Can Indians go to Malta without a visa?

No, Indians can’t go to Malta without a visa. They need a Schengen tourist visa which allows them to stay in Malta for 90 days in a span of 180 days.

Can Indians apply for a Malta visa online?

No, Indian citizens cannot apply for a Malta visa online. They must submit their visa application in person at the nearest VFS application centre in India.

Can I apply for a multiple-entry Malta visa from India?

Yes, Indians can now apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa for Malta. If an Indian national has utilised two Schengen visas within the past three years, they are eligible to receive a two-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. Furthermore, upon the expiration of this two-year visa, applicants with valid passports would be able to obtain a five-year visa. This update offers greater convenience and flexibility to travellers, facilitating smoother and more frequent visits to Schengen countries.

Are there specific financial criteria for a Malta visa for Indian applicants?

Yes, there are financial criteria for obtaining a Malta visa for Indian applicants. Generally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay in Malta, including accommodation, food, and other expenses, and travel insurance. Having proof of financial stability through bank statements, income proof, sponsorship details, income tax return forms, etc. is necessary.

What is the process for obtaining a Malta visa from Indians?

To obtain your Malta visa you must submit your visa application in person at the nearest VFS application centre in India. The application process typically involves filling out a form (online), providing required documentation and a print of the application form in person, attending an interview (if necessary), and paying the applicable visa fee.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indians with a Malta visa?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Indian travellers applying for a Maltese visa. The Schengen visa requires coverage of at least € 30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen circumstances. The insurance should be valid in the entire Schengen region.

Malta Visa For Indians: Types, Requirements, How To Apply & Fees

Introduction

Are you eager to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Malta? Do you envision strolling through the picturesque streets of Valletta or exploring the historic sites of Mdina? But the prospect of navigating the visa application process leaves you feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

Navigating through the Malta travel visa application process might seem challenging at first. That's precisely why we've prepared this comprehensive guide on Malta visas for Indian travellers, designed to simplify each stage of the process.

From understanding the different visa types to gathering essential documents, from the application process to Malta visa fees – we have it all covered.

Let's get going!

Types of Malta Visa for Indians

Malta offers short-term Schengen (type ‘C’) visa to Indians. The Schengen visa is valid for up to 180-days and allows for a stay of a maximum of 90 days. It can be further classified into various categories-

Tourist Visa (Short Stay Visa)

This visa is for Indian travellers planning to visit Malta for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, vacationing, or visiting friends and family. It typically allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Business Visa

If you're travelling to Malta for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities, you'll need a business visa. This visa allows you to engage in business-related activities during your stay.

Visa for Visiting Friends & Family

If you’re planning to visit Malta to visit family and friends you should be applying for this short-term Schengen visa.

Student or Religious ‘C’ Visa

Applicants applying for study/religious purposes where the stay is less than 90 days can apply under this category.

Film Crews ‘C’ Visa

Applicants/film crews travelling for film shooting in Malta can apply under this category.

Photo Specifications for Malta Visa for Indians

The applicant's photo will be captured at the VFS Visa Application Centre as part of their biometrics. Nevertheless, please carry one photograph as per the specifications below. Children below the age of 1 year need not be present in the Visa Application Centre for biometrics. 2 photographs of the child must be submitted along with the application.

Photo dimensions: 3.5 X 4.5 cm.
The photo should have been taken within the last 6 months.
The background should be one colour and bright (ideally a neutral grey colour) and in a contrasting colour to the face and hair. In the case of light-coloured hair, a medium-grey background is suitable whilst a light-grey background is suitable for dark hair. The background should not have any pattern.
The photo should be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600 dpi.
The face should be in focus and should take up to 70-80% of the photograph. The height of the face should correspond to 32-36mm
The expression should be neutral and mouth closed. Applicant must look directly into the camera.
The head of the person photographed should be neither at an angle nor turned
Headwear - Only allowed if worn for religious reasons. The face should be clearly visible from the forehead to the lower tip of the chin.
The photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses. The edge of the glasses should not cover the eyes. Sunglasses are not allowed.

Malta photo visa specifications

When to Apply for a Malta Visa for Indians?

A Schengen visa allows you entry into 29 Schengen Region countries. It can become confusing for applicants to know at which Schengen country Embassy they should apply for their visa.

