General Visa Questions

Disclaimer:
The following information pertains exclusively to Type C short-stay visas (valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period). For guidance on national Type D visas (valid for stays exceeding 90 days), please consult Identità’s website, Malta’s Central Visa Authority.

FAQs

1: Do I need a visa?

Citizens of all EU Members States and countries within the Schengen Area are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the Republic of Malta. To determine whether you are required to obtain a visa, kindly consult Annex I and Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806 on the following website: Regulation – 2018/1806 – EN – EUR-Lex

2: What type of visa should I apply for?

For stays of less than 90 days, applicants are required to apply for a Schengen visa (Type C), which falls under the remit of the respective Maltese Consulate/Embassy. For more information on Schengen Visas please visit: Central Visa Unit Sec Page – Schengen Visa – Identità. For stays exceeding 90 days (91 days or more), a National visa (Type D) is required, which falls under the remit of Identità. For more information on National visas, please visit: Central Visa Unit Sec Page – National Visa – Identità.

3: How much does a short-stay (C) visa cost?

The applicable visa fees are as follows:

  • €90 for adults
  • €45 for children between the ages of 6 and 12
  • €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
  • €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

The visa fee may be waived for specific categories of applicants, including:

  • Children under the age of 6
  • Pupils, students, participants in postgraduate courses and accompanying teaching staff who wish to travel on study or training trips
  • Researchers, as defined in point (2) of Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016, travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference
  • Representatives of non-profit organisations up to the age of 25 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations
  • Third-country nationals of EEA countries or CH citizens entitled to free movement under the Directive on the free movement of persons (Directive 2004/38/EC) 

Furthermore, additional fees may be incurred when applications are submitted through authorised visa service centres acting on behalf of consulates in some cases.

4: When can I submit a visa application?

Visa applications must be lodged no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 calendar days prior to the intended travel date.

5: How long will it take for my visa application to be finalised?

The standard processing time for visa applications is 15 calendar days, extendable up to 45 calendar days should additional documentation or further review be required.

6: Where do I submit my visa application?

Applicants are required to lodge their applications at the Maltese diplomatic mission located in their country of residence. Applicants cannot apply from another country unless they hold a valid residence permit there. In the absence of a Maltese mission, applications should be lodged at the diplomatic mission of another country that has a representation agreement with Malta. For a complete list of countries with which Malta has such agreements, please consult the following link: https://identita.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VISA-Representation-Agreements.pdf.

7: My passport expires in two months’ time. Can I apply for a visa?

It is a requirement that the expiration date of your passport is 3 months AFTER your return from the Schengen State.

8: Am I eligible for a multiple-entry visa?

Multiple-entry visas are generally granted to applicants who have previously held and used Schengen visas successfully on multiple occasions.

9: What are the supporting documents required for a visa?

The required supporting documents are outlined in the official supporting document list provided by the mission processing the visa. These are usually demonstrating the purpose of stay, evidence of sufficient financial means and accommodation for the duration of stay, as well as evidence of intention to return to the country of residence upon the conclusion of stay.

10: What should applicants do after receiving a visa refusal?

Applicants whose visa applications were refused are kindly advised to refer to the instructions provided in the official refusal letter for guidance on how to submit an appeal.

11: What if an applicant faces technical problems booking an appointment through VFS?

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the VFS appointment system are advised to contact VFS directly to report and resolve the issue.

12: Can I travel to Malta if I have a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State?

Yes, provided that the residence permit remains valid, and the planned travel complies with the conditions of a short stay – namely, a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

13: Can a Schengen visa be extended while in Malta?

A Schengen visa may only be extended on grounds of force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal circumstances. Extensions for any other purpose are not permitted. Applicants wishing to extend their visas for non-humanitarian reasons must leave the Schengen Area and apply for a visa from their country of residence.

14: Is it necessary to notify authorities if travel dates change within the visa validity period?

No notification is required, provided that the revised travel dates remain within the visa validity period of the issued visa.

15: I am a Third-country national family member of an EU-citizen. Do I need to apply for a visa?

Yes, you are required to apply for a visa; however, you will benefit from a visa facilitation process that enables a faster and more streamlined application.