The island country of Malta is located in the Southern Europe, 80km south of Italy. It is one of the smallest EU countries, with an area of only 316km2 and a population of 533,286 inhabitants.
Still, Malta is a tourism magnet with its elegant capital Valletta, the idyllic island of Gozo, the medieval hilltop town of Mdina, palaces and castles, ancient ruins, cliffs, bays and beaches. Malta became part of the European Union in 2004, and abolished its borders with the other Schengen member states three years later in 2007. Since then on, travelers can enter into Malta with a Schengen visa.
Fun fact about Malta: There are more Maltese people in Melbourne, Australia than there are in Malta.
Malta Entry Requirements
The island country of Malta allows all EU nationals to enter its territory by only carrying an identification document.
However, all non-EU travelers entering Malta through air or sea need to present some other documents. If you are a non-EU visitor, you will need to show the following documents at the Maltese port of entry:
A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond your planned date of exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.
A visa – if you are subject to the Maltese visa regime.
Travel Health Insurance. Covering medical emergencies in Malta and the whole Schengen area for a minimum of €30,000.
*British passport holders are exempt from the criteria of passport validity and issuance date.
In some cases, you might be asked to show additional documents as an invitation letter from a Maltese host, roundtrip flight itinerary etc. For more information in these regard you need to consult with the official body that represents Malta in your country of residence.
Besides, the Maltese border officer may ask you some questions about your trip to Malta like:
What is your purpose of visiting Malta?
How long do you intend to stay in Malta?
Where are you going to stay in Malta? Etc.
The Maltese border officer is the one who will give the final decision if you shall be permitted to enter Malta or not. Please, make sure that this officer stamps your passport when you enter Malta. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Malta.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Malta?
As a member of the Schengen Area, Malta applies the visa code to all travelers wishing to step in its territory. According to that, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to Malta if:
You are a citizen of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.
You are a citizen of a third country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Zone, but you were previously rejected from entering Malta or any other Schengen country.
What Documents Are Required for a Malta Schengen Visa Application?
As a traveler in need of a visa, you will need to meet several Malta visa requirements. The mandatory required documents for a short-stay visa to Malta are as follows:
Maltese visa application form. Completely fill in the application form for a short-stay visa to Malta. Learn here how to correctly fill in the Schengen Visa Application Form!
Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for Maltese Schengen visa application.
Your valid passport. Make sure your passports meets all of the three criteria listed below:
It has at least blank pages in order to affix visa.
It is no older than 10 years on the date you plan to leave Malta, or the Schengen Zone.
Has a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Malta and the whole territory of Schengen.
Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
Malta Travel Health Insurance. You should present to the Maltese embassy/consulate proof that you have purchased health insurance that covers medical emergencies for at least €30,000 in Malta and the whole Schengen territory.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Malta. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
Proof of accommodation. Present to the embassy/consulate evidence where you will be staying while in Malta I.e. a hotel reservation.
Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Malta. When applying for a Visa to Malta, you need to show evidence that you possess at least €48 per each day you plan to spend in Malta.
A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Malta, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.
Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
Additional Maltese Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status
The additional Malta visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:
If employed:
Employment contract
Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
Leave permission from the employer
Income Tax Return (ITR) form
If self-employed:
A copy of your business license
Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
Proof of enrollment
No-objection certificate from school or university
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If retired:
Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months
>>NOC from employer, school or university.
Additional Maltese Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Malta, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Maltese Visa Requirements in their application file:
Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Malta.
Malta application form signed by both parents.
Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents
If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and valid visa copy.
A notarized parental authorization to travel to Malta, signed by both parents / guardians
*Note: When applying at the Maltese embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.
Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Malta
According to your purpose of entry to Malta, you will need to provide some additional documents. Following find the additional Malta visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Malta.
Malta Airport Transit Visa Requirements
If you need to land at the Maltese airport in order to wait in the international area of the airport for a connecting flight that will take you to your non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for a Malta Airport Transit Visa.
Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a Malta Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
A valid visa (if needed) for the final country you are travelling to.
The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
Malta Transit Visa Requirements
If you have to disembark at one of the Maltese harbors, under the intention of departing with the vessel or reshipping on other vessel that is bound for a foreign port or place or one coming to Malta to join a vessel in this country, then you should apply for a Maltese Transit Visa.
Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a Malta Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.
The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book.
Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark.
Employment contract. Contract with the Navigation Company / ship in order to board the ship.
Malta Tourist Visa Requirements
You will have to apply for a Maltese tourist visa for short stays, if you intend to visit Malta for leisure or recreational purpose as vacations or sightseeing.
Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a Maltese Tourist visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip day-to-day, of what you will be doing in Malta, when you will arrive and leave, and where you will be accommodated etc.
Proof how you will be financing your trip to Malta.
Malta Visitor Visa Requirements
You shall apply for a Maltese Visitor visa if you have been invited to visit Malta by a friend or a family member residing in the island country.
Required Documents for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a visa to visit your friends or relatives in Malta, you must provide the following additional documents:
Travel Itinerary. Detailed day-to-day plan of your trip in Malta.
Proof of invitation:
Letter of Invitation. By the relative/friend residing in Malta, inviting you to visit.
Declaration of Proof. Which is a form issued by the Maltese authorities that the host needs to obtain and fill in with the required answers.
A copy of the ID card or passport of host.
