Malta Passport Rules for UK Travellers
Quick answer: Malta follows Schengen passport rules. Your passport should be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area.
Malta travel requirements at a glance
Date of issue must be less than 10 years before the day you arrive.
Expiry date must be at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.
Most short tourist and business trips are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) records fingerprints and a photo at the border on your first visit.
Official source: GOV.UK Malta entry requirements.
Passport rules: quick summary
- Malta does not usually use a 6-month passport rule for British citizen tourist visits.
- Check both the passport issue date and expiry date before booking or travelling.
- If you visit several Schengen countries, count the date you finally leave the Schengen area.
- You may need to show onward travel, accommodation or funds at border control.
Do you need 6 months on your passport for Malta?
For a normal British citizen tourist trip, the key rule is not a blanket 6-month rule. Malta uses the Schengen rule: less than 10 years old on arrival and at least 3 months left after leaving Schengen.
This is why some passports that still have months left can fail the check if the issue date is too old.
How to count your dates
Use your arrival date for the 10-year issue check. Use the date you leave the Schengen area for the 3-month expiry check.
If you enter Malta on 10 July 2027 and leave Schengen on 20 July 2027, your passport should be issued after 10 July 2017 and expire on or after 20 October 2027.
90 days in any 180 days
British citizens can usually visit Malta and the wider Schengen area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Previous Schengen visits count, so a long trip or several short trips close together can use up your allowance.
Border checks and travel documents
At Maltese border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, where you are staying and that you have enough money for your visit.
Always check the latest official guidance before travel, especially if you are working, studying, travelling with children or staying longer than a normal holiday.
Check your passport now
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Planning a winter trip?
- Best winter sun destinations – Temperatures from November to March and passport rules
Frequently asked questions
Does Malta require 6 months on a UK passport?
Not usually for standard British citizen tourist visits. Malta follows Schengen passport rules: less than 10 years old on arrival and at least 3 months valid after leaving Schengen.
Does the 10-year rule apply to Malta?
Yes. Your passport issue date must be less than 10 years before the date you arrive.
Can I visit Malta without a visa?
British citizens can usually visit Malta and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, business meetings and short study or training.