News · Malta
Malta publishes national implementing rules for the Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry Exit System (EES) Regulations, 2026 (L.N. 241 of 2026) were published in Malta's Government Gazette of 15 September 2026. Made under article 8 of the Immigration Act, they set out the national implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System.
Summary
In brief
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Published: Government Gazette No. 21,718, 15 September 2026.
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Commencement: on such date or dates as the minister responsible for immigration establishes by notice in the Gazette.
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Third-country nationals entering for a short stay may pre-enrol their data through self-service systems.
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Authorities with access: the Principal Immigration Officer, the Malta Police Force, Identità, the Community Malta Agency and the Ministry responsible for Foreign Affairs.
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Excluded, among others: family members holding a residence card and holders of a long-stay visa.
Background
What happened
Under L.N. 241 of 2026, the rules apply to persons whose border crossing must be registered in the EES: third-country nationals admitted for a short stay, family members of EU citizens without a residence card, and persons refused entry. Exclusions include family members holding residence cards, long-stay visa holders, and holders of passports of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican.
Under the regulations, those concerned "may pre-enrol their data … by means of virtual, mobile or fixed self-service systems". The Schedule lists the authorities with access to the data. The regulations "shall come into force on such date or dates as the Minister responsible for immigration, may by notice in the Gazette establish"; no such notice had been published at the time of writing.
For you
What it means for you
- Short visits: if you travel to Malta for a short stay, with a visa or visa-free, your data, including facial image and fingerprints, are recorded at the border; pre-enrolment through self-service systems may help speed up checks.
- With a long-stay visa: the regulations expressly exclude long-stay visa holders from the EES; if you travel with a residence permit, carry the permit as well.
- Preparation: allow for the new border checks on any exploratory trips before applying for study or startup residence.