The below 3 points will help you understand when to apply for your Schengen visa at the Malta Embassy

When you plan to visit only Malta in the entire Schengen Region: Apply at the Malta Embassy, if Malta is your sole Schengen destination.
Malta serves as your primary point of entry in a multiple Schengen country tour: If you plan on visiting multiple Schengen countries with comparable lengths of stay (e.g., touring Malta, Lithuania, and Slovenia), you need to initiate your visa application at the consulate of your initial entry country, which is Malta in our case.
When the primary purpose of the Schengen tour is a visit to Malta: The primary purpose of your trip dictates at which Embassy you should be applying for your visa. In case of ambiguity, particularly when visiting multiple countries, submit your application to the embassy or consulate of your first entry point into the Schengen Region.
For example, You need to apply for your visa at the Malta Consulate, if your primary purpose involves attending a conference in Malta while exploring other Schengen countries.

How to Apply for a Malta Visa From India?

Below is the step-by-step guide to applying for your short-term Schengen type ‘C’ Malta travel visa through VFS Global-

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. For tourism apply for a tourist visa, for business trips, apply for a business visa. If you’re going to Malta to visit friends and family, apply for the relevant visa and so on. These are all categorised under Schengen type ‘C’ visa. Long-term (type ‘D’) visas can’t be applied through VFS.

Step 2: Fill out Your Visa Application Form

Collect all the required documents for your visa application form. Download the Visa Application Form. Fill it manually. You will need to submit it at the VFS Centre.

Step 3: Book An Appointment With VFS Global

Schedule an appointment at the Malta VFS Visa Application Centre to submit your visa application form and the required documents. You need to apply in person. Even if you’re travelling in a group, you must book an individual appointment for each member of the group.

Step 4: Pay a Visit to the VFS Visa Application Centre

Submit your application form and documents at the VFS Global office in person. Also, pay the fee (if not paid online) and submit your biometrics. If you didn’t book an appointment with VFS online you can attend walk-ins between 08 am and 11 am as well. Before attending, learn more about what happens at the visa application centre.

The usual work timings for these centres are 09:00 to 16:00 hrs, Mon-Fri.

Step 5: Collect Your Passport and Other Documents From VFS

It can take approximately 3-4 weeks to get a decision on your Maltian visa application. Once the visa authorities have decided on your Maltese visa application, you can collect your documents back from them. If passports are not collected within 30 Days from the Visa Application Centre, passports will be handed over to the Malta High Commission.

You can either collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. You will ne-ed the Original ICR & Copy of Govt ID Proof for collecting your documents in person.

Your immediate family members (i.e. parents, siblings, spouse, or children) or representatives of a company can also collect the documents on your behalf.

Third parties need to carry the following documents-

Photocopy of Govt. ID card of all applicants
Original ICR
Authorization Letter from the applicant. In the case of a company representative, the letter needs to be on the letterhead of the company and the representative should also carry their official ID card.

If an applicant loses their ICR, they need to come in person for the collection of their passport from the counter.

Malta Visa Fees for Indians

Fee applicable for short-term Malta travel visas for Indians (i.e., Schengen visa type ‘C’ for tourism, attending business conferences, visiting friends & family, etc.)-

Important points to note for Malta visa fees for Indians -

Additional charges will apply if you decide to avail of services such as video conferencing, SMS & courier service, premium lounge at the VFS visa centre, etc.
The Malta visa fees are non-refundable.
Malta visa fees for Indians are also subject to change without notice based on factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, policy updates, etc.

Malta Visa Processing Time for Indians

The Malta Embassy can take around 3 weeks from the day the application reaches them to process your Schengen visa. It can take 3-6 days of transmission between VFS/High Commission and return to VFS.

The Malta visa processing time may go beyond 3 weeks in some cases, like when further scrutiny of the application is needed or when it is the holiday season and the Embassy experiences a huge influx of visa applications.

We, therefore, recommend that you apply as early as possible. Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure to enable timely processing of your application. But remember you can’t lodge your application 6 months before your travel date.

Validity and Extension of Malta Visa for Indians

The validity of a Malta Schengen visa can vary. It usually allows for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact duration of validity depends on the specifics of the application and the discretion of the consulate issuing the visa. It's important to check your visa sticker for the exact dates and conditions of your allowed stay.

How to Check the Status of Malta Visa from India

To track your Malta visa from India, access VFS Global’s Malta visa tracking page. The screen will look as shown in the screenshot above. Input the details asked for - reference number, and date of birth. Enter Captcha and hit ‘Submit.’

Tracking the application status of Malta Visa for Indians

You can also connect with VFS on the details given below to check your visa status-
Contact Number: 022 67866005 (08:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs) Monday to Saturday
E-mail ID: infomalta.northin@vfshelpline.com

Your correspondence should include, your full name, date of birth, passport number, and telephone number.

Importance of Travel Insurance for Malta Visa for Indians

Travel insurance is important for Indians applying for a Malta visa for several reasons. Firstly, it is a mandatory requirement for visa approval, demonstrating financial preparedness for unexpected expenses. Secondly, it provides essential medical coverage, ensuring you are protected against high healthcare costs during your stay.

