This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated February 2025
Key takeaways:
The Schengen visa for Malta allows non-EU citizens to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa-free travelers like US and Canada citizens need ETIAS instead of a visa.
Applicants must submit documents, provide biometrics, pay a fee, and wait up to 15 days.
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What is the Schengen visa for Malta?
The Schengen visa for Malta, officially known as the short-stay visa and commonly referred to as a tourist visa, is a travel authorization for non-EU citizens visiting Malta for short stays.
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to visit Malta for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This period starts from the date of entry, and once the 180 days have passed, another 90-day period can begin. This is commonly referred to as the 90-day rule.
This rule applies to your total time spent across all Schengen countries, not on a per-country basis. For example, if you visit France for 30 days and then spend 60 days in Germany within the same 180-day window, you’ve used your entire 90-day allowance.
The Schengen visa permits unrestricted travel within Malta and across the entire Schengen Zone, which comprises 29 countries, including EU and EFTA Schengen members. However, it does not permit employment or study within Malta.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Malta?
Citizens from most countries outside the European Union require a Schengen visa to visit Malta. However, several countries offer visa-free access to Malta for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
Those from visa-free countries, such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and several others, are not required to apply for a visa but must obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering.
Please refer to our dedicated article below for a complete list of Malta visa-free countries.
How to apply for a Schengen visa to Malta?
Complete your application step by step with the Schengen visa for Malta guide below for a hassle-free experience.
Gather required documents
Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork ready to support your application, including:
- The official Schengen visa application form from the Malta government website, fully completed, legibly filled out, and signed by the applicant.
- A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Malta, with at least two blank pages. Only passports issued within the last ten years are eligible for visa endorsement.
The Consulate may request additional supporting documents as needed, such as accommodation details, proof of financial means, and travel insurance.
Schedule an appointment
Arrange a visit to your nearest Malta consulate or diplomatic mission, ideally at least 15 days before your planned travel date. If Malta does not have a diplomatic mission or consular post in your country, third-country nationals must apply for a visa at designated EU diplomatic missions and consular posts authorized to issue visas on Malta’s behalf through visa representation agreements.
Keep in mind that during peak travel seasons, appointment slots may be booked weeks in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Attend the appointment and submit biometrics
On the day of your appointment, ensure you arrive with all the required documents. The visa application process includes the collection of biometric data. This involves capturing a facial image using a digital camera and taking a fingerprint scan with a digital fingerprint scanner. For the facial image, your face must be clearly visible to ensure a proper photograph can be taken.
Pay the visa fee
Pay the required visa fee, which is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 years can apply for the visa free of charge. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Wait for the decision
Your application will be processed after you submit it. You will usually receive a decision within 15 calendar days, although in certain cases, it may take up to 45 days. If possible, make sure to track your application status.
Receive your visa
If your visa application is approved, your passport will be stamped, allowing you to travel to Malta. If refused, you will receive a notification with the decision details and the option to appeal. Applicants have 15 days from the refusal notification to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted to the Registry of the Honourable Board with a fee of EUR 120 per application. Ensure the appeal includes a copy of the refusal letter and any relevant supporting documents.
Appeals can be lodged online via the Maltese government portal or in person/through a representative at the Immigration Appeals Board office at the following address:
The Registrar,
Immigration Appeals Board,
15, 1st Floor, City Gate Buildings,
Ordinance Street, Valletta
Foreign nationals seeking visa advice to travel to Malta should consult directly with the Central Visa Unit (CVU), which operates under the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms, and Equality. The Central Visa Unit is located at Identita’s Head Office, Valley Road, Msida.
You can contact them by phone at (+356) 2590 4550. Alternatively, you can reach them via email at [email protected]. Working hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 14:00.