Malta Business Visa Requirements
If you are planning to travel to Malta for business purposes such as business meetings, conferences and events, you should apply for a Malta Business Visa.
Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a Maltese Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
Invitation letter from the Maltese company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
Copy of inviter’s ID or person signing the invitation letter.
A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Malta.
Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Malta, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
Malta Study Visa Requirements
If you wish to travel to Malta under the purpose of attending a study course, internship or training related to your profession, then you will have to apply for a short stay Malta study visa, prior to your trip.
Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to get a Maltese Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Malta, the establishment of origin and the trainee.
Letter of acceptance. Issued by a Maltese Educational Institution, which includes details of the course/s and its duration. The documents should bear the stamp and the signature of institution’s principal.
Malta Medical Visa Requirements
If you need to travel to Malta in order to receive medical treatment, as i.e. medical surgeries or health therapies, then you should apply for a short stay Malta Medical Visa.
Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Malta, you must provide the following additional documents:
A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Malta.
Statement by a Medical Doctor in Malta, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
Proof of financial arrangement made.
Malta Visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crews/Religious Purpose Requirements
If you wish to attend a cultural, sports or religious event in Malta, or you are a member of a film crew traveling to the country, then you need to apply for a Maltese visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crews/Religious Purpose.
Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Malta for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes
When applying to get a Maltese visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Malta you must provide the following additional documents:
Event Information. As:
Invitation letter from the relevant body in Malta with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Malta.
Entry tickets to the event.
Enrollment conditions.
Detailed program of the event in Malta.
Other documents that present Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.
Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).
Visa Requirements for Spouse of Malta National
If you wish to visit Malta and you are the spouse (wife/husband) of a Maltese passport holder, you can apply for a short-stay visa for the spouse of a Maltese National.
Required Documents for a Maltese Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Maltese Citizen
When applying to get a Maltese visa as the spouse of a Maltese national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:
Proof of Maltese citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Maltese nationality or naturalization order).
Maltese marriage certificate.
Maltese family record book.
Malta Visa for Official Visit Requirements
When traveling to Malta as a member of an official delegation, representing the government, an institution or an organization, you will need to obtain a Maltese visa for Official Visits prior to your trip.
Maltese Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations
When applying to get a Maltese visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:
Copy of the official invitation copy.
Verbal note. Issued by a competent authority at your home country confirming
that you are a member of its delegation travelling to Malta.
Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).
How to Apply for a Maltese Short-Stay Visa?
The application process for a short-stay visa to Malta, requires from you to follow the steps listed below:
Find out what visa type you need to enter Malta.
Check out where you need to apply.
Fill in the application form for a Maltese short-stay visa.
Collect the statutory Malta visa requirements.
Appoint a visa interview.
Attend the interview at the appropriate Maltese Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Where to Apply for a Maltese Short-Stay Visa?
Depending on the competent Maltese body responsible for visa admission in your country of residence, you may have to apply at one of the following:
The Maltese Embassy
A Maltese consulate
A Visa Application Center to which Malta has outsourced visa submission
The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Malta has outsourced visa submission
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Maltese Embassy / Consulate / VAC?
Submit your short-stay visa application to Malta at a Maltese Embassy / Consulate / VAC in your country of residence, only if one of the following statements corresponds to your situation:
Aside of Malta, you will not visit any other Schengen country.
You will visit more Schengen states, but Malta is your main destination, which means:
You will be spending more days in Malta, than in the other countries.
You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Malta.
Note that in order to be eligible to apply from the country you are currently in, you must be:
A citizen of the country from where you are applying.
A foreign citizen on a permanent / temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.
You cannot apply for a short-stay Maltese visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Maltese Visa?
The processing time for a Malta short-stay is 15 working days at the minimum. Depending on your situation this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Maltese embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.
To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Maltese short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Malta.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Maltese Visa?
The costs of a Maltese visa for stays up to 90 days within 6-month periods are as follows:
€80 for adults
€40 for children under the age of 12
Free for children under the age of six
Moreover, according to applicant’s nationality, purpose of visit and some other factors, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.
Check the list of the Maltese Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!
How Long Can We Stay in Malta Without a Visa?
If you are an EU national, you can enter and remain in Malta for as long as you wish without the need to obtain a visa or any other document prior to your trip. However, if you wish to stay longer than three months, you need to register at the local authorities.
If you are the national of a visa-exempt country, you will be permitted to remain in Malta for up to 90 days, within a 180 days period. If you wish to stay longer, you may have to undertake the following actions depending on your country of residence:
Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Korea or the United States of America – you need to obtain a residence permit within three months of arrival in Malta longer.
The rest of Malta visa-exempt countries – you need to obtain a Maltese National visa for long-stays from you country of residence, if you wish to stay longer.
On the other hand, if you are the national of a country that still has not reached a visa-free agreement with Malta and the other Schengen members, you will not be allowed to enter the Malta without a visa, at all.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you are familiar with the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not break this rule, not even for a day, or you might be fined or banned from entering the Schengen area.
Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Malta?
Yes, you can extend your Maltese Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Malta, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure. You will have to apply for a visa extension at the Maltese police or the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security, Central Visa Unit.
Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Malta to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Maltese Schengen Visa.
Can My Maltese Schengen Visa Be Revoked?
Yes, your Malta visa can be revoked, in case the competent Maltese authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.
If you are in Malta when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Malta. If you do not leave the Malta or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Malta.
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