Passport Office
The Passport Office issues a Maltese passport to Maltese citizens and assists Maltese Embassies, Maltese High Commissions and Consulates abroad. On 30th September 2008, the first Maltese biometric passport was issued, bringing Malta in line with EU legislation and becoming part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Subsequently, on 28th June 2010, the Malta Passport Office initialised the process of capturing fingerprints of applicants in accordance with EC Regulation No. 2252/2004. Later this year, Malta will be getting a technologically advanced new passport, making the travel document even safer.
Applying for a Passport
First-time applicants need to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following documents:
- e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Passport Collection
Applicants over 12 years of age need to personally call at the Passport Office to collect the passport. Fingerprints will be captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary. Adults need to present their e-ID card and receipt.
Children under the age of six (6) years:
- They don’t need to visit the Passport Office;
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
- Both parents need to sign Section 6 in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
- Present two (2) identical passport photos taken against a white background (see photo recommendations in the ICAO photo recommendations below for more details regarding the photos), where one (1) of the photos must be signed and endorsed at the back by the same recommender who signed Section 6 and 7 in Form A;
- The endorsement must be as follows: This is a true likeness of (Name and Surname), and ONLY the signature of the recommender underneath;
- Present both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said documents front and back;
- All of the above documentation need to be submitted to the Passport Office by at least one of the parents.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Minors between six (6) and thirteen (13) years:
They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
- Both parents need to sign Section 6 in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
- One (1) passport photo taken against a white background (see photo recommendations in the ICAO photo recommendations below for more details regarding the photos), signed and endorsed at the back by the same recommender who signed Section 6 and 7 in Form A;
- The endorsement must be as follows: This is a true likeness of (Name and Surname), and ONLY the signature of the recommender underneath;
- Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport Office by at least one of the parents;
- Facial biometric image will be taken at the Passport Office; &
- Minors aged twelve (12) years and over will also have their fingerprints captured.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Minors between fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years:
They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
- Both parents have to sign on Section 6, in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
- Minor’s 14+ e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport Office by at least one of the parents; &
- Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be taken at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Minors between sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years:
They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
- Both parents have to sign on Section 6, in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
- Minor’s 16+ e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport Office by at least one of the parents; &
- Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be taken at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Valid Passport
If a minor’s VALID passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the parents need to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed. The above-mentioned steps need to be taken so that a new passport will be issued.
One of the parents, in the name of the minor applicant, would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office.
The oath is charged €11.
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Expired Passport
In the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed expired passport the above-mentioned procedure needs to be followed.
Passport Collection for Minors
The passport needs to be collected by either one of the minor’s parents and present their e-ID Card. Minors aged 12 years and above, need to personally call at the Passport Office in order to collect the passport to have their fingerprints captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary.
A collection passport is issued in favour of approved groups of students, boy scouts, girl guides or members of other recognised youth organisations (under 18 years) travelling with an adult group leader, who has a valid individual passport.
A Collective Passport is issued for groups of not less than five (5) persons and not more than fifty (50).
All the group members must be citizens of Malta and must be travelling and staying together throughout the whole duration. The collection passport fee is €95 and should be paid on application.
The group leader would need to submit the following documents:
- An alphabetical list of the persons travelling, including surname, name, place of birth, date of birth and home address;
- Birth certificate issued by the Public Registry Unit;
- Written consent of the legal guardians or parents of each person;
- Two(2) recent passports size photos of all persons and one (1) of them should be endorsed and signed by a recommender;
- The group leader’s passport for verification.
Fees
The fee for a collective passport is €95, paid upon application.
Last update: 19/05/2020
The Passport Office issues a one-way Travel Document (‘ETD’) to EU Nationals and a Document of Identity to Non-EU nationals. This service is available for tourists, foreign students or foreign residents whom their passport or travelling document/s has been stolen, lost, destroyed, or expired while they are residing in Malta and are going back to their country.
To apply for a one-way travel document, one needs to fill in Form A which can be found in the “Application Forms” section below, and follow the below instructions.
