Malta at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Yes |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Not available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Not available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | None |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Valletta processes nonimmigrant visas, while immigrant visas for Maltese residents are processed at the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Italy. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Malta right now
- Malta has no E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S., so treaty trader and investor visas are not available to its nationals.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Malta
ESTA / Visa WaiverVisit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTAH-1B visaWork visa for specialty jobs, sponsored by a U.S. employerL-1 visaTransfer to a U.S. office of your multinational employerO-1 visaWork visa for people with extraordinary ability or achievementMarriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouseGreen card lottery (DV)Yearly random drawing for green cards from lower-immigration countries
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Malta visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
Yes. Malta is in the Visa Waiver Program, so its citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.
Can people from Malta get an E-2 investor visa?
Not on Malta nationality alone: there is no E-2 treaty between Malta and the United States. Some people qualify through a second nationality from a treaty country, or use other paths such as EB-5.
Can people from Malta enter the green card lottery?
Malta was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Malta have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Valletta processes nonimmigrant visas, while immigrant visas for Maltese residents are processed at the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Italy.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Malta?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Europe
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.