EntryCompass

PhilippinesMalta

Entry requirements for Tourism travel

Do Philippines citizens need a visa for Malta? For tourism travel, the current rule is visa required, with a permitted stay of up to 90 days per visit. This tourism rule was last checked against an official government source — Identity Malta — Central Visa Unit, on 2026-09-12. It applies to Philippines passport holders, but the exact conditions granted on the day can still differ, so keep the requirements below — and the official source in the sidebar — handy when you plan your trip.

Here you need to obtain a visa before travelling, usually through the official embassy, consulate, or application centre, or an official online portal. Start early — processing times vary — and avoid non-refundable bookings until the visa is approved.

Before you travel — tourism checklist

  • Apply for (and receive) your visaYou need a visa for this route — book travel only after you receive the decision.
  • Passport valid and checkedPassport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area Passport issued within the last 10 years At least one blank page for the visa sticker
  • Return or onward ticket bookedBorder control can ask to see proof of your return or onward travel.
  • Accommodation confirmedHave your booking confirmation (or invitation) ready — it can be requested at the border.
  • Supporting documents preparedFunds, itinerary and ties-to-home evidence are listed under the evidence sections on this page.
  • Travel insurance arrangedInsurance cover is a listed document requirement for this route.

Every item is derived from the verified requirements on this page — tick them off before you go.

Visa requiredUp to 90 daysShort-stay Schengen visa (type C)

Entry requirements · Tourism travel

Passport requirements

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
  • Passport issued within the last 10 years
  • At least one blank page for the visa sticker

How to apply

  1. Complete your application on the official Malta visa portal if available, then attend an appointment at a diplomatic mission of Malta (embassy or consulate) or an accredited visa application centre covering your country of residence
  2. Complete the application form and book an appointment; biometric data (fingerprint scan and photo) are collected in person
  3. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip
  4. Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 (standard short-stay Schengen visa fee for Malta)
  5. Receive the decision — normally within 15 calendar days from the application date
  6. Check the validity period and the number of entries granted on the visa before you travel

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • Completed and signed application form
  • Recent passport photo (ICAO standard)
  • Travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000 covering the whole Schengen area
  • Proof of accommodation for the stay
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and the return journey

Supporting evidence

  • Documents justifying the purpose and conditions of the stay
  • Evidence of employment, studies or ties to your home country (may be requested)

Financial evidence

  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and for the return journey

Evidence of genuine temporary stay / ties

If applicable
  • Evidence of genuine intention to leave before the visa expires (may be requested)

Accommodation or invitation evidence

If applicable
  • Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a personal invitation

Translation requirements

  • Provide documents in English, or in the official language of the destination, or with an official translation

Conditions & restrictions

  • Maximum stay equals the period and entries granted on the visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
  • The visa is valid for the Schengen area, so the same conditions apply across all Schengen countries
  • Malta uses the European Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders; since 12 October 2025 short-stay entry and exit of third-country (non-EU) nationals is registered digitally, with the system fully operational since 10 April 2026.
  • ETIAS does not apply to this route — a visa is required
  • A short-stay visa does not give the right to paid work

Nationals of Philippines need a short-stay visa to visit Malta for tourism. Apply for a Schengen visa (type C) at a diplomatic mission of Malta (embassy or consulate) or an accredited visa application centre covering your country of residence; the standard fee is EUR 90. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, decisions are normally issued within 15 calendar days, and medical travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000 is required. Re-verified on 2026-09-12 against official Malta and EU sources.

Planning your trip to Malta

Practical notes about Malta — checked as part of this page for tourism travellers.

Getting around Malta

Malta is tiny (about 316 km²) and the main island of 246 km² — the capital Valletta, the historic Three Cities, and the old harbours are all within minutes of each other. Buses run on a flat-fare, tap-on network across the islands; the ferry to the sister island of Gozo departs from Ċirkewwa. Car rental is possible but driving is on the left, roads are narrow, and parking in Valletta is very limited — many visitors prefer the bus or walking.

A day trip to Gozo (Via From the ferry) and the tiny island of Comino with its famous Blue Lagoon are musts; if you hire a car for that, check the return-ferry times carefully.

When to visit Malta

April, May and October offer the best balance: sunny, very warm, and less crowded than summer. July and August are the height of the season — very hot (often 30–35°C), full buses, and the best sea conditions for swimming. The sea around the islands is warm well into October.

Winter is mild and quiet, with fewer ferries and some outdoor venues closing; it is a good-value time to explore Valletta's museums and churches. The festas — fiestas in villages held year-round on parish-dedication days — are a beloved local tradition.

Eating and drinking

Maltese food reflects Mediterranean history: fresh fish, rabbit (stuffat tal-fenek), pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), bragioli (stuffed beef olives), and sweet, soft puddings. The coffee culture is lively, and the island also produces its own wines (from Gellewza and other local grapes).

English menus are everywhere, and the local "Kinnie" (citrus and aromatic-herb soft drink) is a refreshing non-alcoholic classic. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated at restaurants.

Money and local customs

Malta uses the euro. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, and cash is common in smaller bars and village feasts. An ATM is easy to find in towns.

Maltese and English are both official, so getting around is easy. The people are warm and family-centred; a "bonswa" or "bonġu" greeting is appreciated. Keep your passport accessible, as accommodation registers guests at check-in.

More about Malta →

Common questions

Do Philippines citizens need a visa for Malta?+

Visa required. Permitted stay: up to 90 days.

What documents do I need to enter Malta?+

Valid passport. Completed and signed application form. Recent passport photo (ICAO standard). Travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000 covering the whole Schengen area. Proof of accommodation for the stay. Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and the return journey.

How far in advance should I apply for the visa?+

You can apply up to 6 months before your trip.

What passport validity is required to enter Malta?+

Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area; Passport issued within the last 10 years; At least one blank page for the visa sticker.

Are there any restrictions for entering Malta?+

Maximum stay equals the period and entries granted on the visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)

Any additional conditions for entering Malta?+

The visa is valid for the Schengen area, so the same conditions apply across all Schengen countries

Any additional conditions for entering Malta?+

Malta uses the European Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders; since 12 October 2025 short-stay entry and exit of third-country (non-EU) nationals is registered digitally, with the system fully operational since 10 April 2026.

Any additional conditions for entering Malta?+

ETIAS does not apply to this route — a visa is required

How long can Philippines citizens stay in Malta?+

The permitted stay for tourism travel is up to 90 days. The exact period granted depends on the entry decision at the border.

Where can I check the official Malta visa and entry rules?+

This information was last verified on 2026-09-12 against an official government source: Identity Malta — Central Visa Unit (https://www.identitymalta.com/).

Related resources

Philippines travellers — other destinations

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