General Information (FAQs)
Q: I am planning to visit the United States. Do I need a visa?
A: Effective December 30, 2008, Maltese citizens are eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program if the following conditions are met:
All travelers from countries who joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008 – including Malta, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Korea – are required to have a biometric passport in order to travel to the U.S. without a visa.
Citizens of prior Visa Waiver Program participant countries – including Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (must be British Citizens not British Subjects) – must be in possession of a Machine Readable Passport that meets the following guidelines.
Q: What documents do I need to present to apply for a visa?
A: Please click here for How to Apply for a U.S. Visa.
Q: Which forms do I need to complete and where can I obtain them?
A: Please click here to access forms needed for a U.S. Visa application
Q: How much do I have to pay at the bank?
A: Please click here for a list of fees. Payments must be made at the Bank of Valletta prior to applying for a visa. Applicants must bring an original receipt with them when applying for a visa. Click here for more information on How to Apply for a U.S. Visa.
Q: Do children have to pay the same application fee as adults?
A: Yes, the fee is the same for all applicants, irrespective of age.
Q: How long does it take for the visa to be issued?
A: It generally takes 5 working days. For a list of typical visa wait times at US Embassy Malta and other US Embassies/Consulates, click here. Note: Many factors, such as the need for special clearances, incomplete applications, and fraud investigations may influence the processing of individual visa cases. Processing times listed are averages. The timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.
Q: Can I work/study in the U.S. with this visa?
A: The B1/B2 visa is for business and pleasure only. You may not engage in any type of employment, paid or otherwise, with this type of visa. Should you wish to take up employment or enroll as a student in an educational institution in the U.S., you need to have the appropriate visa that allows these activities. Staff at the Consular Section will be able to advise you of the requirements to obtain different kinds of visas. Click here for information on categories of visas for temporary visits to the United States.
Q: I have a multiple and indefinite visa on my old passport; can you transfer this over to my new passport?
A: The "multiple and indefinite visa" you have on your old passport has been superseded by a new type of visa that contains more information and is usually valid for 10 years in the case of Maltese citizens. Therefore you will need to apply for a new visa.
Q: I have a valid ten-year visa, however my passport has expired and I have to renew it. Do I have to reapply for a new visa?
A: The visa remains valid till the date it actually expires, even though the passport that it is affixed to is now cancelled. You will need to carry both passports when you travel to the U.S.; i.e., the old passport with the valid visa and the new passport. Please note that this applies only if all your personal details have remained unchanged. In the case of applicants whose surname has changed, a new visa needs to be obtained.
Q: My children have a valid ten-year visa on my passport, however they now have their own passport. Can they travel with that visa since we are travelling together?
A: No, visas affixed to parents' passports are no longer valid once applicants have their own passport. A new application needs to be submitted and the old visas cancelled.
Q: I have a valid visa on my old passport, however I have now changed my surname to reflect my married status. Can I still use the visa?
A: The visa should always reflect the exact details on your passport; if your surname has changed that visa is no longer valid. You will need to apply for a new visa reflecting your name change.
Q: What are your opening hours?
A: The consular section is open to American citizens on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00 am to 11.00 am and open for visa services on Wenesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 am., except on Maltese and American public holidays. Only genuine emergencies will be seen outside those hours at the discretion of the Consul. Applicants should not purchase airline tickets or commit themselves financially with any non-refundable bookings prior to obtaining a visa.
Visa Services
Frequently Asked Questions