To obtain an ETD, Applicant must visit the Passport Office in person and fill in FORM A as below:
- Adults must fill in sections 1, 2, 7, and 9 from the Form A, and also bring 2 passport sized photos, which one of them has to be signed by a recommender. The applicant also must bring the flight itinerary and any other identification documents available (originals or true copies).
- For children aged 17 and under, section 1, 2, 6, and 7 must be filled in from Form A, and bring 2 passport sized photos, which one of them has to be signed by a recommender. Both parents must be present at the office together with the minor. An original birth certificate of the minor/s must be presented on application. Both parents’ original valid identity documents along with the flight itinerary must be presented.
If both the minor’s parents or one of the parents is not with the minor here in Malta, the minor’s parent/s has to go to the nearest Maltese representation (if there is at the country where they are residing), if there is no Maltese representation in the country where the parent/s is/are residing, he/she/they has/have to go to the nearest EU embassy to sign the consent form for their minor, to give the authority the permission to do him/her this one-way travel document.
If the applicant has lost, destroyed or his/her identification document have been stolen, the holder is required to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is presented with the Form A. The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office.
For the recommender’s signature: We have a number of Foreign Consular Representations here in Malta. An applicant must seek the assistance of his country’s consular representation for recommendation purposes and the relevant authorization letter. If there is no Foreign Consular Representation here in Malta, the Form A and the back of the photos must be recommended by a Maltese professional person that is known by the applicant.
Please note that this service is only offered to applicants whose country has no Embassy in Malta. If the concerned applicants have an Embassy here in Malta, they can seek assistance from their relevant embassy. This document is issued on the clearance of the competent authority and is not issued to Maltese citizens who are in Malta and do not have a passport.
Under governing laws, no means of redress is available against a decision concerning an ETD.
The applicable fee for a one-way travel document is €9. If the identification document has been lost, destroyed or stolen, an extra €11 must be paid for the oath. The Passport Office accepts payments by cash, Credit Card, VISA, Revolut or cheque.
The normal procedure entails that the applicants buy the flight tickets, so their respective authorities are advised, and they always complete the procedure accordingly.
The competent authorities usually always reply and comply. No legal consequences are taken by Passport Office if any applicant needs to take legal action, they do so on their own accord.
The procedure is normally carried out in English as most of the applicants are foreigners.
Most of the competent authorities always send their authorization email in short time. If time is restricted due to an urgent flight, we send reminders to speed the process.
Applicants applying for an adult’s refugee passport should visit the Passport Office and present the following:
- Application form filled and signed by a Maltese recommender;
- One (1) recent photo of the applicant (in colour), taken against a white background, signed and endorsed by a recommender (who should also complete the relevant part in the application form);
- Applicants’ e-Residence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Refcom card issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.
Applicants applying for a child’s refugee passport should visit the Passport Office with their children (six (6) years or over) and present the following:
- Application form filled and signed by both parents;
- Two (2) recent, identical, photos (in colour) of the child, taken against a white background. One (1) of photos must be signed at the back and endorsed by a recommender (who should have also completed the relevant part of the application form);
- Both parents’ eResidence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Refcom cards issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- The child’s passport (if any) if he/she was already issued with a Travel Document;
The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.
Applicants applying for an adult’s alien’s passport should visit the Passport Office and present the following:
- Application form filled and signed by a Maltese recommender;
- One (1) recent photo of the applicant (in colour), taken against a white background, signed and endorsed by a recommender (who should also complete the relevant part in the application form);
- Applicants’ e-Residence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Refcom card issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.
Applicants applying for a child’s alien’s passport should visit the Passport Office with their children (aged six (6) or over) and present the following:
- Application form filled and signed by both parents;
- Two (2) recent, identical, photos (in colour) of the child taken against a white background. One (1) of photos must be signed at the back and endorsed by a recommender (who should have also completed the relevant part of the application form);
- Both parents’ eResidence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Refcom cards issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- The child’s passport (if any) if he/she was already issued with a Travel Document;
The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.
A Second Passport is a passport requested by someone who uses the passport solely for work-related purposes.
