With a high approval rate of 95%, the Maltese Government makes the visa application process easy for U.S. citizens, featuring a low complication rate of just 15%. In 2022, the Malta Embassy and its consulates in the U.S. received 103 visa applications, highlighting Malta’s appeal as a welcoming destination. While U.S. nationals generally don’t need visas for many European countries, Malta remains a favorite among travelers worldwide. This guide will explain the process for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders applying for a Malta Schengen Visa, helping you prepare for your visit to this stunning Mediterranean island.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens Explained
American citizens can visit Malta without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sports events, and medical treatment. This exemption has significantly contributed to the high number of American tourists in Malta. However, for longer stays or work, a National (D) Visa is required. Starting December 27, 2023, U.S. travelers will need to register for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering Malta. This new electronic travel authorization simplifies entry into the Schengen Area and is valid for three years or until your passport expires, allowing for multiple trips during that time.
Green Card Holders and Their Path to a Maltese Experience
Maltese citizens complicate matters by residing in the United States with a special status preventing their return to Malta on their initial visit. Visa requirements hinge on their country of origin’s passport and its affiliation with the CL AAAA, which benefits from EU visa liberalization arrangements.
If you are a non-EU citizen in possession of an ETIAS passport whose country has a visa liberalization agreement with the EU; you won’t need a visa to enter the island nation of Malta.
If your country hasn’t established the Schengen area agreement with the European Union, you must obtain a visa.
Being informed about this part of the process is crucial for smart travelers since it outlines the road ahead and the necessary steps to take.
Eligibility for Malta Visa Application from the US
If you’re a US resident who falls under the following categories, you can apply for a Malta visa from the United States:
Citizens Requiring a Schengen Visa:
If you come from a nation whose citizens need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area, and you are legally residing in the US, for instance, if that was a Green Card that they had, or one of the F1 visas, such as the H1B visas, G1 visas, J1 visas or any other among them, you can apply for Malta visa. Your US residence must be valid for a certain length of time after you return to the Schengen Area: it must be at least three months beyond your return date.
Previous Visa Denial:
If you are a US citizen who formerly had an issue with gaining access to Malta or any other country within the Schengen Area and was denied visa-free entry, you are eligible to apply for a Maltese visa.
The steps differ a bit based on your situation and goals when applying for a visa of Maltese type which is from the US.
Malta Visa Application:
Wherein applying for a Malta visa is concerned, it is very crucial to personalize your application so that it is in unison with your travel plans and ideas. Here are specific scenarios to consider:
Exclusive Visit to Malta:
However, if you spend summer in Malta and the country is where you spend your whole summer, you should set aside most of the time for it. This simply means your destination has been spotlighted and helps create a coherent trip story to present to the governors.
Multi-Destination Schengen Trip:
In case your Schengen travel plans are to include multiple member countries, your visit to Malta should either match or exceed the time that you have spent in the other states that are among your travel destinations. These measurements have a key role in making the traveling plan credible.
Visa Application for Specific Visa Types:
Traveling for various reasons may imply getting a Malta Schengen visa after belonging to various types. If your visit falls under any of these categories, you must comply with the terms of a specific visa, selecting from options such as Tourist/Visitor Visa, Business Visa, Official Visit Visa, Medical Visa, and Short-term Study Visa among others. You must choose the appropriate type of visa to ensure its compliance with the objective of your intended stay.
Residence Requirements:
Check your US citizenship status to see that it matches the purpose of the visa you have applied for. So, consider do you have a green card or some visa. At least, check if your status satisfies your preference type residency requirements or not.
Applying Outside the US:
B1/B2 and J1 Summer Work Travel visa travelers holding US visas must file their Malta visa application from their country of residence. A given to the residents of the USA who travel with these visa types is to stay to the stated provisions when visiting Malta.
Having gone through a situation that suits your goals might help you do the job well and improve your chances of getting office through a successful visa application.
An Array of Malta Short-Stay Visas for US Residents and Green Card Holders
US residents and Green Card holders who wish to travel to Malta for any purpose within the Schengen Area have access to multiple short-term visa possibilities for this purpose. There is a visa for different reasons for entering and that is to ensure that your visit to Malta is to the itinerary. Let’s explore the different Malta Schengen visa categories available:
Malta Airport Transit Visa:
If the journey that you are going to take is to stay airside and to transit through a Maltese airport to reach your destination outside the Schengen Area, then that Visa is what you need.
Malta Tourist/Visitor Visa:
Opt for this visa if you crave a break from your daily routine and desire to experience Malta’s breathtaking sights, indulge in leisure activities, or reconnect with friends and family residing in the country.
Malta Business Visa:
The Business Visa caters to enterprise purposes such as meetings, conferences, or deal negotiations for your travel to Malta.
Malta for Official Visit:
This visa category covers business delegations from the main partner country in Malta on official trips, such as visiting foreign representatives and delegates.
Malta Medical Visa:
This category of visa is only for you in case you intend to avail medical services in Malta because your healthcare needs are prioritized.
Malta Short-term Study Visa:
The short-stay visa can be applied by students who aspire to attend courses or undertake other educational programs, with a duration not exceeding 3 months, in Malta.
Malta Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews:
if your visit is mainly about cultural activities, sports, or entertainment such as films and other related fields, the category of visa that you are looking for, addresses these kinds of activities.
This option exists with these visa categories where an approach is customized for each visa which corresponds to the activities you are planning to undertake during your stay in Malta.
Malta Visa Requirements for US Applicants
The preparation of the Malta visa application should be done to the tiniest details which are of critical importance in this process. The following list outlines the essential documents you must gather and submit as part of your application:
Completed and Signed Application Form:
The relevant details should have to be correctly filled in the application form and be duly signed. As a result, a blue pen is the preferable color pen should be used. The forms being made available on the embassy website offer a convenient means of access.
