Malta ETIAS for UK Travellers: Everything British Citizens Need to Know in 2026

UK travellers heading to Malta face new requirements when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launches in late 2026. 

This post-Brexit change affects British passport holders visiting Malta and 29 other European countries for tourism, retirement or business. 

We’ll cover ETIAS application steps, costs, the 90-day-in-180-day-period rule, exemptions, and practical tips—ensuring your Mediterranean getaway remains straightforward despite new European Union travel authorisation requirements.

What is ETIAS and Why Do UK Travellers Need it for Malta?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new pre-travel authorisation system that UK passport holders must obtain before visiting Malta and 29 other European countries starting in late 2026. 

It works like the US ESTA or Canadian eTA, allowing visa-exempt travellers to enter participating countries for tourism, business or family visits.

Understanding ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System isn’t a visa. It’s a digital travel authorisation linked directly to your passport that screens travellers before they arrive at border control.

ETIAS covers 30 European countries, including Malta, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and all other Schengen Area nations plus Cyprus.

When you apply through the official ETIAS website, you’ll answer security and background questions that help authorities assess potential risks before you travel.

The system launches in the last quarter of 2026, though the European Union will announce the exact start date several months beforehand. You don’t need to do anything right now, but understanding the requirements helps you prepare for future trips.

Your ETIAS authorisation costs €20 and remains valid for three years or until your passport expires. You can enter any participating country multiple times during this period as long as you respect the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.

How Brexit Changed UK-Malta Travel

Before Brexit, British citizens could travel freely to Malta as EU members without any authorisation or registration. You simply showed your passport at the airport and walked through.

Post-Brexit rules treat UK nationals as ‘third-country nationals’, the same category as Americans, Canadians and Australians. This means you now need ETIAS for short stays in Malta and other Schengen countries, though you still travel visa-free.

The core right hasn’t disappeared. You can still visit Malta for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, but you must get ETIAS approval first.

Think of it as an extra layer of security screening rather than a fundamental restriction on travel. Most UK travellers will receive approval within minutes of applying.

ETIAS vs. Traditional Visas

ETIAS and Schengen visas serve different purposes and work in completely different ways. The table below shows how they compare:

Your ETIAS authorisation links electronically to your travel document, so border guards can verify it instantly without stamps or stickers. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will also register your biometric data when you cross borders, creating a digital record of your movements.

ETIAS allows you to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 30 participating countries. Cyprus operates under special rules where stays are calculated separately from other member states.

Getting ETIAS doesn’t guarantee entry to Malta or any other destination. Border control officers still make the final decision based on your documentation, purpose of visit and whether you meet all entry conditions at that specific moment.

Who Needs ETIAS for Malta?

All UK passport holders need ETIAS travel authorisation to visit Malta starting in late 2026, with specific exemptions for those holding EU residence permits or covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Understanding whether you fall into the standard applicant category or qualify for an exemption determines your entry requirements at Malta’s external borders.

British Passport Holders Who Must Apply

Standard British passport holders must obtain ETIAS before travelling to Malta for any short stay purpose. This includes tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, conferences or short educational courses.

British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects and British Protected Persons all need ETIAS authorisation. These passport categories don’t grant any special exemptions despite their historical connection to the UK.

Children and elderly travellers require individual ETIAS applications linked to their own passports. A family of four needs four separate authorisations, though children under 18 and adults over 70 don’t pay the €20 fee.

The requirement applies regardless of how long you plan to stay or which part of Malta you visit. A weekend break in Valletta requires the same ETIAS as a month-long stay in Gozo.

Important Exemptions for UK Residents

Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries don’t need ETIAS when travelling to Malta or other EU countries covered by their status.

UK nationals and their family members with documented residence rights under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement can travel freely as long as they carry proof of their protected status.

You’re exempt if you hold a valid residence permit or residence card issued by Malta or any other participating European country. These documents already grant you legal residence rights that make ETIAS unnecessary for border checks.

UK travellers with national long-stay visas or uniform Schengen visas don’t need ETIAS. Your existing visa covers the entry requirements that ETIAS would otherwise fulfil.

Ireland operates outside the ETIAS system entirely. UK citizens travelling to Ireland don’t need any authorisation beyond their passport, though Ireland isn’t part of the Schengen Area.

Special Cases and Dual Nationals

Dual UK-EU nationals can bypass ETIAS entirely by travelling on their EU passport. If you hold British and German citizenship, use your German passport when entering Malta to avoid the authorisation requirement.

UK-Irish dual nationals enjoy particular flexibility since Ireland remains outside ETIAS whilst maintaining Common Travel Area arrangements with the UK. Your Irish passport grants automatic entry to all EU countries including Malta without any pre-travel authorisation.

