Malta Tourist Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an attractive destination for Indian tourists. This guide is designed to walk you through the process of obtaining a Malta tourist visa from India.

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Malta. As Malta is part of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, Indians can apply for a Schengen Visa for tourism.

• Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa): For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, ideal for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business.
  
  

• Malta National Visa (Long-Stay Visa): For stays exceeding 90 days, typically required for studying, working, or other specific long-term stays.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Schengen Visa

• Understanding Schengen Visa Types:

• • Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): Allows entry into Malta and travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• • Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) Visa: Rarely issued for tourism, this visa restricts travel to specific Schengen countries.

• • National Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, not typically for tourism purposes.
    
    

• Why Choose a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) for Tourism:

• • Flexibility: Travel to any Schengen country, not just Malta.

• • Duration: Suitable for stays up to 90 days.

• • Purpose: Covers tourism, visiting family/friends, and business trips.
    
    

• How to Confirm the USV is Right for You:

• • Travel Duration: Ensure your stay in the Schengen Area is 90 days or less.

• • Travel Purpose: Confirm your trip is for tourism or another eligible purpose.

• • Travel Plans: If visiting multiple Schengen countries, a USV is ideal.
    

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

(Detailed in a previous response, but for convenience, here's a quick overview)

• Valid Indian Passport

• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form

• Recent Photos

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

• Travel Health Insurance

• Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of Financial Means

• Employment or Student Status Documents
  
  

Additional Tips for Document Gathering:

• Double-Check Requirements: Verify with the Maltese Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global for any updates.

• Ensure Document Validity: All documents should be valid for the entire duration of your stay and beyond.

• Translations and Copies: Provide certified translations for non-English documents and keep a set of copies for yourself.
  
  

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Submission Options:

• • In Person: Directly at the Maltese Embassy/Consulate in India.

• • Through a Representative: Authorized by you, if allowed by the embassy/consulate.

• • Through VFS Global (if authorized): For Malta, check if VFS Global handles visa applications.
    
    

• Booking an Appointment (if required):

• • Online Platform: Use the embassy/consulate’s or VFS Global’s online appointment system.

• • Phone/Email: Contact the submission point directly to inquire about appointment scheduling.
    
    

• Prepare for Your Appointment:

• • Arrive early with all documents.

• • Be prepared to answer questions about your application.
    
    

• What Happens During Submission:

• • Biometric Data Collection: Fingerprints will be taken (except for children under 12, or as per specific exemptions).

• • Application Review: Ensure all documents are in order.

• • Payment of Visa Fee: If not paid online in advance.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

• Visa Fee for a Schengen (Tourist) Visa:

• • Adults: Currently €60 (subject to change).

• • Children between 6-12 years: Currently €35 (subject to change).

• • Children under 6 years: Exempt from the visa fee.
    
    

• Payment Methods:

• • Cash: At the embassy/consulate or VFS Global.

• • Credit/Debit Card: Online in advance or at the submission point, if accepted.

• • Bank Transfer: In some cases, for online applications (check if applicable).
    
    

• Service Fee (if applying through VFS Global):

• • Varies; check with VFS Global for the latest fee structure.

Step 5: Wait for the Visa Decision

• Processing Time:

• • Typical Processing Time: 15 calendar days.

• • Maximum Processing Time: Up to 60 calendar days in complex cases.

• • Peak Season: Expect longer processing times during peak travel seasons.
    
    

• Tracking Your Application:

• • Online Tracking: If available through the embassy/consulate’s website or VFS Global.

• • Email/Phone Updates: In some cases, you might receive updates directly.
    
    

• Collection of Passport with Visa:

• • In Person: Collect your passport at the submission point during specified hours.

• • Through a Representative: If authorized by you.

  • Courier Service: In some cases, passports can be returned via courier (additional fees apply).

Valid Indian Passport:

• Valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

• Issued within the last 10 years.

• At least two blank pages.

• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form:

• Download from the Embassy/Consulate's website or collect from the application center.

• Ensure all sections are filled correctly.
  
  

Recent Photos:

• 2-3 passport-sized photos as per Schengen specifications (35x45mm, white background, recent).
  
  

Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:

• Proof of onward/return ticket or detailed travel arrangements.
  
  

Travel Health Insurance:

• Covering at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses, including repatriation.

• Policy must be valid throughout the Schengen Area.
  
  

Proof of Accommodation:

• Hotel booking with the applicant's name.

• Rental agreement.

• Invitation letter if staying with friends/family (with their ID and address proof).
  
  

Proof of Financial Means:

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €48 per day for the duration of stay).

• The statement should not be older than 3 days from the application date.
  
  

Employment or Student Status Documents:

• Leave approval from employer/school.

• NOC (No Objection Certificate).
  
  
• Proof of retirement/pension (if applicable).

Honorary Consulates: In other cities, but might not handle visa applications. Verify with the Embassy or Consulate.

• Schengen Visa Fee: Currently €60 for adults (subject to change).
  
  

• Service Fee (if applying through VFS Global): Varies, check with VFS Global.
  
  
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, credit/debit card, or bank transfer, depending on the submission point.

• Processing Time: 15 calendar days, but can take up to 60 days in some cases.
  
  

• Collection: Once approved, collect your passport with the visa from the submission point during the specified hours.

• Verify Information: Always check the official government websites for the latest visa requirements and application processes.
  
  

• Apply in Advance: To avoid last-minute complications.
  
  

• Genuine Documents: Ensure all documents are genuine, as misrepresentation can lead to visa rejection or more severe consequences.
  
  
• Travel Arrangements: Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until your visa is approved.