To apply for a second passport the applicant need to personally call at the Passport Office, and present the following documents:
- e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, and 9 duly filled;
- A recommendation letter signed by the company’s director stating why the applicant is requesting this passport. If the applicant is the director of the company, this letter has to be written and signed by the company’s notary, lawyer, accountant, or auditor; &
- A photocopy of the e-ID Card / Passport of the person who has signed the recommendation letter.
Please note that this passport will be valid for 10 years, however, restricted for 2 years.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
All applicants need to settle the applicable fees when the applications are submitted. The Passport Office accepts payments by cash, credit cards or cheque.
Applicable Tariffs
Passport type | Validity | Fee | |
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between Sept & March) | 10 years | €70 | |
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between April & August) | 10 years | €80 | |
Passport for Minors age between 10 and 15 years | 5 years | €40 | |
Passport for Minors under 10 years | 2 years | €16 | |
Other services | Fee | ||
Administration of Oaths (for passports only*) | €11 | ||
Arabic Translation | €7 | ||
Collective Passport | €95 | ||
Document of Identity / Emergency Document | €9 | ||
Diplomatic Passport (issued by authority only) | €40 | ||
Refugee Travelling Documents (all ages) | €60 | ||
Aliens’ Passport (all ages) | €60 | ||
Second Passport (issued by special authority) | €135 | ||
Urgent Passport for adults over 16 years (issued within 4 hours) | €140 | ||
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years (issued within 4 hours) | €80 | ||
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued within 4 hours) | €60 | ||
Urgent passport for adults over 16 years
(issued after office hours and only in special cases) |
€185 | ||
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years
(issued after office hours and only in special cases) |
€125 | ||
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years
(issued after office hours and only in special cases) |
€105 |
Adults over the age of eighteen (18) wishing to renew their passport must personally visit the Passport Office and present their:
- e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website) with sections 1, 2, 5 and 9 duly filled.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
In the case of minors, passports are not renewed and minors would need to re apply as if it where their first-time. (Please see application process in the Minors section).
Passport Collection
Applicants over 12 years of age need to personally call at the Passport Office to collect the passport. Fingerprints will be captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary. Adults need to present their e-ID card and receipt.
Renewal of a VALID lost, stolen or destroyed passport for Adults
When a valid passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the holder must personally visit the Passport Office and present the following documents:
- e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7, and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender; &
- Submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office. The oath costs €11.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents are not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Renewal of an EXPIRED lost, stolen, or destroyed passport for Adults
When an expired passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the holder must personally visit the Passport Office and present the following documents:
- e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
The Passport Office offers an emergency service where a passport application is processed in the same day at an extra cost (as indicated above).
Applicants should fill in Form A and notify the Passport Office beforehand by calling (+356) 2590 4100. If all relevant information is correct, the application is processed in four (4) working hours.
If applicants calls before 10:00AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, than they may collect their new passport on the same day. On Wednesdays, the applicant may call till 02:00PM. Requests for an urgent passport lodged after the indicated time or on a Saturday will be processed and ready for collection on the next working day.
This service does not apply if the passport is lost/stolen or was issued for a restricted window period. To urgently replace a lost, stolen or destroyed passport, the applicant must first file a police report. In such cases, the assistance of the Passport Office would be required and the passport would be ready on the next working day.
Requests for a second passport should be made to the Passport Office with the necessary verification documents attached. If such request is turned down by the Passport Office, then the applicant will be reimbursed by cheque on the presentation of receipt.
In case of an emergency outside office hours, the general public is required to contact (depending on the mode of transportation):
• Seaport Immigration,
• Airport Immigration,
• Malta International Airport,
• Sea Terminals, or
• For Medical reasons, one can contact Mater Dei Hospital or any other private hospital.
Our officers will be immediately notified and will provide service during our silent hours for an additional fee if the applicant provides at least four (4) hours of notice prior to his/her departure.
If the applicant’s passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, his or her application cannot be processed outside of business hours.
An original and valid ID card is also required. During silent hours, passports cannot be issued in the absence of a valid original ID card.
