Admission into Malta, through its external border, is only permitted to third country nationals who:

Seek entry through a border crossing point; are in possession of a valid passport or equivalent recognized travel document permitting them to cross the border; are in possession of documents substantiating the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit and have sufficient means of support, both for the period of the planned visit and to return to their country of origin (or to travel in transit to a Third State).

A third country national who already holds a residence permit issued by one of the Schengen Member States is exempted from this requirement are in possession of a valid entry or transit visa, if required; have not been prohibited to enter through an alert in the Schengen Information System; and are not considered to be a threat to public policy, national security or the international relations of any of the Schengen States, under the Laws of Malta or of the law of another Schengen State.

If any one of the aforementioned conditions are not met, the third-country national may be denied entry by the border authorities even if in possession of a valid entry or transit visa.