Malta Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

More commonly known as the Malta Schengen tourist visa, this is a permit that is issued for individuals travelling to Malta for the purpose of tourism. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be granted as a single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entries. 

The application for the Malta visa from India has to be made offline. There is no online application form. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country as a tourist. After this, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Collect all the documents you would need for the Malta tourist visa application process. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC and download the application form. The High Commission of Malta only accepts direct applications for Humanitarian/Exceptional visas. All other applications have to be made through the VAC.  
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details.
4. Proceed to schedule an appointment to submit the application at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this by visiting their website and booking online, or by simply calling them up. You may visit the VAC without an appointment during the mentioned working hours, however, due to the high volume of applications, it is strongly suggested to make an appointment first.
5. Visit the respective VAC with your documents, duly signed and filled application form, and the fees. 

Note that if you have already submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, note that you must provide original documents and correct information. Providing false information or fake documents are grounds for automatic visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for this permit, you must meet a few eligibility criteria. These are as follows- 

• You must be living in the country where you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that particular country.
• You must possess a valid passport meeting all the regulations.
• The only motive of your visit must be to take part in tourism and related activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Malta is your only destination, or
  2. Malta is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Malta must be your port of entry into the Schengen region.

As per the Malta tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you must submit.

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Malta.
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed air tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Maltese tourist permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the validity of your permit, the volume of application at the embassy, your previous travel history, and so on. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for it well in advance. Normally, it takes around 10-15 working days. However, this may even increase to 30 days in some cases, and may even take 60 days in certain extreme cases.

The fees for the process depends on the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary depending upon the currency exchange rates. It is, therefore, suggested that you check the exact amount before applying.

Once you have submitted the application at the VAC, the application is then forwarded to the Embassy of Malta in New Delhi. The VAC has no control over the processing. They are purely in charge of the administrative section of the visa application. The processing is done by the embassy alone. Once the permit has been approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge.  

After submission, you can do the Malta visa status tracking by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/ and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also contact your travel agency to know the status. 

Once you have received the permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant experience. 

• Keep note of the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay longer than the permitted duration.
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. You will be denied entry into Malta without this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Malta within 6 months of the visa issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in work. 
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa under normal conditions
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as permitted.