If the applicant is unable to call in person at the Passport Office due to severe medical/health reasons, a family member can fill in for him/her. In that case, the applicant would need to fill in Form A and the Image Capture Application Form (which can be downloaded from this website). A recent photo needs to be attached to the latter and the applicant would need to sign in black ink. The applicant should refer to the photo guidelines in Form A and make sure that the photo was taken in the last three (3) months.
The assigned relative calling on his/her behalf should bring along with him/her the following:
- Form A;
- Applicant’s photo;
- Image Capture Application Form;
- Applicant’s existing passport; and
- Applicant’s e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back.
Furthermore, the applicant would need to send a medical certificate (endorsed by a local general practitioner) stating his/her medical condition and the reason for his/her inability to apply and collect his/her passport in person. The relative applying for and collecting his/her passport should be indicated in the medical certificate. The photos and the medical certificate will be kept for record purposes.
The relative applying on his/her behalf must also present his/her e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back when submitting the application on his/her behalf and later on collection.
The Passport Office may refuse to process one’s application if it cannot confirm his/her true identity with the documents submitted. Consequently, applicants may be asked to provide further documentation to sustain his/her identity.
Both of the parents’ consent is needed when applying for a child’s passport, even if the couple has separated. Although most separated parents have care and custody order of their minor, this does not automatically allow them to apply for the child’s passport without the other’s consent. Consequently, the Passport Office requires both parents’ consent in order to issue the minor’s passport.
Should one of the separated parents refuse to give his/her consent to issue the child’s passport, then the other parent must seek recourse from the Family Court in order to obtain its authorisation.
If one of the separated parents is abroad, the consent must be forwarded to the nearest Maltese Embassy or Consulate. The Maltese representative abroad will verify the parent’s identity and will send the consent to the Passport Office through the Embassy. Consents received by fax, email or post will not be accepted unless through the appropriate channels mentioned above.
In such circumstance one ought to seek the assistance and guidance of the Passport Office.
When applying for a Maltese passport, it is important to have your birth, marriage, separation, or divorce (if applicable) registered with the Maltese Public Registry before applying for the passport.
If the applicant acquired Maltese nationality by registration, naturalisation or has a dual nationality, then the relevant certificates must be presented on application. Other certificates are not needed.
Anyone who acquired Maltese citizenship and are applying for a Maltese Passport for the first time, have to come personally to the Passport Office and submit the following documents:
- Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
- e-ID Card. (If the applicant does not have an Identity Card because he/she does not reside in Malta, needs to present 1 passport size photo signed by the same recommender who signed Section 7 on Form A); &
- Maltese Citizenship Certificate.
Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.
Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.
Conditions of use
The biometric passport contains sensitive electronics features, and should not to bent, perforated or exposed to extreme temperatures (not less than -10°C and not more than +50°C) or immersed in any type of liquid.
The passport should be stored in a clean and dry place, protected from UV/visible light, mechanical stress, scratching or rubbing. Excessive impact, resulting in a visual mark or indentation, should be avoided.
This passport is the property of the Government of Malta and it may be withdrawn at the government’s discretion. This is a valuable document which cannot be modified in any way and should not be left in the possession of any unauthorised person.
Any attempt to change the data or appearance of the passport will also invalidate the warranty. Failure to observe these conditions will result in the passport being replaced at the applicant’s expense. In the event of deliberate abuse or attempts at manipulation, the applicant may also be liable to criminal prosecution.
Accidental or deliberate damage to the passport will invalidate the warranty.
Visa Waiver Program
The visa waiver program is a government program of the United States of America that enables citizens of Malta and nationals from the other 37 visa waiver countries to enter the United States of America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The advantage of entering the United States of America under the visa waiver program is that travellers can travel on short notice without obtaining a visa in advance. The visa waiver program applies to all territories of the United State of America, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US-Virgin Islands.
However, travellers holding a Maltese e-Passport must pre-register and have their visit to the United States of America approved. Registration is done online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. A Travel Authorization is currently valid for two (2) years unless the passport expires earlier, in which case the expiry date and travel authorization validity date will be the same.