You must choose which passport to use and stick with that choice throughout your trip. Switching between a UK passport (requiring ETIAS) and an EU passport (exempt) at different border crossings creates inconsistencies that officials at Austria, Belgium, Iceland, Liechtenstein or any other participating country might flag.

Travelling on your UK passport requires ETIAS even if you hold Canadian, Australian or any other second nationality. The European Commission bases the requirement on which travel document you present, not on your full citizenship portfolio.

How to Apply for Malta ETIAS: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for Malta ETIAS involves completing an online form through the official website or mobile app with your passport details, personal information and payment card ready.

Most non-EU nationals receive their travel authorisation within minutes, though some applications take up to four days or longer if additional screening is required.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Your UK passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Malta or any other country in the Schengen Zone. The passport also can’t be older than 10 years from its original issue date.

You’ll need personal information including your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, date and place of birth, current home address and your parents’ first names. Gather your email address and phone number before starting the application.

The form asks for your intended destination, so have your Malta address ready whether it’s a hotel in Valletta, a rental property in Sliema or a friend’s home in Mdina. You’ll also provide details about your educational level and current occupation.

Background questions cover criminal convictions, travel to conflict zones and whether authorities in any country have previously required you to leave their territory. Answer these questions honestly as false information leads to automatic refusal.

Keep a debit or credit card handy for the €20 application fee. Under-18s and over-70s don’t pay this fee, nor do family members of EU citizens with free movement rights.

Completing the ETIAS Application Form

Access the official ETIAS portal through the designated website or download the mobile app once the system launches in late 2026. The application works the same way for Malta as it does for short-term stays in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands or Luxembourg.

The form divides into clear sections covering personal data, travel document details, education and employment information, travel plans and security questions. Take your time entering your passport number since this links directly to your travel authorisation.

Common mistakes cause serious problems at borders. Don’t confuse the number ‘0’ with the letter ‘O’ when typing your passport number, and triple-check that every character matches your physical document exactly.

Use an email address that you personally control and check regularly. The ETIAS system sends all communications to this address throughout your authorisation’s three-year validity period, so avoid using temporary email accounts or addresses you might lose access to.

The final section requires you to declare that all information is accurate and that you understand the entry conditions for Malta and other participating countries. You’ll confirm that border officials may request supporting documents when you arrive.

Processing Times and What to Expect

The system processes most applications within minutes of submission. You’ll receive an email confirming receipt with your unique application number, which you should save for future reference.

Some applications require extended processing of up to 96 hours. Authorities may request additional documentation within this timeframe, giving you 10 days to provide what they need.

Interview requests happen rarely but add up to 30 days to the process. Consular officials conduct these interviews either at the nearest consulate or online, then issue a decision within 48 hours.

Apply well before booking flights or accommodation to avoid complications. Countries like Canada operate similar systems, and experienced travellers know that early application prevents last-minute stress.

Application Fees and Payment Exemptions

Standard applications cost €20 for all adults between 18 and 70 years old. This fee converts to approximately £17-18 depending on current exchange rates.

Children under 18 don’t pay the application fee regardless of whether they’re infants or teenagers. Adults over 70 also receive automatic fee exemption when they enter their date of birth.

Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with European free movement rights apply without paying the fee. The system verifies this status during the application process.

Refused applications don’t qualify for refunds. The €20 fee covers processing costs whether authorities approve or reject your travel authorisation.

Understanding Your Malta ETIAS Authorisation

Your Malta ETIAS authorisation grants multiple-entry access to 30 European countries for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The system calculates your allowed stay as 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all participating countries, with special rules applying to Cyprus.

Validity Period and Multiple Entries

ETIAS authorisations last for three years from the approval date or until your passport’s expiration date. If your passport expires in two years, your ETIAS also expires in two years regardless of when you received approval.

You can enter Malta and other participating countries as many times as you want during the validity period. There’s no limit on the number of trips, only on the total days spent in the region.

The 90/180-day rule tracks your presence across all 30 ETIAS countries as a single calculation. Spending 30 days in Malta, 20 days in Spain and 15 days in Greece uses 65 of your 90 allowed days within the current 180-day window.

Renew your authorisation by applying up to 120 days before your current one expires. The system sends email reminders as your expiration date approaches.

What Your ETIAS Allows in Malta

Your authorisation covers tourism, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings or conferences, and participating in short educational courses. You can explore Valletta’s historic streets, relax on Golden Bay, dive in Gozo’s Blue Hole or attend corporate events in Sliema.

ETIAS grants access to all Maltese territory including the main island, Gozo and Comino. You don’t need separate permissions for different islands or regions within the country.

