Last Updated: Dec 4, 2025 | Reviewed by: Professional Visa Consultants team of BTW Visas (Malta Visa Experts)
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Malta. As Malta is a member of the Schengen Area, Indian citizens cannot enter without obtaining prior visa approval. The Malta tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and grants access to all 27 Schengen countries.
Malta, a stunning Mediterranean island nation and European Union member since 2004, is part of the Schengen Agreement. This means Indian citizens planning to visit Malta for tourism, business, or family visits must obtain a Schengen Type C visa before traveling.
India is not on the EU's visa-exempt list, which currently includes over 60 countries. Therefore, all Indian passport holders, regardless of their purpose of visit, must apply for and receive visa approval before boarding their flight to Malta.
A Malta Schengen visa provides several benefits:
Starting in 2026, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). However, this system only applies to visa-exempt countries. Indian citizens will continue to require a full Schengen visa and will not be eligible for ETIAS.
Understanding which visa category suits your travel purpose is crucial for a successful application. Here are the main types available:
Purpose: Leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting friends or family
Key Features:
Ideal For:
Purpose: Professional and commercial activities
Permitted Activities:
Key Features:
Purpose: Academic studies and educational programs
Requirements:
Processing Time: 2-3 months (longer than tourist visa)
Purpose: Employment in Malta
Requirements:
Processing Time: 2-3 months
Purpose: Passing through Malta airport en route to another destination
Key Features:
Preparing the correct documents is critical for visa approval. Missing or incorrect documents are the leading cause of visa rejections. Here's the comprehensive checklist:
Requirements:
Important: You must also submit your old passport(s) if you have any. This is mandatory for all nationalities applying from India.
Requirements:
Pro Tip: VFS Global offers optional form-filling assistance for ₹2,600 if you need help.
Specifications:
Must Include:
Format: Typed on plain paper, addressed to "The Visa Officer, High Commission of Malta"
Requirements:
Important: Do not purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval. Use flight reservation services or refundable bookings.
Acceptable Documents:
If Staying with Friends/Family:
Mandatory Requirements:
Approved Insurance Providers: Check VFS Global website for list of approved insurance companies.
Cost: Typically ₹500-₹1,500 for 15-day coverage
Required Amount: €48-€65 per day of stay (approximately ₹4,400-₹5,900 per day)
Acceptable Documents:
For Self-Employed:
For Sponsored Applicants:
For Salaried Employees:
For Self-Employed/Business Owners:
For Students:
For Retired Persons:
Mandatory:
Additional Documents:
Identify which visa category suits your travel purpose (tourist, business, student, etc.). This determines the specific documents you'll need.
Using the checklist above, collect all mandatory documents. Ensure everything is:
Timeline: Allow 1-2 weeks for document preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
How to Book:
Important: Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.
Payment Options at VFS Center:
Fees Include:
Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if visa is rejected.
What to Bring:
At the VFS Center:
Biometric Exemptions:
Duration: Expect to spend 30-60 minutes at VFS center.
Tracking Methods:
What You Can Track:
Collection Options:
Option 1: In-Person Collection
Option 2: Courier Delivery
Option 3: Authorized Representative
Once you receive your passport, immediately check:
If you find any errors: Contact VFS Global immediately for correction.
Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget accurately for your visa application.
Category | Fee in EUR | Fee in INR (Approx.) |
Adults (12+ years) | €80 | ₹7,200-₹7,300 |
Children (6-12 years) | €45 | ₹4,000-₹4,100 |
Children (Under 6 years) | Free | ₹0 |
Note: EUR to INR conversion rate fluctuates. Check current rate at time of application.
Service | Cost |
Standard Service Charge | ₹2,413-₹2,735 |
Includes GST (18%) | Included in above |
Service | Cost | Description |
Courier Service | ₹650-₹754 | Passport delivered to your address |
SMS Updates | ₹120-₹139 | Real-time application status via SMS |
Premium Lounge | ₹3,200-₹3,715 | Comfortable waiting area, refreshments |
Form Filling Assistance | ₹2,600 | Help with completing application form |
Prime Time Appointment | ₹3,250 | Priority appointment slots |
Prime Time Collection | ₹450 | Priority passport collection |
Photo Service | ₹150-₹200 | Passport photos at VFS center |
Minimum Cost (Adult Tourist Visa):
With Optional Services:
Business Visa (via Agency):
| Entry | Purpose | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry Normal | Tourist | 90 days | 3 months | 9810.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Business | 90 days | 3 months | 9810.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Business | 90 days | 3 months | 9810.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Study | 90 days | 3 months | 7184.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Study | 90 days | 3 months | 7184.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Work | 90 days | 3 months | 7184.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Work | 90 days | 3 months | 7184.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Dependant | 90 days | 3 months | 7184.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Dependant | 90 days | 3 months | 10757.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Tourist | 90 days | 3 months | 9810.0 |
Understanding processing timelines helps you plan your application submission strategically.