As indicated above, ESTA is an application system for individuals travelling under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program has made visiting the US an easy and simple process for the millions of visitors in possession of an e-passport. The ESTA application process is overseen and managed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
TTo apply for ESTA, Maltese citizens should visit the U.S. Embassy’s website (https://mt.usembassy.gov/), navigate to visas, click on learn more about ESTA – Visa waiver program and choose Apply for an ESTA authorisation. This will navigate the user to the ESTA application website, where applicants need to answer a set of questions.
Travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Malta, will be required to pay a fee of $14.00 when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The ESTA is not a visa and a person from a non-visa waiver country should not attempt to apply for ESTA. ESTA only pre-screens visa waiver travellers in order to allow them to travel to the US. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the US, but it is a prerequisite to travel to the US by air or sea carrier. If the traveller does note bear an ESTA approval, then he/she will be instruct to apply for a visitor’s visa at the nearest US Embassy. Without an ESTA approval, travellers may experience delays and be denied boarding or refused entry at the US border control.
Travellers from a Visa Waiver Country who are not in possession of an e-passport but an older version, need to apply for a visitor’s visa in advance.
For further information, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Passport Photograph Guidance
Applicants are advised to follow the below instructions carefully. If the photos do not meet the said requirements, then the application will be considered incomplete or completely turned down. Photographs are kept for record purposes and are not returned.
Photographs are required in the following cases:
- Minors under fourteen (14) years;
- Persons who do not hold a valid Maltese e-ID card since they are not residing in Malta;
- Applicants unable to call in person at the Passport Office due to health, old age or sickness reasons;
- Persons calling at Maltese Embassies that do not have a Biometric Capture Station installed.
Whenever applicants are requested to attach a set of photos to their application, it is important to point out that:
- The photos must be printed on photo-quality paper and in high resolution;
- The photos must be in colour, taken against a white background and printed on a non-glossy paper;
- The photos must be not older than six (6) months;
- Whenever two (2) photos are required, these must be identical;
- In the case of minors under the age of fourteen (14) years, they must be the only subject in the photograph. The portrait shall show the minor alone with no other people, chair backs or toys visible;
- The photos should measure 45mm x 35mm (1.77 x 1.38 inch) in height and width;
- The photos should portray a close-up of the applicant’s head and the top of his/her shoulders. The face should take up 70-80% of the vertical dimension of the photograph;
- The head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down or to the side, but centred.
- The photos need to be in sharp focus and of high quality with no creases or ink marks;
- The photos need to show the applicant looking directly towards the camera, portraying his/her neutral expression. Smiles, frowning, raised eyebrows or unusual expressions are considered to be not acceptable;
- The photos should have the appropriate brightness and contrast, showing the person’s natural skin tone;
- The photos shall show the applicant with his/her eyes open and clearly visible (with no hair obscuring the eyes) and the mouth closed;
- The applicant needs to look facing square to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style);
- The head should be upright so that an imaginary horizontal line drawn between the centres of the eyes may be parallel to the top edge of the picture;
- Both edges of the face shall be clearly visible;
- The background shall be plain and white. Photographs with dark, busy or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted;
- The lighting shall be uniform with no shadows and no reflection on the face;
- Red eyed photographs are not accepted;
- The person should wear normal/casual attire. The face has to be facing straight at the camera and must have a neutral expression without the teeth showing. No Hair clips, Hair bands or Hats are allowed and the eyes and eyebrows must be clearly visible and not covered by hair. Applicants who wear glasses should remove them to ensure that accurate Biometrics can be obtained;
- Head coverings shall not be accepted except in circumstances specifically approved by the competent authority. Such circumstances may include religious, medical or cultural reasons;
- Unless worn daily for religious reasons, all hats or headgear should be removed for the photo. A signed statement from the applicant must be submitted with the application verifying that the item is worn daily for religious reasons. In all cases, no item or attire should cover or otherwise obscure any part of the face;
- A photo depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable;
- The photo shall show the eyes clearly with no light reflection off the glasses and no tinted lenses. If possible, avoid heavy frames. The frames shall not cover any part of the eyes. Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless they are needed for medical reasons, in which case a medical certificate is required;
- Photographs where the face of the person is not focused will not be accepted;
- Slot machine photographs, textured photos, inferior quality photographs and photographs subject to fading or sensitive to heat are not acceptable;
- Only original photographs are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos will not be accepted;
- Photographs must not be digitally altered or retouched to change the person’s appearance in any way;
FAQs
An electronic passport has an embedded electronic chip which safely stores the holder’s personal information displayed on his/her bio-data page. The electronic features also provide an additional layer of security at boarder control.
