerous countries worldwide. The specific requirements and restrictions vary depending on the respective nation’s visa regulations.

Here are the standard ways Maltese passport holders can travel to a destination country without a visa:

  • Visa free countries: Visa free countries allow Maltese citizens to enter without obtaining an entry permit, electronic visa, or a prior visa before travel.
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Some countries with a visa waiver policy offer Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to Malta passport holders.
  • Visa on arrival: Visa free travel is possible to visa on arrival (VOA) countries, allowing Maltese passport holders to travel visa free and pay a visa fee to obtain a visa on arrival at border control.
  • Passport free countries: Certain travel destinations have bilateral agreements with Malta, allowing Malta passport holders access without presenting their passports. EU and Schengen nations, and specific non-EU countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, and Turkey.

As part of our commitment to providing transparent and reliable services, we are proud to be a licensed agent in Malta, holding the official license number AKM-AGEN. This certification demonstrates our dedication to the highest standards in the investment migration industry and further enhances our ability to offer expert guidance and support to our clients.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions Malta Passport Visa Free Countries

How many countries can a Malta passport holder enter without a visa?

As of 2025, Malta passport holders can travel to 198 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival, eTA, or e-visa. However, these numbers may change as countries update their entry rules. Temporary restrictions may also apply due to global events or public health concerns.

Is the Malta passport strong?

Yes, the Malta passport is considered strong, ranking 28th on the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to up to 198 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and most of Europe. This makes it a powerful passport for global travel and mobility.

Which countries are visa free for Malta permanent residence?

Malta permanent residence allows visa-free travel to the 26 Schengen countries, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it does not provide visa-free access to non-Schengen countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada. Travel permissions depend on your original passport, not your Maltese residence status.

Do Maltese citizens need a visa for Serbia?

Malta citizens can not only travel visa free to Serbia, but can use their national ID to enter the country.

Does a Malta passport grant visa free access to the USA?

Yes, a Malta passport grants visa-free access to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. Maltese citizens can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days by applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure.

How can Malta citizens agree to travel conditions set by visa free countries?

Maltese citizens can agree to a respective nation’s visa regulations by complying with the terms of their visa free travel and stay regulations, such as traveling with a passport valid for at least six months and leaving the country before their visa free days expire. Entry requirements for Maltese citizens may include paying a visa fee for electronic visas or when arriving in visa on arrival countries.

Is the Malta passport visa free to Canada?

Yes, a Malta passport grants visa-free travel to Canada. Additionally, Maltese passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the United States and Australia.

Do Malta passport holders need a visa for the UK after Brexit?

No, Malta passport holders do not need a visa to enter the UK after Brexit. They can travel to the UK visa-free for short stays of up to six months, as the UK has maintained visa-free access for EU citizens, including those from Malta, for tourism, business, and family visits. However, for longer stays or certain activities, a visa may be required.

Is Schengen area travel visa-free for Malta passport holders?

Yes, travel within the Schengen Area is visa-free for Malta passport holders. As an EU member state, Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement, allowing its citizens to travel freely within the 27 Schengen countries without the need for a visa.