Four thousand Maltese citizens travelled to the United States under the US Visa Waiver Programme since the country joined the programme in January 2008.
Maltese citizens, who are in possession of a valid biometric passport, do not need a visa in order to travel to the US for business or pleasure trips that do not exceed 90 days.
The only requirement for Maltese travelling to the US with a biometric passport (one with a computer chip in the front cover symbolised by a small flag), is that they complete the ESTA form which is available online.
The ESTA form is valid for a period of two years and during that time travellers can visit the US on multiple occasions. They are required to update the ESTA form online prior to each visit.
Maltese citizens who do not have a biometric passport must apply for a US visa at the US Embassy in Floriana. For instructions on the visa application one may access the website - http://malta.usembassy.gov/ .