ETIAS doesn’t permit work, long-term study or establishing residence in Malta. If you want to work remotely, teach English, study at the University of Malta or retire permanently, you need different visas or permits entirely separate from ETIAS.

When Your ETIAS Needs Updating

Apply for a new ETIAS whenever you receive a new passport since the authorisation links directly to your passport number. Name changes through marriage, deed poll or any other process also require fresh applications.

Report lost or stolen passports to local police immediately, then contact your nearest consulate to request emergency travel documents. Once you receive your new passport, apply for a new ETIAS before attempting to travel.

Changed nationality requires a new application reflecting your updated citizenship status. If you lose access to the email address you used in your original application, consider applying again with your current email to ensure you receive important notifications about your authorisation status.

Travelling to Malta with ETIAS: Practical Considerations

Travelling to Malta with ETIAS involves electronic verification at check-in and border control, though having a valid ETIAS doesn’t guarantee automatic entry if you fail to meet other requirements.

Understanding what happens at each stage of your journey and knowing your rights when problems arise helps you navigate the new system confidently.

At the Airport: What to Expect

Airlines verify your ETIAS electronically during check-in by scanning your passport and checking the system database. You don’t need to print anything or show physical documents beyond your passport.

Carry the same passport you used when applying for ETIAS. Using a different passport, even if it’s also a valid United Kingdom passport, will show no authorisation in the system and staff will deny boarding.

Check-in agents can see your ETIAS status instantly but can’t override refusals or system errors. If problems appear during check-in, contact ETIAS support immediately rather than arguing with airline staff who lack authority to make exceptions.

Keep your ETIAS application number saved in your email or phone in case you need to reference it. Most travellers pass through check-in within minutes once the system confirms their authorisation.

At Malta Border Control

Border guards verify your ETIAS status electronically whilst conducting standard immigration checks. They’ll ask about your visit purpose, accommodation location and planned departure date.

Carry supporting documents beyond your passport and ETIAS. Bring proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings or a letter from friends hosting you, return or onward flight tickets, evidence of sufficient funds and travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

Guards can refuse entry even with valid ETIAS if you can’t demonstrate you meet entry conditions. Security concerns, insufficient funds, vague travel plans or contradictory information all trigger closer scrutiny and potential refusal.

Entry refusal happens at the officer’s discretion based on national security laws and immigration rules. Answer questions clearly and honestly, stay calm and provide requested documents promptly.

Refusals, Appeals and Problem-Solving

ETIAS applications get refused when you’ve used a passport reported lost or stolen, when authorities assess you as a security or illegal immigration risk, or when you provide incomplete or false information. 

Missing an interview appointment or failing to submit requested documentation within deadlines also triggers refusal.

Refusal notifications explain the specific reasons and include appeal procedures, the competent authority’s contact details and deadlines for submitting appeals. 

The country that processed your application handles appeals, which might be Finland, Romania, Bulgaria or any other participating nation rather than Malta itself.

Previous refusal doesn’t automatically cause future refusals. You can reapply after addressing the issues that caused the initial rejection.

Limited validity ETIAS exists for urgent humanitarian situations including funerals, court appearances or medical emergencies. Apply through normal channels but indicate the urgent circumstances requiring immediate travel.

Third-Party Applications and Scam Warnings

Commercial intermediaries can apply on your behalf for additional fees beyond the standard €20 charge. Both you and the intermediary must sign a declaration of representation authorising them to submit your application.

Scam websites exploit travellers from visa-exempt countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and others by charging £100 or more for services that should cost €20. These fraudulent sites mimic official designs, use similar domain names and appear legitimate in search results.

Red flags include pressure tactics claiming limited availability, requests for unnecessary documents like employment contracts or bank statements, and failure to provide your unique application number. Legitimate applications always result in a confirmation email sent directly to your personal address with an official application number.

Use only the official ETIAS website or mobile app to avoid scams. Verify you receive confirmation at your personal email address and never share your application number with third parties claiming they need it to ‘expedite’ processing.

Your Malta Journey Starts with Smart Preparation

UK travellers need ETIAS for Malta starting in late 2026, but the straightforward online process costs just €20 and most applications receive approval within minutes. 

You don’t need to act yet since the EU will announce the exact launch date months beforehand, giving you plenty of time to apply through the official website once the system goes live. 

Bookmark the official ETIAS portal, check your passport remains valid for at least three months beyond your departure date and plan to apply well before booking flights or accommodation. 

Avoid third-party websites charging excessive fees, keep your confirmation email safe, and remember that the separate EES will register your biometric data at borders.

Malta remains as accessible and welcoming as ever. ETIAS simply adds one quick digital step to your pre-travel checklist.