Your Guide to Malta Visas: Everything You Need to Know

Malta, a beautiful Mediterranean island, is a popular travel destination for everyone from tourists ready to sightsee to international professionals with business-related interests. It’s no wonder it sees millions of travelers each and every year!

If you’re planning to visit Malta or even considering a long-term stay, understanding which visa requirements apply to you is essential.

This article will give you information about:

• Who needs a visa for Malta
• How to apply for your visa
• Which documents you’ll be required to provide
• How to go about your visa appointment
• Whether or not you need ETIAS for Malta
• And everything else you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free jaunt abroad!

Do I need a visa to go to Malta?

It depends. Whether or not you need a visa depends on a few things: your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you intend to stay.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country, such as the US, UK, or Canada, you do not need a visa, as long as your stay is under 90 days in length and for tourism or business. If you’re staying for over 90 days, or to work or study, you will need to apply for a visa.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, like China, Russia, India, and others, you will need a visa to visit Malta, regardless of the purpose of your trip or the duration.

Do US citizens need a visa for Malta?

US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Malta – up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you're planning to visit for tourism, business, or to see family and friends, you can enter visa-free.

However, if you want to stay longer or work in Malta, you'll need to apply for a visa.

How do I apply for a Malta visa?

Applying for a Malta visa is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require preparation. You'll need to gather all the necessary documents, complete the visa application form, and schedule an appointment at a Maltese consulate or visa center in your country of residence. The steps are as follows:

• Decide which Malta visa you need.
• Prepare all of the required documentation.
• Book an appointment at a Maltese consulate or visa center in your country of residence.
• Attend your visa appointment & submit your application and biometrics.
• Receive an answer from the Maltese Embassy.

Can I apply for a Malta visa online?

No. While you can complete some of the preliminary paperwork online, you will need to submit your application in person at a consulate, embassy, or visa center – by appointment.

With that being said, there will be an online platform for Malta visa applications ready in the coming years. While it’s currently being built, a portal called EU VAP is in the works and is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Is a Malta visa difficult to get?

Generally, the application process is straightforward. When it comes to whether or not your Malta visa application will be approved is entirely up to the Maltese Embassy.

What is the rejection rate for Malta visas?

In 2023, 36.81% of Malta visa applications were denied globally. Rejection rates vary depending on a list of factors, such as your country of nationality, the time of year, visa type, and more. Additionally, rejection rates are fluid and can change at any time.

What is the processing time for a Malta visa?

The processing time for Malta visa applications is typically around 15 working days for short stays, but long-stay visas may take several weeks. Additionally, visa appointments (which are mandatory) can be booked for weeks or months at a time, so it’s best to start the process well ahead of your travels.

Malta visa application requirements

So, what are the requirements for applying for a visa for Malta? It depends on the type of visa you are applying for, but there are standard documents that you’ll need to supply regardless of the type of visa you’re applying for.

These can be considered as standard documents. Then, on top of these records, there may be supplementary requirements as well.

Which documents are required when applying for a Malta visa?

Standard, essential documents include:

• A completed visa application form (this can be found online).
• A valid passport.
• Passport-sized photos that are Schengen compliant (See tips here).
• Proof of accommodation in Malta (this can be an invitation from a friend, a hotel, or vacation rental booking).
• Schengen travel insurance that meets minimum requirements (learn more).
• Proof of financial means to cover your stay.
• Travel itinerary (flight reservations to and from the Schengen zone).

What are the more specific Malta visa requirements?

In addition to the general documents listed above, the specific requirements for a Malta visa depend on the type of visa you're applying for.

Malta visitor visa requirements

You’ll need the standard documents listed above.

Type D (long-stay) Malta visa requirements

Type-D visas are required for stays exceeding 90 days. These visas have the same requirements as listed above, but may have additional requirements such as work contracts or enrollment records depending on the type of visa that you’re applying for.

Does Malta have a digital nomad visa?

Yes! For full-time remote workers, Malta offers a digital nomad visa that allows you to live in Malta while working remotely for a company on foreign soil. However, there are a few qualifications you need to meet:

• You cannot be a national of the EEA, EU, or a Schengen country.
• You must have a work contract for a company outside of Malta.
• A salary of at least €42,000 annually.

You’ll also need to:

• Obtain health insurance that covers you in every Schengen member country.
• Secure an official rental agreement or purchase a property.
• Pass a background check.
• Provide a police conduct certificate.
• Provide all of the essential, standard documents.

Is there an interview when applying for a Malta visa?

An in-person appointment is required when applying for a Malta visa. During this appointment, a visa officer will check to make sure you have all of the necessary documents and that your biometrics (fingerprints) get taken and submitted.

You may be asked questions about your documents/application and travel plans.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Malta visa?

No, if you have a valid Malta visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Additionally, if you hold a passport for a Schengen country, you also do not need ETIAS to visit Malta.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Malta?

Travelers from visa-exempt countries who are planning to visit Malta for short stays (less than 90 days) will need to apply for ETIAS. This includes US, UK, Canadian, Australian citizens, as well as others.

Is Malta part of the Schengen zone?

Yes! Malta is part of the Schengen Zone, which allows free movement between member countries.

Does my Malta visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes! As long as it’s valid, you can travel to any of the other countries in the Schengen area. This means you can travel from Malta to Italy, Greece, Croatia, or anywhere else in the Schengen area.

While uncommon, travel authorization can vary. Make sure you check the permissions of your specific visa before securing travel plans.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a Malta visa?

While a Malta Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen zone, it does not permit entry to non-Schengen countries like the UK or Ireland.

Malta Visas: Key Takeaways

• There are different types of Malta visas, including work, study, visitor, and more.
• Each visa type will require varying documents in order to apply.
• Malta is part of the Schengen zone.
• Processing times for Malta visas vary, but are typically around 15 business days. However, appointments can book weeks to months in advance, so plan accordingly.
• To apply for a Malta visa, you must show proof of sufficient funds, a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and more.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance, and proof of it at the time of your appointment.
• You must apply for a Malta visa in person at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.
• In the coming years, you’ll be able to apply for a Malta visa online with EU VAP.
• From 2025 onward, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Malta, if they do not hold a valid Maltese visa.
• Some visas allow you to work on Malta soil, others do not.
• Malta offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers, but you must meet a few requirements.
• The rejection rate for Malta visas was 36.81% in 2023, globally.