General Applications: 15 calendar days (approximately 2-3 weeks)
This is the standard timeframe from the date your application reaches the Malta High Commission in New Delhi.
Peak Season (May-September): 30-60 days
Applications from Specific Locations:
Location | Additional Transit Time | Total Time |
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata | 15 days | 15 days |
Cochin, Lucknow | +3 days transit | 18 days |
Nepal | +3 days transit | 18 days |
Maldives | +6 working days transit | 21 days |
Best Practices:
Earliest: 6 months before intended travel date Latest: 15 days before intended travel date (not recommended) Recommended: 4-6 weeks before travel date
Online Tracking:
Status Indicators:
VFS Global is the official visa application center for Malta in India. Here are all the locations:
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, Shop No. 1 & 2, Worldmark 1, Aerocity, IGI Airport Hospitality District, New Delhi - 110037
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Contact: +91-11-4960-5555
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, Visa Facilitation Services Pvt Ltd, 3rd Floor, Panchshil Tech Park, Yerwada, Pune-Nagar Road, Pune - 411006
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Contact: +91-20-6764-4646
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, 1st Floor, Raheja Towers, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560001
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, Shyamala Tower, 1st Floor, 106, Adhithanar Salai, Egmore, Chennai - 600002
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, 5A, Russell Street, 2nd Floor, Kolkata - 700071
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, 2nd Floor, Chirag Centre, Kaloor, Kochi - 682017
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Address: VFS Global, Malta Visa Application Centre, 1st Floor, Shalimar Corporate Park, 8, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow - 226001
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Appointment Required: Walk-ins not accepted. Book online appointment mandatory.
Closed On:
What to Expect:
Facilities Available:
Understanding why visas get rejected helps you avoid these pitfalls. Here are the most common reasons:
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Appeal Process:
Travel insurance is mandatory for Malta visa approval. Here's everything you need to know:
Coverage Amount: €30,000 (approximately ₹27 lakhs)
Must Cover:
Must Cover: Entire Schengen Area (all 27 countries)
Schengen Countries Include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Must Be Valid For:
Check VFS Global Website for Updated List
Popular Approved Providers in India:
Typical Costs:
Factors Affecting Cost:
Option 1: Online
Option 2: Through Agent
Option 3: At VFS Center
Mandatory Information:
Optional Coverage:
Keep These Handy:
Demonstrating sufficient financial means is crucial for visa approval. Here's what you need to know:
Standard Requirement: €48-€65 per person per day
Example Calculations:
Requirements:
What Embassy Looks For:
Requirements:
Requirements:
Acceptable:
Sponsor Must Provide:
Acceptable Sponsors:
Minimum Monthly Salary: ₹25,000-₹30,000 (recommended)
Documents:
Documents:
Documents:
Documents:
Options:
Follow these expert tips to maximize your chances of visa approval:
Obtaining a Malta visa as an Indian citizen requires careful preparation, complete documentation, and attention to detail. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll significantly increase your chances of visa approval and enjoy a smooth application process.
✅ Start Early: Apply 4-6 weeks before travel
✅ Complete Documentation: Use the checklist and ensure nothing is missing
✅ Financial Proof: Maintain sufficient funds (€48-€65 per day)
✅ Travel Insurance: Mandatory €30,000 coverage
✅ Honest Application: Never submit false documents
✅ Clear Purpose: Demonstrate clear travel plans and intent to return
✅ Strong Ties: Show employment, family, and property ties to India
Malta, with its stunning Mediterranean beauty, rich history, crystal-clear waters, and warm hospitality, awaits your visit. With proper preparation and this comprehensive guide, your Malta visa application will be successful.
Safe travels and enjoy your Maltese adventure! 🇲🇹✈️
Author Expertise: This guide is compiled from official sources, including VFS Global, Malta High Commission, European Union visa regulations, and verified traveler experiences.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Sources:
Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official Malta government sources before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Last Updated: December 2025
Content Accuracy: This comprehensive guide has been compiled based on extensive research of official government sources, verified travel information, and real experiences of Indian travelers who have successfully obtained Malta visas.
Expert Contributors: BTW Visas experts team with 15+ years of industry experience, with a 99% visa success rate, and have processed more than 4 lakh+ Visas.
It is not possible to extend your short term Matese permit under normal conditions. Being a type of the Schengen, these are non-extendable. However, in certain extreme cases such as a Force Majeure, or other humanitarian reasons, you may be granted an extension. In case you are not granted one, you must leave the country immediately. The long term permits, however, may be extended depending upon the category.
The medical test requirements depend on the category of the permit. The short term permits, being issued for durations of less than 6 months, do not have a medical test requirement. However, the long term categories may require medical tests mandatory. In either case, it is suggested that you get a medical checkup before travelling to a new country.
There are no specific requirements to the exact amount you would need to show to apply for this permit. Based on the rules, you must provide proof that you have enough funds to support yourself for your entire stay duration. These include basic expenses such as food, travel, accommodation, etc.
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