Maltese Schengen Visa : How to Apply

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Malta? Malta has become a favorite spot for many travelers with its ancient buildings, colorful streets, warm weather, and kind people.

But here’s the best part, Malta is part of the Schengen Area. That means when you get a visa to visit Malta, you’re not just getting access to one country. You’re getting access to 26 European countries that are part of the Schengen zone. Imagine flying into Malta, then visiting Italy, France, Germany, or Spain all on the same visa!

You may be planning to visit for tourism, business or just for a visit, you’ll need to apply for the right kind of visa. And that’s where the Maltese Schengen Visa comes in.

In this article, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know about how to apply for a Maltese Schengen visa. 

What Is a Maltese Schengen Visa?

A Maltese Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel to Malta and all other countries in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Schengen visa is usually valid for up to 90 days. You can travel for a single trip or even multiple times, depending on the type of visa you’re given (single-entry or multiple-entry).

Types of Maltese Schengen Visa

1. Tourist Visa
   • You will need this visa if you are visiting Malta for sightseeing, holidays, and general travel.
2. Business Visa
   • This visa is perfect for you if you will be attending meetings, conferences, or going for business-related visits.
3. Family or Friends Visit Visa
   • This is the visa you will need if someone in Malta invites you to stay with them.
4. Medical Visa
   • This is the visa for people traveling to Malta for medical reasons.
5. Short-term Study Visa
   • This visa is for students attending short courses or training.

Each type needs its own supporting documents, but don’t worry, we’ll explain that later.

Who Needs a Maltese Schengen Visa?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit Malta. It all depends on your nationality and passport type.

People Who Do Not Need a Visa

If you’re from one of the Schengen visa-free countries, you can enter Malta without a visa for up to 90 days. Some of these countries include:

• United States 
• United Kingdom 
• Canada 
• Australia 
• New Zealand 
• Japan 
• South Korea 

These travelers just need a valid passport, proof of return or onward travel, and enough money for their stay.

Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-free countries may need to apply for ETIAS (a travel authorization system like ESTA for the US). But as of now, it’s not yet in place.

People Who Need a Maltese Schengen Visa

If your country is not on the visa-free list, then yes, you need to apply for a Maltese Schengen visa before traveling.

Some countries that need a visa include:

• Philippines 
• Ghana 
• Bangladesh 
• Nigeria 
• India 
• Pakistan 
• Egypt 
• Kenya 

If you’re from one of these countries or anywhere not listed as visa-free, you must apply at the nearest Maltese embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

To check whether or not you need a visa, go to the official Maltese government website or use the Schengen visa checker on many embassy websites. It’s fast and reliable.

When to Apply for the Visa?

It’s best to apply for your Maltese Schengen visa early to avoid last-minute stress.

• Earliest time to apply: 6 months before your travel date
• Latest time to apply: 15 days before your travel date
• Best time to apply: At least 1 month before your trip (to be safe)

This gives enough time for processing and any extra documents if needed.

Where to Apply for the Maltese Schengen Visa?

You should apply at the official place that handles visa applications for Malta in your country. This could be:

• The Embassy of Malta
• A Consulate of Malta
• A Visa Application Center (VAC) like VFS Global or TLS Contact
• In some countries, another Schengen country’s embassy handles Malta’s visa (e.g., Italy or Spain)

Always check the official embassy or VFS website in your country to confirm where exactly to apply.

Documents Required for Maltese Schengen Visa

When applying for a Maltese Schengen visa, your documents are the most important part. If even one thing is missing, your application could be delayed or rejected.

1. Visa Application Form

• Must be fully completed and signed
• You can usually fill the Schengen visa application form on their website or download it from the embassy/VFS website

2. Valid Passport

• Must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned return from Malta
• Should have at least two blank pages
• Must not be older than 10 years

3. Two Passport-Sized Photos

• Taken within the last 6 months
• White background, no filters, no hats
• Follow Schengen photo guidelines

4. Travel Insurance

• Must cover at least €30,000
• Should be valid for all Schengen countries
• Covers medical emergencies, accidents, and hospital care

5. Flight Reservation

• A copy of your round-trip flight booking
• No need to buy a real ticket until your visa is approved
• Must show entry and exit dates

6. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel bookings OR
• Invitation letter from your host in Malta (with their ID and address)

7. Proof of Financial Means

You must show that you can afford your stay. Provide:

• Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months
• Pay slips (if employed)
• Sponsor letter and financial documents (if someone else is paying)

Little advice, you should show you have at least €48 per day for your stay.