Malta Visa Success Rate for Indians

Malta visa success rate for Indians stands at around 60-65%. However, please note that visa approval rates can vary based on various factors including the purpose of travel, documentation provided, individual circumstances, and the overall policies in place at the time of application. To increase your chances of success make sure you’re well-prepared with all the needed documentation.

Additional Resources

VFS Global Malta visa

Malta Visa Document Checklist

Malta visa Photo Requirements

Malta Work Visa

Conclusion

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Malta visa requirements for Indian citizens and the procedures for a Malta visa from India for a smooth visa application experience.

Getting a visa to Malta as an Indian is a lengthy process, requiring a list of documents, including a completed application form, passport, photos, proof of travel arrangements, accommodation, financial means, and travel insurance. The Malta visa processing time varies but generally takes around 3-4 weeks. It's essential to apply well ahead of your travel date to allow for processing and avoid potential delays.

Do Indians need a visa to visit Malta?	Yes, Indians need a Schengen visa to visit Malta.
Processing time	3 to 4 weeks
Fees	Visa fee - € 90 or ₹8,165 VFS fee - ₹ 2,384
Validity	180 Days
Stay duration	90 Days
How to apply?	Apply through VFS Global visa application centres in India
Documents Required	Visa Application Form Photograph Passport Cover Letter Travel Itinerary Travel Health Insurance Round-trip Flight Reservation Proof of Sufficient Funds - Bank Statements, ITR-V, etc. See the detailed list below

Visa Application Form	Completed, dated, and signed by the applicant.
Valid Passport	Issued within the last 10 years. Should be valid for at least 3 months after the intended return. Should not be valid for more than 10 years. Must have at least 3 blank pages. Original and photocopy of passport bio page.
Aadhar Card	Original and photocopy both.
Colour Photograph	White background Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm. Should be taken in the last 6 months.
Travel Health Insurance	Minimum coverage of € 30,000. Must remain valid during the entire stay in Schengen territory Should cover the costs of emergency medical treatment in case of and even repatriation in case of death. Should be purchased from one of 16 Schengen recognized Insurance Companies in India.
Proof of Accommodation	Confirmed hotel booking, or ‘Declaration of Proof’ completely filled in, signed by the invitee and photocopy of the invitee’s Malta ID card or Passport and relative supporting documents as mentioned in the same declaration All in original, witnessed by (Maltese) Public Notary. If you’re travelling to other Schengen states, proof of accommodation in each of them. Copy of the Host's ID Card and of the bio-data page of the Invitee's Passport. Proof of residence (ie property title deeds, rental agreement, energy bills).
Flight Reservation	Roundtrip flight reservation If travelling to several Schengen countries, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary, or car rental.
Itinerary	Complete and detailed travel itinerary
Certificate from Travel Agency	Certificate of the travel agency confirming the booking of an organised trip or any other appropriate document indicating the travel plans
Bank Statement	Last 3 months’ bank statement Stamped and signed by the bank
Income Tax Return Acknowledgement	ITR-V of last 2 years

If the Applicant is Employed	Last 3 months' pay slips Employment Contract Employer’s statement on approval for holidays
If the Applicant is Self-Employed	Original bank statements for the last 3 months, duly stamped and signed by the bank Certificate of registration of the company, including its goods and services tax (GST) registration number, and Indian income tax return acknowledgment for the last two assessment years.
If the Visit is Sponsored	Proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation by means of the national form of the Member State concerned, if applicable (cf. the website of the Member State of destination)
If the Applicant is Retired	Pension statement for last 3 months Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business
If the Applicant is a Minor	Copy of passport of both parents/legal guardians If the minor is travelling without any parent/legal guardian - notarized consent of both parents or legal guardians If a minor is travelling with one parent - notarized consent of the non-travelling parent or legal guardian

Invitation Letter From Inviting Company in Malta	Should explain the applicant’s identity, purpose of journey (meetings, conferences, training or business-related events), period and place of intended stay
Cover Letter from Employer on Company Letterhead	Covering letter from the sending company explaining applicant’s identity, purpose of journey, period and place of intended stay.

Invitation Letter	Invitation from the family member/friend, including their address and contact details, and intended period of stay, together with Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card, or residence permit as applicable
Cover Letter	Should indicate the applicant’s Identity, purpose of journey, period and place of intended stay

Exploring Malta Visa For Indians: Types, Requirements, How To Apply & Fees

Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Malta?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Is There a Visa-on-Arrival in Malta for Indian Citizens?

Types of Malta Visa for Indians

Malta Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Below is the list of all documents required for applying for a Malta visa for Indian

Other Documents

Additional documents if the applicant is applying for a Business Visa

Additional documents if the applicant is visiting friends and family