Malta Visitor Visa - Definitive Guide

To enter Malta to meet your family members or friends living in the country, you will need a permit. Also known as the Malta Schengen visitor visa, this is a type of the Schengen C category, and as a result, has a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, nationals of other Schengen countries or nations that have a visa-free arrangement with Malta do not require this. The permit can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entries.

To apply for the visitor permit, you have to make the application offline as there is no online application form for Indian citizens. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country as a visitor. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Collect all the documents you would need for the application process. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC and download the visa application form. The form for all the Schengen permits is the same. You will simply have to mention that your purpose of the visit is ‘visiting family/friends’
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details necessary.
4. Proceed to book an appointment to submit the application at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this by visiting the 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 at the VAC, 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. 

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics for any Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, note that you must provide genuine documents and correct information. Providing false information or fake documents can lead to automatic visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for this category, you must meet a few points. The following are the eligibility criteria to be met - 

• You must be within the country you are making the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign country, you can apply it to the respective embassy.
• You must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to meet your friends and family living in Malta and you must be invited by them.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay in Malta.
• 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 is your port of entry. 

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents you would need to submit - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details as well as that of the visit.
  2. It must 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.
• Travel itinerary/documents - 
  1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 
• Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30000 Euros
• Invitation letter from the relative/friend living in Malta including all the details of the visit. They should match the details on the covering letter
• 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 recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for a Malta visitor visa under normal conditions is around 10-15 working days. However, this may even take up to 30 days, or even 60 days in extreme cases. Overall, they depend on the number of entries, the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. As a result, it is advised that you submit for the permit well in advance. 

The fees for this permit can also vary. They depend on the number of entries, biometric charges, delivery charges, as well as any other service charges by the VAC. The application fee can also vary depending upon the currency exchange rates of the Euro and the Rupee. Hence, it is advised that you check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application at one of the VACs, they will forward it to the embassy of Malta in New Delhi for processing. Note that even if the application is submitted at the VAC, they have no influence over the processing. This is solely done by the embassy. 

Once your visa has been approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC in person, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge.  

After making a successful application, you can check the status by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/ and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also track it by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you. 

Once you get your visa, you must keep in mind the following points ensure that you have a hassle-free travelling experience. 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. Your travel must be according to these. 
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. If you do not possess them, you will be denied entry. 
• Ensure that you travel to Malta within 6 months of the 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, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a visitor permit, you cannot work on a payroll of a Maltese company or establishment. You may, however, take part in unpaid voluntary work. 
• You will not be able to extend the visitor visa under any normal conditions.

You can move within the Schengen zone with this permit. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as many numbers of times as allowed.