How to apply for a US ESTA as a Maltese citizen

If you’re from Malta and planning a visit to the United States, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Let’s break down what it is and how to apply as a Maltese citizen.

What is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)?

The ESTA is an automated system used to check your eligibility to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It helps ensure that visitors don’t pose any law enforcement or security risk.

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from designated countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. The VWP is managed by the US Department of Homeland Security and simplifies entry for travelers from countries like Malta.

Do Maltese citizens need an ESTA to visit the US?

Yes, Maltese citizens must apply for an ESTA to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program for short-term tourism or business trips.

If you already have a valid visa, you can travel using that visa for the purpose for which it was issued. In that case, you won’t need an ESTA.

Learn more about the US ESTA

iVisa pro tip: Know when an ESTA might not be enough If you've visited or been in Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen at any time since March 1, 2011, you might not qualify for an ESTA and may need to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa. For more details, please contact the nearest US embassy.

US ESTA difficulty rating: Easy (14/100)

The US ESTA application includes 32 questions and only requires a Maltese passport as the main document. We’ve designed our platform to guide you through this in around 15 minutes, saving you time and reducing the chance of mistakes.

What do I need for the US ESTA?

To apply for your US ESTA, you’ll need:

• Maltese passport: You must have a valid electronic passport with a digital chip that contains your biometric information.

• Email address: Your ESTA will be electronically linked to your passport, but you may still need a PDF copy to show at immigration when you arrive in the US. We’ll send this to you via email, so remember to save a digital copy on your mobile device as well as print it out before you leave.

• Means of payment: You’ll need a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo to pay the application fees.

How long is the US ESTA valid for?

The ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued. It allows for multiple entries to the US, with each visit capped at 90 days. This flexibility is ideal for frequent travelers or those planning longer stays within the validity period.

How can a Maltese citizen apply for the US ESTA?

Applying for the US ESTA through our platform is simple and clear. Here’s what to do:

Step 1:Go to the iVisa website or use the [iVisa app]. Enter your personal and travel information.

Step 2: Double-check your details for any mistakes. Choose your preferred processing time and pay the fees using a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

Step 3: Finish the application by uploading a scan of your passport, then submit it.

We’ll send your ESTA to your email once it’s issued. The average processing time is around 24 hours.

What makes iVisa the right choice?

Applying for a US ESTA can feel overwhelming, but with our expert guidance and simplified approach, we make it easy. Our team’s experience has helped us achieve an approval rate of over 95% for Maltese travelers.

We focus on preventing common issues that could cause delays and handle the details for you. With thousands of successful applications under our belt, you can trust us to make your experience stress-free.

"I appreciated that iVisa didn’t overcomplicate things. The steps were clear, and I knew exactly what to expect from start to finish. Definitely a helpful service for travelers." – Giulia, Malta

With iVisa, you get:

Multi-Language applications: iVisa has multi-language applications if English isn’t your first language.

To take your time: You can pause your application and resume whenever you want without losing your progress.

Human customer service: We have human customer service agents available 24/7.

Passport scan options: You can easily upload your passport information with iVisa and don’t need a phone that’s NFC enabled. Plus, our team reviews your applications to ensure everything is compliant with government standards.

A quicker, easier process: Complete your application in fewer steps, without face scanning or a security code.

Got questions? We’re here to help

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to the US and the US ESTA application. Contact us any time via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.