The ETIAS Malta visa for U.S. citizens
Citizens of the United States will be required to present an ETIAS visa when travelling to Malta. It will be possible to apply for and obtain the ETIAS visa online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your visa via e-mail once the application is approved. The ETIAS visa will allow U.S. citizens to enter Malta for tourism, work, transit, or medical purposes, provided that the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple trips made by air, sea, or land. Moreover, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Malta for U.S. citizens?
ETIAS permit will come into force in November 2023, as part of a program of the European Commission aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people travelling to the territories of the European Schengen Area. After some terrorist attacks that affected some European countries, this program was already approved in 2016. In the last years, data sharing between countries in the European Union has been expanded, allowing for the creation of the ETIAS visa system, that connects the applications for this visa with already existing databases.
How does ETIAS Malta visa work for U.S. citizens
Starting from 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Malta. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS permit, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen permit, at the embassy or consulate of Malta, respecting timing and requirements for the visa they are applying for. Once issued, ETIAS has a duration of 3 years, and can be used for multiple entries in Malta and other Member countries of Schengen Area, as long as each trip has a duration of less than 90 days. In order to get your approved ETIAS in time for the trip, it is recommended to apply for ETIAS at least 4 days in advance. If ETIAS is denied, you can still apply for a Schengen permit at the embassy or consulate of Malta or present an appeal to the country that denied ETIAS.
ETIAS destinations for U.S. citizens
From November 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for U.S. citizens to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, U.S. citizens will not have to obtain ETIAS visa to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these countries are not Schengen Area members yet. However, these countries may enter the Schengen Area in the future, so please keep updated with the visa requirements.
ETIAS visa requirements for Americans and how to apply
To apply for ETIAS, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you are not entitled to an American passport, you will require a Schengen visa.
ETIAS permit application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, you will also have to pay a 7 euros fee, applicable to all citizens aged between 18 and 70 years, using a credit or debit card. In general, most ETIAS are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and the approved ETIAS will be sent via e-mail as a PDF file.
How much does the ETIAS visa cost for Americans
The ETIAS application for Americans has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens with an age between 18 and 70 years, which has to be paid at the end of the online application process, using a credit or debit card. Citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age are entitled to apply for the ETIAS visa free of charge.
About Malta
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a Southern European archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of the main island of Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. It’s nearest neighbors are Italy, Tunisia, and Libya.
It has an area of 316 sq. km and is one of the smallest countries in Europe. With a population of 429,000, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The official languages are Maltese and English, Italian is also spoken by most of the population. The major religion is Christianity, and the currency is the euro.
The capital city of Valletta is the smallest national capital in the E.U. It is the Capital of Culture 2018. Malta is a popular destination for tourists with numerous recreational areas, architectural monuments, historical monuments, and a warm climate.
The main island of Malta has three natural harbors.
- The Grand Harbour
- Marsamxett Harbour
- Marsaxlokk Harbour
There are also two man-made harbors.
Malta annually receives three times more tourists per year than it has residents. There is good infrastructure for tourists with a number of hotels, but the destruction of traditional housing and overdevelopment is a growing problem.
Malta International Airport is the only airport that serves the Maltese islands. There is a three times daily floatplane between Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and Grand Harbour’s sea terminal.
Malta at a glance
Capital: Valletta
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Maltese 90.1%, English 6%, Multilingual 3%, Other 0.9%
Area: 316 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 403,000
Calling Code: +356
Travel in Malta
Summer is the peak season to visit Malta, but many visitors prefer to go in the Spring and Fall when the weather is milder, but still suitable for sunbathing and swimming. The country boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
The weather is a big draw for the tourists, so too are the crystalline waters which are the cleanest in the region. The water clarity makes it one of the best places to go diving and snorkeling in the Mediterranean.
Many of the beaches are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, and they operate flag safety systems. Visitors to the island should familiarize themselves with the system and follow any warnings displayed: red flags always indicate dangerous or hazardous conditions.
If there are no lifeguards, signs or flags, visitors should take extra care. Follow the local advice in case of jellyfish.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Malta is its extraordinary seven thousand years of history. Malta has a greater concentration of historical sights than any other country. Travelers come just to explore some of the oldest stone structures in the world known to man.
Malta is home to seven major music festivals over the summer
- Malta World Music Festival
- Earth Garden
- Ghanafest
- Malta International Arts Festival
- Farsons Beer Festival
- Isle of MTV and Malta Music Week
- Malta Jazz Festival
- Glitch Festival
- The Bubble
The US and Malta
Malta and the U.S.A enjoy good relations. They are close partners on regional issues concerning North Africa and Europe.
Malta currently hosts the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law. Malta has been an active partner in helping combat transnational crime in the Mediterranean.
The U.S. and Malta both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
There are no direct flights to Malta from the U.S. There are however numerous flights from other European countries. Ferries are frequent and provide an alternative journey to Malta.
Malta makes an ideal single destination vacation spot: it is also practical to make it part of a multi-destination vacation.
Malta is a member of the Schengen group of countries. When the ETIAS scheme of travel authorization starts in 2021, all travelers with an ETIAS for one country will automatically be able to visit other countries within the Schengen zone.
Most countries within the E.U. are also members of the Schengen group.
This makes it entirely possible for travelers from the U.S.A. to experience the entire European tour in just one trip.
Faq about ETIAS Malta visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Malta
The Embassy of USA in Malta
Address: Ta’ Qali National Park Attard, ATD 4000
Phone: (356) 2561 4000
Fax: (356) 21 243229
Email: usembmalta@state.gov
Facts: Mark A. Schapiro – Ambassador
The Embassy of Malta in Washington, USA
Address: 2017 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Phone: (202) 462-3611
Fax: (202) 387-5470
Email: maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt
Facts: Keith Azzopardi – Ambassador
Consulate of Malta in Rhode Island, USA
Address: Newport Country Chamber of Commerce 35 Valley Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, USA
Phone: 001(404) 234 3589
Email: christopher@christopherhyland.net
Consulate of Malta in Dallas, USA
Address: University of Texas at Dallas 800 Campbell Road, Mail Station SM24, Richardson TX 75080-3021
Phone: 001 (972) 883 4785
Fax: 001 (972) 883 4780
Email: maltaconsul.dallas@gov.mt
Consulate of Malta in Seattle, USA
Address: 2445 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL, 33022-2480
Phone: (954) 925.1100
Fax: (954) 925.1101
Email: office@austrianconsulatemiami.com