
An ETIAS for British citizens will become mandatory by mid-2025 for short stays in Malta. While many British travelers will need this authorization, certain exemptions apply.
Understanding the ETIAS validity, application process, required information, and potential delays is crucial for smooth travel. Additional requirements for entering Malta include a valid passport and proof of funds.
Keep your ETIAS information updated and be prepared for contingencies like lost passports. Read on to ensure a hassle-free trip to Malta and other European destinations.

Do I need an ETIAS when traveling to Malta?
Starting mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is required for British travelers going to Malta and other countries in the Schengen Area. This requirement applies to short-term visits of 90 days or less.
However, the following British citizens are exempted from applying for an ETIAS travel authorization:
- Dual citizens of the UK and Malta, as long as they use their Maltese passport.
- Holders of a residence permit, card, or document issued by Malta or other European countries that require ETIAS.
I finished my European trip and want to travel again. Do I need to apply for another ETIAS?
No, you do not need to apply for a new ETIAS for every trip to Malta or other European countries.
Your ETIAS travel authorization lasts for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. During this time, you are free to come and go as you please, as long as you adhere to the maximum length of stay allowed.
When should I apply for an ETIAS?
It is highly recommended that you apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before making any travel arrangements. Typically, applications are processed swiftly, usually within a few minutes or up to 96 hours.
However, in certain cases, you might be asked for more details or documents, or even have to do an interview with authorities, which could extend the process by up to 30 days.
What information will I need for my ETIAS application?
You will need to provide the following details in your ETIAS application:
- Your name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, home address, email, and phone number.
- Your parents’ first names.
- Details about your passport or any other travel documents you will be using.
- Your current level of education and what you do for work.
- The country you are planning to visit first and the address where you will be staying.
- Any past criminal convictions, visits to war zones, or if you have been asked to return to a country recently.
- If you have a family member who is a citizen of a European country or a third-country national with EU rights, you will need to provide their personal information and your relationship with them.
- If someone else is applying for you, they will need to provide their name, contact info, and relationship to you.
Why did I not receive my ETIAS right away?
In some cases, it might take a bit longer to process your ETIAS application. You can expect to hear back within 96 hours about whether your ETIAS has been approved, denied, or if authorities need more information or documents from you.
If the authorities do need more from you, you will have an extra 10 days to submit them. Once you have provided the additional documents, the authorities will let you know within 96 hours if your travel authorization has been approved or not.
In some cases, you might be asked to come in for an interview. This can either happen at the Consulate nearest to you or online.
You will coordinate the specifics directly with the relevant Consulate. The authorities will then decide on your application within 48 hours after the interview.
What other requirements do I need to enter Malta?
Aside from a valid ETIAS travel authorization, the following documents are required to enter Malta:
- A British passport with an expiry date of at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen area.
- A return onward ticket proving that you will leave Malta before the 90-day limit.
- Proof of enough money for your stay in Malta.
Can I apply for an ETIAS even if my passport is about to expire in three months?
It is strongly recommended that you avoid travel if your passport is expiring soon.
Although you can still apply for an ETIAS travel authorization with a passport that has less than three months of validity left from the date of application, you may face refusal at the border unless you have compelling reasons for entry, such as humanitarian grounds.
I already have an ETIAS, but I changed my personal information before it expired. What should I do?
The ETIAS travel authorization is connected to your passport. If you have updated your passport with changes to your name, surname, gender, or nationality, you will need to request a new ETIAS travel authorization.
I lost my passport with a valid ETIAS while traveling. What should I do?
It is important to let the local police know if your passport is lost or stolen. This ensures proper documentation of the incident. When your passport is reported missing, your ETIAS travel authorization will be automatically canceled.
To get back on track, reach out to the British Consulate. They will assist you in getting a new passport.
Once you have a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization. Remember to include the details of your new passport in your application.
I need to go to Malta on an urgent matter. Do I need to apply for an ETIAS?
Even if you have to travel to Malta on short notice, it is essential to make sure you have a valid ETIAS travel authorization.
Although it is best to apply ahead of time, most applications get processed within minutes. Even if you are applying last-minute, chances are you will still get approval in time.
With the ETIAS launching next year, it is important to keep up with the latest news to avoid any inconveniences with your application. You might also want to check our country guides if you’re traveling to other European countries aside from Malta.