Maltese citizens applying for a passport should visit the Passport Office in person with the exception of housebound individuals, elderly or sick people, and children under six (6) years of age.
If the applicant is unable to visit the Passport Office due to severe medical/health reason, a family member can fill in for him/her.
Maltese citizens applying for a passport should fill in Form A, have it signed by a recommender and present their identity card (where applicable) and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Those individual who are not registered with the Public Registry Unit should contact the Passport Office beforehand, and they will be advised on what other documents they need to submit.
Refugees and persons who were granted temporary humanitarian status need to present their refugee status certificate and humanitarian status certificate.
In the case of renewals, the previous passport needs to be submitted too.
Applicants’ photos are taken at the Passport Office, unless:
- The applicant is unable to call in person at the Passport Office (due to health reasons, old age or sickness) and the person applying on his/her behalf would need to submit two (2) signed photos of the applicant, as explained below.
- Infants up to five (5) years would need to have two (2) photos* signed by a recommender. The infant is not required to visit the Passport Office.
- Minors between six (6) and thirteen (13) years would need to have one (1) photo* signed by a recommender. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics captured. Minors aged twelve (12) years and over will also have their fingerprints captured.
- Minors between fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years do not need to bring with them a passport photo, but they do need to present their 14+ Maltese e-ID card and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics, fingerprints and signature captured.
- Individuals between sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years do not need to bring with them a passport photo, but need to present their 16+ Maltese e-ID card and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics, fingerprints and signature captured.
*The passport photo size should be 40mm x 30mm and whenever two (2) photos are required, they need to be identical copies of a recent coloured photograph, taken against a white background and printed on a non-glossy paper. The face has to be facing straight to the camera, showing a neutral expression. The photos should be taken full face without wearing a hat or tinted glasses. Slot machine photos, textured photos, group photos, inferior quality photos and photos subject to fading or sensitive to heat, are not acceptable.
The recommender is required to endorse and sign one (1) of the photos, writing on the back “Certified true likeness of (name and surname of applicant)”.
Persons over the age of twelve (12) years must have their fingerprints and facial biometric features captured when either applying for an ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, alien passport or a convention travel document.
Normally, both left hand and right hand index fingers are scanned. Alternatively, whenever the index fingerprint cannot be captured, either the thumb, middle or ring finger is scanned.
If the applicant is temporary physically impaired and his/her fingerprint’s biometric data cannot be captured, a passport valid for one (1) year or less is issued. The Passport Office cannot capture two (2) different fingerprints of the same hand. A passport valid for a full cycle may be then issued once the individual recovers from his/her temporary physical impairment, and can have his/her fingerprints captured. In such cases, the applicant will have to submit his/her current passport for cancellation, fill in Form A and pay the application fee. Only in those cases where an applicant is permanently physically impaired and cannot have his/her fingerprints captured will the Passport Office issue a passport valid for a full cycle. Such cases are assessed on an individual basis by the Principal Passport Officer or his/her designate. The applicant would still be required to personally call in the Passport Office and have his/her digital photo and signature taken.
On the other hand, if an applicant is over the age of twelve (12) years and is unable to call in person to apply for his/her passport and have his/her fingerprints captured due to a temporary or permanent medical reason, sickness or because of old age, he/she will be issued with a passport which is valid for one (1) year or less. In such circumstances, a medical certificate must be submitted to sustain the applicant’s claim of infirmity.
In the unlikely event that the fingerprint capturing station fails to capture the applicant’s fingerprint because of a technical problem (especially in urgent matters and in the case of outside office hours service), the Passport Office will issue a passport without the encoded fingerprints, which will be valid for one (1) year or less.
