There has been a lot of news this year about the new EU travel rules for the many holders of non-EU passports. The European Commission has just confirmed the details of what is known as the EU Travel Information Clearance System (ETIAS), which is already based on the US visa-free travel system. United States and Canada. The ETIAS arrangement means that visitors to Europe will have to complete an online form before their arrival, giving at least 72 hours notice. The app will also cost € 5 for people over 18, and once approved, will allow the visitor to visit any Schengen country or up to 90 days. The single application per person will last 5 years before having to be requested again. But you do not have to hurry to apply now because ETIAS will not start until the beginning of 2020.
Is Malta's ETIAS fair for EU countries? What about Schengen?
Malta is both in Schengen and the EU, like most Schengen countries. There is a lot of overlap between the rules for both groups. Basically, the main difference is that the Schengen Agreement only concerns border arrangements like the ETIAS system. The EU is much more than just immigration rules.
It is very likely that if you are a non-European and want to visit a Schengen country you will have to register using the ETIAS. This means just about every country in the EU, including Malta. It seems unlikely that ETIAS will be used for non-Schengen EU countries like Ireland. Britain is another non-Schengen member of the EU, but is expected to be out of the EU by 2020.
What does Malta look like for visitors?
Many people visit Malta because there are many things to do as a destination. It lies in the middle of the Mediterranean, south of the Italian island of Sicily and has had a long and interesting history as it lies squarely across the old trade routes. It has a typical Mediterranean climate, hot and dry in summer, cool and wet in winter.
Valletta is the capital of Malta's largest island of the same name. It has a huge harbor and the city has a lot to see in terms of historic buildings as well as having a modern shopping center. The ancient Maltese capital is Mdina, which sits at the top of a hill in the middle of the island. It is also called the "silent city", although this term best describes it when crowds of tourists disperse at the end of the day! The city is best known for its fantastic medieval architecture.
Malta consists of three inhabited islands with Gozo and Kemmuna smaller and more rural than the main island, but still worth visiting for the combination of history, rural tranquility and coastal views.
Will I need a Malta ETIAS if I go to Malta?
It depends on your nationality. If you are traveling directly to Malta and do not have a passport issued by an EU or Schengen country, you may need an ETIAS permit (from 2020) or a visa Schengen complete. There are about 60 countries at present whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Malta (or anywhere else in Schengen). This will change when ETIAS is officially introduced. If you are one of these groups, you can check here if you will need a Schengen visa or if you need an ETIAS in the future. It is important to note that for those who need an ETIAS, you have nothing to do before 2020. If you are a citizen of another non-European country, you must already apply for a visa before arriving in a Schengen country. is unlikely to change when ETIAS starts.