Malta Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Malta requires Indian citizens to obtain a Schengen Type C visa for tourism. A single Schengen visa lets you travel across all 29 Schengen countries.

Visa Type | Best For | Fee | Max Stay

Schengen Type C (Single Entry) | One trip to Malta only | €90 (₹9,900) | 90 days in 180 days

Schengen Type C (Double Entry) | Malta + one side trip outside Schengen | €90 (₹9,900) | 90 days in 180 days

Schengen Type C (Multiple Entry) | Frequent Schengen travel over 1-5 years | €90 (₹9,900) | 90 days per 180-day period

Single Entry is the most common for first-time applicants. It allows one entry into the Schengen Area and a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Ideal for a focused Malta holiday.

Double Entry is useful if you plan a side trip to a non-Schengen country (like Tunisia, Morocco, or Turkey) and want to re-enter the Schengen Area to return to Malta.

Multiple Entry is best for travellers who plan multiple trips to Europe. It can be issued for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on your travel history. You need at least 3 previous Schengen visas issued in the past 2 years to qualify for a 1-year multi-entry.

Important: Malta has one of the highest Schengen rejection rates for Indian applicants (approximately 44.9%). Meticulous documentation and a strong cover letter explaining why Malta specifically are essential. Do not treat this as a generic Schengen application.

Indian citizens who want to visit Malta for tourism can apply for a Schengen Type C visa. Here is who qualifies:

Basic eligibility:

·        Indian passport holder with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure from Schengen

·        Passport issued within the last 10 years

·        At least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker

·        Travelling for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family

·        Proof of accommodation and return flight

Stronger applications have:

·        Previous international travel history (especially Schengen, US, UK, Australia)

·        Stable employment with regular salary

·        Clear travel itinerary explaining why Malta specifically

·        Minimum bank balance of ₹2,00,000+ maintained consistently over 6 months

·        Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years

Who may face challenges:

·        First-time travellers with no international travel history

·        Self-employed applicants without strong business documentation

·        Applicants with low or inconsistent bank balances

·        Those who cannot explain why Malta over more popular Schengen destinations

Expert Tip: The Malta consulate sees fewer Indian applications than France or Italy. This means your cover letter explaining genuine interest in Malta — specific attractions, history, culture — matters more here than for other Schengen countries. Be specific, not generic.

Most of what you need is standard for any Schengen application. Gather these before applying:

Mandatory documents:

1.      Passport — Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages.

2.      Old passport(s) — Mandatory submission of all previous passports. The consulate needs to see your travel history.

3.      Passport-size photographs — Two recent colour photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background, 80% face coverage, taken within the last 6 months. No glasses, neutral expression, mouth closed.

4.      Visa application form — Completed in English, signed by the applicant. Both parents must sign for minors.

5.      Cover letter — Explaining your purpose of visit, why Malta specifically, your planned itinerary, and how you will fund the trip. Keep it conversational and specific to Malta.

6.      Flight reservation — A confirmed round-trip booking with PNR. Do NOT purchase final tickets before visa approval — a reservation is sufficient.

7.      Hotel bookings — Confirmed reservations for every night of your stay in Malta. If staying with friends or family, provide an invitation letter.

8.      Travel insurance — Minimum €30,000 coverage across all Schengen countries, covering medical emergencies, hospitalisation, repatriation, and evacuation. Costs ₹700-900 for a 10-day trip.

9.      Day-by-day itinerary — A detailed plan of your activities in Malta, including which days you visit Valletta, Gozo, Comino, etc.

10.   Bank statements — Last 3-6 months of statements, original and stamped by your bank. Must show consistent balance and regular salary credits. No large last-minute deposits.

11.   Salary slips — Last 3 months of salary slips.

12.   Income Tax Returns — Last 2 years of ITR.

13.   Employment proof — A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates. Self-employed applicants should provide GST registration, business registration, and CA-certified financials.

14.   Aadhaar card — Photocopy.

Tip: Consistency is critical. Dates, income, purpose, and accommodation details must match across ALL documents. Even small discrepancies can lead to rejection.

The Schengen visa fee is set by the EU and applies uniformly across all Schengen countries. VFS Global charges an additional service fee.