Upon collection (refer to Note 13 in Form A) the applicant will be requested to have his/her fingerprint captured one more time. This is done in order to verify that the passport is collected by its rightful owner. Applicants over the age of twelve (12) years must personally call to the Passport Officer in order to collect their passport (minors must always be accompanied by one of their parents).
If the fingerprints captured on collection does not match that stored on the e-passport’s chip, the travel document will not be released and the matter will be investigated by the Passport Officer in charge.
Under normal circumstances it takes four (4) working days (from the date of application) to get a new passport. In the case of emergency a passport, the document would be ready in four (4) hours.
Applicants need to present their e-ID card and may collect their passport on the following dates:
Opening Hours between 1st September & 31st March | |
Date | Time |
---|---|
Monday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Tuesday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Wednesday | 07:30 – 14:00 / 15:00 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Friday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Saturday | 07:30 – 11:00 |
Opening Hours between 1st April & 31st August | |
Date | Time |
---|---|
Monday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Tuesday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Wednesday | 07:30 – 14:00 / 15:00 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Friday | 07:30 – 14:00 / 15:00 – 18:00 |
Saturday | 07:30 – 11:00 |
Yes, a dual citizen may apply for a Maltese passport. Apart from filling in the relevant form, the applicant would need to submit an official letter confirming that the Maltese Government considers the applicant to be a dual national. This letter is issued by the Citizenship Unit and a photocopy of the said document should also be presented.
A citizen of Malta may apply for a Maltese passport at one of Malta’s Embassies, High Commissions or Consular Offices.
The Passport Office is found at Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.
Applicants need to visit the Department of Customer Services, Passport Office, St. Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo.
Telephone: (+356) 2215 6270 / (+356) 2215 6247 Fax: (+356) 2155 9206
Those applying in Gozo may pick their passport from the same office.
Application Form A can be downloaded from this website or alternatively collected from the Passport Office or any Local Council, Police Station or Travel Agency.
Should a passport be lost, stolen or destroyed, the holder is required to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed. The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office. Furthermore, the applicant would need to fill in the relevant forms and pay the applicable fee.
Fees
Passport Type | Validity | Fee |
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between Sept & March) | 10 years | €70 |
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between April & August) | 10 years | €80 |
Passport for Minors age 10 – 15 years | 5 years | €40 |
Passport for Minors under 10 years | 2 years | €16 |
Services | Fee |
Administration of Oaths (for passports only*) | €11 |
Arabic Translation | €7 |
Collective Passport | €95 |
Document of Identity / Emergency Document | €9 |
Diplomatic Passport (issued by authority only) | €40 |
Refugee Travelling Documents (all ages) | €60 |
Alien’s Passport (all ages) | €60 |
Second Passport (issued by special authority) | €135 |
Urgent Passport for adults over 16 years (issued within 4 hours) | €140 |
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years (issued within 4 hours) | €80 |
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued within 4 hours) | €60 |
Urgent passport for adults over 16 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) | €185 |
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) | €125 |
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) | €105 |
Passport fees are payable in advance and the Passport Office accepts cash, cheque or card payments.
The recommender must be a Maltese/EU/Commonwealth national residing in Malta with a university degree who has known the applicant for 2 years or more. In the absence of a rubber stamp, a warrant number is required. Parents/close relatives cannot serve as recommenders.

Opening Hours - Malta
Passports Office – Malta
Monday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Tuesday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Wednesday | 07:30 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Friday | 07:30 – 14:00 |
Saturday | 07:30 – 11:00 |
Passsports Office – Gozo | Winter
Monday | 07:30 – 13:30 |
Tuesday | 07:30 – 13:30 |
Wednesday | 07:30 – 13:30 |
Thursday | 07:30 – 13:30 |
Friday | 07:30 – 13:30 |
Saturday | 07:30 – 11:00 |
Passports Office – Gozo | Summer
Monday | 07:30 – 12:00 |
Tuesday | 07:30 – 12:00 |
Wednesday | 07:30 – 12:00 |
Thursday | 07:30 – 12:00 |
Friday | 07:30 – 12:00 |
Saturday | 07:30 – 11:00 |
Comments and Feedback
Did this page help you? Let us know if this information is helpful or if there are ways that we can improve. Follow the link below.