Malta is a tiny island in Southern Europe that is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe, vying for tourist attention. The diverse set of activities syncs the tastes and requirements of all the family members irrespective of their age group. Whether you are enjoying a stroll around Valletta city, the wallet capital of Malta and a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, or lounging at the popular scenic beaches, indulging in adventurous water sports, or browsing through the historic landmarks of Malta, you will never be bored for a moment when you visit Malta. Refresh and recharge your batteries as you look to unwind far away from the bustles and hustles of a hectic lifestyle. The Malta Schengen visa is one of the key milestones you must fulfill as you plan for a refreshing holiday. Let us run you through the key milestones in your Malta visa journey.

Visa-exempt travel to Malta

As per the Schengen agreement, all EU/EEA citizens can travel freely within the region. In addition, citizens of the following countries are exempt from an entry visa at the Malta border controls: Australia, the United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the Republic of South Korea. Suppose your country has also reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen member states; you are exempt from applying for a visa before entry.

Various visa categories for your Malta visa

Select the right visa category, as each has a defined purpose. Your applied visa will get approved only once you meet the criteria and guidelines set by the Malta immigration officials.

Transit visa

This short-term visa category applies to passengers landing at one of the Malta airports en route to a third destination country beyond the Schengen region.

• Valid passport and visa to the third destination country
• Confirmed flight ticket detailing the passenger’s details, travel date, source and destination details, and flight details.

Schengen Tourist visa

This short-term visa category applies to passengers who want to visit Malta for leisure, travel, tourism, vacationing, exploring, and visiting their family and friends residing in Malta.

Business visa

This short-term visa category applies to passengers who wish to visit Malta to engage in business-related activities like contract closure, business meetings, business conferences, negotiations, etc.

The following documents need to be additionally presented as part of your business visa application process:

• Invitation letter on the company letterhead of a Malta-based firm clearly stating the applicant’s full name, company contact details and address, travel dates, places of interest, and duration of stay.
• The applicant’s current employer would issue a no-objection letter for traveling to Malta.
• All business owners must submit their last six months’ business bank statement and trade license copy if applicable.
• Validation of the financial means to cover the basic expenses of the applicant during their stay in Malta, which is generally the applicant’s current employer or the Malta-based firm.

Study visa

This short-term visa category applies to passengers who intend to travel to Malta to engage in courses or research study at a Malta university, school, or institute or attend an internship with a Malta-based firm.

The following documents need to be furnished additionally as part of the study visa application process:

• Admission or enrolment letter from the Malta university or school.
• No-objection letter from the current or previous school or university attended, if applicable
• Mutually signed agreement between the applicant and the Malta-based firm for the internship.

Medical visa

This short-term visa category is issued to individuals who intend to undergo medical treatment, consultation, or therapy in a Malta hospital or clinic.

The following additional documentation needs to be presented as part of their medical visa application process:

• A medical report signed by a local doctor residing in the applicant’s home country confirms their medical status and the need to undergo medical treatment, consultation, or therapy in a Malta hospital or clinic.
• The Malta doctor, hospital, or clinic confirms the applicant’s medical status and treatment, consultation, or therapy.
• Validation of the financial means to cover the applicant’s medical and basic expenses during their trip to Malta.

Visa for cultural, religious, sports, and film crew members

This short-term visa category is issued to travelers who want to travel to Malta to attend or participate in a cultural, religious, or sports event or be part of the filming crew traveling to Malta.

The following additional documentation needs to be provided as part of the visa application process:

• Invitation letter from the organizing board or body hosting the event in Malta detailing the travel dates, venue, and other relevant details.
• The organizing body’s enrolment conditions for the event.
• Entry ticket to the event

For film crew members

• Film synopsis, travel dates, and places of interest
• List of all the film crew members traveling together along with their positions.
• Film permits from the hosting body or authority for filming in the location.

Visa for the official delegation visit

This short-term visa category applies to passengers on the official delegation team visiting Malta.

The following additional documentation must be furnished as part of the visa application process:

• Invitation letter from the Malta body, authority, or government detailing the purpose of travel, travel dates, and venue.
• No objection letter from the applicant’s local government or authority for traveling to Malta.

Visa for minor applicants

This visa category applies if the applicant is a minor traveling alone or accompanied by an adult to Malta.

The following additional documents need to be furnished during your visa application process:

• Both parents must sign the minor’s Malta visa application form.
• A copy of the family court order if the minor’s custody is with one of their parents.
• Passport/ID and visa copies of the adult accompanying the minor and a notarized agreement signed by both parents

Visa for the spouse of a Malta national

This short-term visa category is issued to travelers wishing to reunite with their spouses residing or citizens of Malta.

The following additional documentation needs to be furnished as part of their visa application form:

• Your spouse should be able to validate their Malta nationality through their ID, passport, or consular card.
• Marriage certificate valid in Malta
• Family book valid in Malta

Documentation required for your Malta visa application

The following documentation is required for submitting your Malta visa application:

Visa application form

Complete your Malta visa application form online without leaving any blank fields. Print and sign your visa application form on completion.

Original passport

Your passport should be in excellent physical condition and have been issued in the last ten years. The passport expiry should be beyond three months from your Malta exit date and have two blank pages for the entry and exit visa stamps. Copies of the previous visas, if applicable.

Passport-size photographs

Two identical passport-size photographs meet the photo specifications laid down by the Malta immigration authorities.

Proof of accommodation

Confirmed and valid Malta hotel reservation voucher indicating the applicant’s full name, hotel name and address, travel dates, and stay duration.

Travel health insurance

You should have valid health insurance issued by an authorized provider with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros during your Malta vacation.

Round-trip flight tickets

Share your confirmed flight itinerary that details the applicant’s full name, flight details, travel dates, source and destination airport, and other relevant details.

Proof of financing

You should be able to prove your financial means to cover your daily expenses during your Malta stay through your last six months’ bank statements or the last three months’ salary slips.

Application process for your Malta Schengen visa

All Schengen visa categories would have the same application process, with slight variations as per the visa category you have opted for:

• Search the nearest embassy, consulate, or visa application center from your location
• Finalize the type of visa category you want to apply that syncs with your travel requirement
• Collate all the supporting documents
• Pay the visa fee
• Schedule or book an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center
• Attend the interview and submit all the visa documentation
• Wait for your Malta visa to be processed.

Visa fee

Your non-refundable visa fee for adult applicants is 80 Euros per application and 40 Euros per application for children between six and twelve years old. There is no visa fee for kids below six years old.

Visa processing timeline

The Malta visa processing timeline is 15 calendar days, which can vary due to multiple unavoidable reasons beyond your control. Apply for your visa well in time, considering these unforeseen delays in visa processing.

Extension of the Schengen visa

Extension of the Schengen visa is permitted only in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, war, or a family emergency. Your visa extension lies completely at the discretion of the immigration officer evaluating your visa extension application.

Revoking your Schengen visa

If the conditions or circumstances under which your Schengen visa was issued are no longer valid, your visa can be revoked. You may be asked to vacate from the Schengen region within 48 hours of visa revoking. You will be deemed an illegal immigrant if you overstay or fail to leave the country as per the designated timeline.

Conclusion

Malta allows you to explore the undiscovered coastline, rich heritage, fabulous culture, and swoon-worthy beaches. This hidden gem in the Mediterranean has long been vying for attention from the tourist population. Understand the key processes and milestones involved in your Malta visa journey, as it will be one of the most important foundations of your Malta vacation. Embark on an eventful journey to this spectacular island in the Mediterranean to experience its captivating allure. Book a Malta holiday today!