Fee Component | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR)

Schengen visa fee (adult) | €90 | ₹9,900

Schengen visa fee (child 6-12) | €45 | ₹4,950

Schengen visa fee (child under 6) | Free | Free

VFS service charge | — | ₹1,750-2,564

Total per adult (mandatory) | — | ~₹11,650-12,464

Optional add-ons:

·        Courier return of passport: ₹450-800

·        SMS tracking updates: ₹120-200

·        Premium lounge access: ₹3,200-3,317

Payment methods:

·        VFS service charge: Credit card, debit card, or demand draft

·        Visa fee: Usually included in VFS payment

Important notes:

·        All fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused

·        Fees are subject to change — confirm current amounts before applying

·        The €90 visa fee has been effective since June 2024

Applying for a Malta Schengen visa through VFS Global is straightforward. Follow these steps:

15.   Confirm Malta is your primary destination. You must apply to Malta only if Malta is where you spend the most days, or your first entry point if days are equal across Schengen countries.

16.   Gather all documents using the checklist above. Ensure consistency across all documents — dates, names, amounts must match.

17.   Book an appointment on VFS Global at visa.vfsglobal.com/malta/india. Select your city and book a slot. Walk-ins are not accepted for Malta.

18.   Fill the application form — Download from the VFS website, complete in English, and sign. Both parents must sign for minors.

19.   Visit the VFS centre on your appointment day with all original documents plus photocopies. Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the centre.

20.   Pay the fees — visa fee plus VFS service charge. Collect your acknowledgement receipt with the reference number for tracking.

21.   Track your application online via the VFS Global portal using your reference number and last name.

22.   Collect your passport from the VFS centre or opt for courier delivery.

VFS Global centres for Malta in India:

New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad

Tip: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date. Malta processing can take longer than other Schengen countries, and peak season (May-September) adds delays.

Processing times for Malta Schengen visas are standard across the Schengen system but can vary by season:

Scenario | Processing Time

Standard | 10-15 calendar days

Peak season (May-September) | 15-30 calendar days

Complex cases | Up to 45 calendar days

Emergency processing | 5 working days

Peak seasons to watch:

·        Summer (June-August) — highest volume, longest processing

·        Christmas and New Year (December-January)

·        Spring (March-May) — moderate volume

When to apply:

·        Standard trips: 4-6 weeks before travel

·        Peak season travel: 6-8 weeks before travel

·        You can apply up to 6 months in advance, minimum 15 days before travel

VFS transmission time: Add 3-6 days for documents to reach the High Commission and return to VFS.

You can track your application status online through the VFS Global portal.

Malta expects tourists to demonstrate they can fund their trip. Here is what the embassy looks for:

Minimum bank balance:

·        €48-65 per day of stay (recommended)

·        For a 7-day trip: approximately €336-455 (~₹36,000-50,000) in accessible funds

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, original and stamped by your bank

·        Must show consistent balance and regular salary credits

·        Avoid large last-minute deposits — they raise red flags

Income proof:

·        Salary slips for the last 3 months

·        Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years

·        For self-employed: business registration, GST returns, and CA-certified financials

Daily budget reference (in INR):

Budget Level | Per Day | 7-Day Trip

Budget | ₹5,500-7,700 | ₹38,500-53,900

Mid-range | ₹11,000-16,500 | ₹77,000-1,15,500

Premium | ₹27,500-44,000 | ₹1,92,500-3,08,000

Trip cost estimates (7 days, excluding flights):

Cost Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium

Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹15,400-30,800 | ₹53,900-92,400 | ₹1,54,000-3,08,000

Food (7 days) | ₹11,550-19,250 | ₹30,800-46,200 | ₹61,600-92,400

Activities and transport | ₹3,850-11,550 | ₹15,400-30,800 | ₹38,500-61,600

Visa fees | ₹11,650 | ₹12,464 | ₹15,781

Total | ₹42,450-72,050 | ₹1,12,564-1,81,864 | ₹2,65,881-4,77,781

Looking for a more affordable Mediterranean alternative? Our Greece tourist visa guide covers one of the most popular Schengen destinations. If you are planning a bigger European trip, check out our Italy tourist visa guide for the boot-shaped classic. For a Spanish adventure, see our Spain tourist visa guide.

English is an official language. Unlike most Schengen countries, English is one of Malta's two official languages. Every sign, menu, government form, and conversation is in English. You never feel lost or need a phrasebook — a massive advantage over France, Italy, or Germany.