8. Cover Letter (Optional but helpful)

A short letter explaining:

• Why you’re going to Malta
• What you plan to do there
• How long you’ll stay
• How you will support yourself during the trip

9. Additional Documents (Based on Your Purpose)

Here are a few extras depending on why you’re traveling:

• Tourist visa: Travel itinerary, tour bookings (if any)
• Visiting family/friends: Invitation letter, copy of host’s ID/passport
• Business: Invitation from a company in Malta, conference registration
• Medical: Appointment confirmation from the hospital/clinic in Malta
• Students: Admission letter for short courses or training programs

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a Maltese Schengen visa might seem like a lot, but don’t worry, if you follow these steps, it’ll be much easier and smoother.

Step 1: Figure Out the Right Visa Type

Ask yourself:

• Are you going for tourism, business, visiting family, or something else?
• The type of trip decides which documents you’ll need.

Step 2: Find Where to Apply in Your Country

Go to the official website of:

• The Embassy or Consulate of Malta, or
• VFS Global/TLS Contact if they process Maltese visas in your area

Book your appointment online.

Tip: Some embassies are busy, book early so you don’t miss your travel plans.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Check the full list (see previous section) and gather everything:

• Make clear photocopies
• Keep originals for presentation
• Sort them neatly in a folder

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

On the day of your appointment:

• Arrive early
• Dress neatly and be polite
• Submit your documents and biometric data (fingerprints + photo)
• Pay the visa fee

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing time usually takes:

• 15 calendar days
• But it could take longer during busy seasons or if extra checks are needed

You can track your application status online (especially if you applied through VFS or TLS).

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

You’ll get a message (SMS or email) when your passport is ready.

• Go collect it from the center
• Or choose courier delivery (if available)

If approved, your visa sticker will be on one of the passport pages. Check the entry dates, type of visa, and number of entries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

• Submitting unclear or incomplete documents
  Make sure your documents are easy to read and fully complete. Poor quality scans or missing pages can cause your application to be rejected.
• Using a passport that’s close to expiration
  Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date. If it’s about to expire, get it renewed before applying.
• Choosing the wrong visa type
  Be sure to apply for the visa that matches your purpose—tourism, business, or visiting family. Picking the wrong one can delay or cancel your application.
• Waiting too long to apply
  Don’t leave your application until the last minute. Submit it at least one month before your travel date to avoid delays.
• Submitting insufficient travel insurance
  Your insurance must cover medical expenses up to €30,000 and work for all Schengen countries. Otherwise, your visa could be refused.
• Booking flights or hotels before visa approval
  It’s safer to provide flight and hotel bookings or reservations, not paid tickets, so you don’t lose money if the visa is denied.
• Forgetting to sign your application
  Always check that you’ve signed the application form in all required places to avoid rejection.
• Not checking for updates from the embassy
  Visa rules can change quickly. Always visit the official embassy or visa center website to get the latest requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to get a Maltese Schengen visa?
   

   It usually takes about 15 calendar days, but it can take longer during busy times.

2. Can I apply for a Maltese Schengen visa online?
   

   You fill the form online, but you must submit your documents and biometric data in person.

3. How long can I stay in Malta with this visa?
   

   You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period for short visits.

4. Do I need travel insurance for the visa?
   

   Yes, it must cover at least €30,000 and be valid in all Schengen countries.

5. Can I work in Malta with a Schengen tourist visa?
   

   No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work. You need a work permit for that.

6. What if my visa is rejected?
   

   You can appeal the decision or reapply with additional documents.

7. Do children need a visa?
   

   Yes, children need a visa but the fee is lower or sometimes waived depending on age.

8. Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Maltese visa?
   

   Yes, the Maltese Schengen visa lets you visit other Schengen countries during your stay.

Conclusion

Getting a Maltese Schengen visa might seem tricky at first, but with the right information and careful preparation, it becomes much easier. Remember to gather all your documents, apply early, and follow the rules closely. Malta is a beautiful country worth visiting, and your visa is the key to exploring not only Malta but many Schengen countries too.

Take your time, be honest, and stay organized and you’ll be ready for your trip in no time. Safe travels!