Valid Passport:
The passport that you are holding needs to be valid for ten years with at least three months of validity at the end of the intended visa duration. Make sure your passport has at least two blank visa/entrance pages and that the latest signature can be found on their page.
Passport-sized Photographs:
Give two up-to-date passport-style photos that are made in line with the Schengen area requirements. The background needs to be white of course, and the pictures no more than six months old.
Proof of Residency:
Those individuals who are “Green Card” holders are required to add their “alien residence card” or “residence visa” valid in the United States. A visa should grant permission to return to the United States.
Travel Arrangements:
Offer a printed or an e-copy of your flight reservation (please ensure you mention the booking ID, your name, destination, and flight number in the paper). On the embassy’s official website, the procedure for making flight reservations without payment is provided in sections on the airline reservation system.
Travel Medical Insurance:
Malta requires a travel medical insurance document entailing a coverage of 30,000 Euros (or equivalent in USD) that is compulsory. Such a policy can be purchased online from reliable carriage providers.
Proof of Accommodation:
Make mention of your residence in Malta and the conditions that you live in. It could be an accommodation such as a hotel reservation, a hostel booking, and even a rental contract.
Cover Letter:
Design a letter of introduction pointing to the objective of your visit, the expected duration of your stay, the dates, and participant information if there is an entourage.
Visa Fee Payment Confirmation:
Make sure you send the receipt with the visa fee that you have verified to be part of your application.
Financial Means Proof:
Discuss with the college that you have the finances to support yourself during your course. The facts could consist of bank account statements or sponsorship letters, it could also be a mixture of both.
Civil Status Proof:
According to the case, show identity proofs such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other activities that prove your family role.
Proof of Employment:
If applied, get requisite documents including salary slips, employment contracts, leave authorized letters, and income tax paperwork. People carrying on their businesses by themselves should show their licenses, financial records, and income tax receipts.
For Students:
Those who fall in the F-1 visa category need to produce a genuine I-20 and an endorsement from their college or university that contains information regarding the major together with the estimated date of graduation.
For Retirees:
The pension kite marks should include pension statements for the last six months.
Additional Documents for Minors:
For applying for a minor you must provide the extra documents like the original copy of the birth certificate, a signed visa application form in both original languages, and the notarized authorization for the travel if the minor is the only person making a trip.
Ensure the accuracy of each one while preparing them to meet the requirements of the Maltese authorities. The immersion in details will help to convince the committee of your strong candidacy.
Financial Requirements for Malta Visa Applicants
To prove financial support for a Malta Schengen visa, you need to provide specific documentation that demonstrates your ability to cover your expenses during your stay. Here are the key documents required:
Required Financial Documents
Bank Statements:
Recent bank statements covering the last 3 to 6 months are essential. These should show consistent deposits and a stable account balance to demonstrate financial reliability and the ability to cover expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation.
Employment Documents:
- Employment Letter: An official letter from your employer confirming your job position, duration of employment, and salary.
- Payslips: Recent payslips (typically the last three months) that provide evidence of income.
Proof of Savings:
Statements from savings accounts or fixed deposit certificates can also be included to show additional financial resources.
Sponsorship Documents (if applicable):
If someone else is sponsoring your trip, include a sponsorship letter from them, along with their bank statements and proof of income (like salary slips or tax returns) to substantiate their ability to support you financially.
Proof of Relationship (if sponsored):
If applicable, provide documentation that proves your relationship with the sponsor (e.g., birth certificates or marriage certificates) alongside their financial documents.
Additional Financial Records:
Any other relevant financial documents that can support your application, such as tax returns or evidence of other income sources, may also be beneficial.
Initiating the Application Process: Where and How to Apply
A Malta visa candidate living in the US will follow the procedure coordinated by the diplomatic mission in the capital city of our country. Submissions must be in person or scheduled for processing with an appointment. Here’s how you can initiate the application process:
- Schedule an Appointment:
Call the Washington DC Consulate to confirm an appointment. They are therefore at liberty to call +1 (202) 462-3611 and email visa@help.com. washington@gov. mt.
- Application Submission:
Please ensure you attend at the specified time and hour, bring along your completed application file with all required documents, and submit it to the Consulate. Make sure that you have clearly stated and complete information to move the process on.
Waiting for Your Maltese Schengen Visa
The processing time for Malta’s Schengen Visa depends mostly on the number of applications submitted and the circumstances of each case. The routine takes from 15 to up to 30 days on average. During peak application periods or in specific cases, we may extend the deadline to 60 days. It is among the smartest to prepare the application in advance, not the least before your exact travel intention, about three months early.
Paying the Malta Visa Fee
The Malta Schengen Visa fee payment is a core time-line step to the submission. The fee structure varies based on categories:
- Malta Schengen visa application fee: $80. 00 – equivalent to USD 95. 45.
- Malta Schengen visa fee for children aged 6-11 years: €40 (approximately USD 50.47).
- The program targets the age group 0-6 years; no fee.
- US residents from specific countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo): €35 (roughly US$ 38) 52)
- Researchers on scientific assignments: No fee(Free)
- US residents from the Gambia: €120(approx (USD 132.07 )
The currency exchange rates refer to May 2023 as the latest available rates. Among them, you can make the payment in different ways; e.g., cash, certified checks, and postal money orders, as per your convenient option.
Visa applications demand attention to detail, adherence to requirements, and timely preparation. By aligning your application with your travel intentions, you increase the likelihood of securing the visa that will grant you access to the captivating beauty of Malta.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your application for a Malta Schengen Visa straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa or a Long-Stay Visa (Type D), we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas they need for a Malta Schengen Visa. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