7,000 years of history in a tiny island. Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth — the Ħaġar Qim temples (3700 BC) are older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge. The entire country is 27km long and 14km wide, yet it has UNESCO World Heritage cities, underground burial chambers, and fortified cities that rival any in Europe.

The Blue Lagoon and crystal waters. Comino's Blue Lagoon is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean — turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom at 20 metres. Malta's coastline has over 120 dive sites with world-class visibility.

Compact and easy to explore. You can see all of Malta's highlights in 5-7 days. No long drives, no complicated logistics. Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon are all within an hour of each other.

Incredible value for a Schengen country. Malta is cheaper than France, Italy, Germany, and most Western European Schengen countries. A full meal costs €8-15, bus rides cost €2, and the 7-day bus pass costs just €21.

Valletta is a masterpiece. The UNESCO-listed capital is a Baroque gem — ornate churches, honey-coloured limestone buildings, and harbour views that take your breath away. St John's Co-Cathedral (€15 entry) has one of the most stunning interiors in Europe.

The food scene is surprisingly diverse. Pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), rabbit stew (fenek), ftira bread, and fresh seafood are daily staples. Indian restaurants exist in Sliema and St Julian's for when you miss home food.

The water is unreal. The Blue Lagoon, St Peter's Pool, and Golden Bay offer Mediterranean waters that rival the Maldives. The sea stays warm enough for swimming from June to October.

Gozo feels like a different world. Malta's sister island is quieter, greener, and more rural. The Ġgantija Temples, the Citadel in Victoria, and the Blue Hole diving site make Gozo a must-visit.

It is safe and walkable. Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe with a crime rate of just 27 per 1,000 people. The compact size means you can walk between most attractions in Valletta and the Three Cities.

1. Applying to the wrong consulate. You must apply to Malta only if Malta is your primary destination (most days) or first entry point. Applying to the wrong consulate results in automatic rejection.

2. Weak or generic cover letter. The Malta consulate sees fewer Indian applications than France or Italy. A generic cover letter that does not explain genuine interest in Malta raises red flags. Be specific about why Malta — mention temples, Valletta, the Blue Lagoon, or specific cultural interests.

3. Passport with less than 3 months validity beyond departure. Unlike most countries requiring 6 months, Schengen requires only 3 months beyond your intended departure. However, many applicants confuse this and get rejected. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.

4. Inconsistent information across documents. Dates, names, amounts, and accommodation details must match exactly across your application form, cover letter, bank statements, and flight reservations. Even small discrepancies lead to rejection.

5. Large last-minute deposits in bank statements. This is the number one rejection trigger. A sudden ₹2,00,000 deposit a week before application looks suspicious. Maintain a steady balance over 6 months instead.

6. Not carrying old passports. Old passports are mandatory submission. They show your travel history and credibility. Failing to submit them weakens your application significantly.

7. Buying non-refundable flight tickets before visa approval. A flight reservation with PNR is sufficient for the application. Do not purchase final tickets until your visa is approved — you lose the money if refused.

No direct flights operate between India and Malta. The most common routes connect through Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Frankfurt (Lufthansa).

Route | Via | Duration | Round-Trip Cost

Delhi → Malta | Dubai/Istanbul/Frankfurt | 12-17 hours | ₹33,000-65,000

Mumbai → Malta | Dubai/Doha | 13-17 hours | ₹35,000-65,000

Bengaluru → Malta | Dubai/Istanbul | 14-18 hours | ₹38,000-70,000

Chennai → Malta | Dubai/Istanbul | 15-18 hours | ₹40,000-70,000

Flight time from Delhi is approximately 12-17 hours including layover. Emirates via Dubai and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are the most popular options. April is typically the cheapest month to fly. Booking 2-3 months in advance yields the best fares.

5-Day Malta Highlights

Day 1: Valletta — St John's Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster's Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Day 2: Mdina and Rabat — Silent City, catacombs, Mdina Glass.

Day 3: Blue Lagoon and Comino — Island hopping, swimming, snorkelling.

Day 4: Gozo — Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Blue Hole.

Day 5: Sliema and departure — Beach, shopping, farewell lunch.

Malta offers Indian travellers a compact Mediterranean gem — 7,000 years of history, the Blue Lagoon's turquoise waters, UNESCO cities older than the Pyramids, and English as an official language. The Schengen visa costs €90 (₹9,900) through VFS Global and takes 10-15 days to process. For the complete document checklist, eligibility details, and multi-entry options, see the main Malta visa guide.