In 2004, Malta officially joined the European Union, marking an important moment for the country and opening up many opportunities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange. Then, in 2007, Malta joined the Schengen Area, allowing travelers with a Schengen visa to enter more easily. This change has made it simpler for tourists and businesspeople to visit, making Malta a popular and accessible destination for many.
Malta Entry Requirements
On the other hand, EU citizens have free, borderless travel within the Schengen Area and need only an ID to enter Malta. Whereas, airlines and other non-citizens entering through air or sea have to first meet specific criteria for entry. To ensure a hassle-free arrival, non-EU visitors should have the following documents ready upon arrival:
- A passport or any other identification document that is valid for at least three months, with the expiry date not earlier than the planned exit from the Schengen area as well as being issued during the last 10 years.
- A visa, in case the Maltese visa regime is applied to it.
- Try to answer at least five questions by examining the contents of this article. Each question should be answered in a sentence or two.
- Travel Health Insurance that will cover medical emergencies that may occur in Malta or within the Schengen area in case they occur, and with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- It is also critical to realize that there may be situations that require extra documentation beyond the invitation letter from a Maltese local host or a roundtrip flight itinerary. Effective and current information is provided as a guarantee – you are to contact the office of Malta in your location.
The Maltese Arrival Experience
When you come from non-EU member states you can be pulled aside for a short interview with an officer of the Maltese border. Maybe you are asked about the reason and the term of your stay, as well as where you will be spending your nights. The agent on duty has the law in hand to adjudicate on the right to enter or not, and a good relationship with him is critical on this occasion. To prevent any difficulties, make sure you receive a stamp on your traveling documents upon arrival, so no delay and no penalties will bother you on the way.
Schengen Visa
Considering Malta is an integral part of the Schengen Area, some travelers holding non-Schengen area nationalities are required to seek a Schengen visa to visit the territory. These scenarios include:
- Third-world citizens do not have any Schengen country that has a visa liberalization agreement, those who have experience traveling to the Schengen region might empathize or even sympathize.
- Citizens of third countries that before were avoided entry into Malta or other countries that belong to the Schengen area though being offered visa-free travel, which is in contradiction with agreements.
Essential Documents for a Malta Schengen Visa Application
To ensure a successful Malta Schengen visa application, meticulous attention to the required documents is crucial:
- Maltese Visa Application Form: Fill in the form correctly, so the entire data has to be provided in its proper sequence.
- Passport Photos: Specify two identical applicant photographs in size consistent with Malta Schengen visa application requirements.
- Valid Passport: Check that your passport complies with the requirements, e.g. the presence of blank visa pages, new and valid till at least your date of departure from Malta, and meeting the minimum 3 months document validity beyond your date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Previous Visas: Make the previous visas copies too, in the event they are required.
- Travel Health Insurance: Give a certificate of health insurance worth € 30,000 for treatment of medical emergencies in the country and the Schengen area.
- Round-Trip Flight Itinerary: Stress booking appointment whose proof of booking shall be in the form of the ticket that confirms flight details and dates.
- Proof of Accommodation: Indicate how long do you intend to stay in Malta, say for one week at a hotel called XYZ.
- Sufficient Financial Means: Show that you have the financial reserve to stay in Malta for at least €48 per day, €1,088 for one month.
- Cover Letter: Fraudulently, you should craft a personal letter with the purpose of your trip, the number of days you want to stay, and other similar issues.
- Proof of Civil Status: Supply documents that are related to you, e.g. marriage or birth certificates.
Additional Visa Requirements:
Depending on your employment status, you might need additional documentation:
Employed Individuals:
- Employment contract
- The cash statement of the past 6 months.
- Venture for the approval of the organization.
- The Income Tax Return (ITR) form is one of the key documents that individuals use for filing their Income Tax Returns.
Self-Employed Individuals:
- Copy of business license
- Company bank statement over the past 6 months as my financial documents.
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Students:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school/university
Retirees:
- Pransada there is no change of address meanwhile.
- Additional Requirements for Minors
Minors and parents applying for their minor children need:
- Babies’ birth certificate for less than eighteen years.
- Parents of Malta applicants will put their signatures in such a form filled by both of them.
- Forfeit the custody order of the family court (if any).
- Certified copies of the entire ID/passport of both parents.
- Purpose-Based Requirements
Your purpose of entry determines additional requirements:
- Malta Airport Transit Visa
For airport transit, you need:
- Valid visa for any destination or country.
- Final destination journey ticket.
- Malta Transit Visa
For disembarking at Maltese harbors:
- A valid visa for the final destination is also a validation of potential workers.
- Ticket for the abyss.
- A and B – Seaman’s original book and photocopy respectively.
- Invitational Email from the Shipping Corporation
- Malta Business Visa
Business purposes:
- Invitation from Malsic company.
- Copy of inviter’s ID
- Letter from your employer
- Proof of trip financing
- Malta Study Visa
Study purposes:
- The submission letter should be accompanied by the school’s objective consent.
- Internship agreement
- An acceptance letter from the Institution of Education in Malta.
- Malta Medical Visa
For medical treatment:
- Informative medical reports about domestic uses back in the country of origin
- medical doctors should be allowed to express their views on a medical case in Malta.
- Proof of financial arrangement
- To mention, Malta Visa aims at serving cultural/sports/film crews/religious purposes.
For events, crews, or religious purposes:
- Event details and event city.
- Go to the site and purchase an entrance ticket to the concert.
- Enrollment conditions
- Proof of previous performances
- Visa for Spouse of Malta Constitutionary.
Spouses of Maltese passport holders:
- Proof of Maltese citizenship
- Maltese marriage certificate
- Maltese family record book
- Malta Visa for state visits will be an advantage to inbound international travelers.
For official visits:
- Copy of official invitation
- Written dictate from a competent person in charge.
- Applying for a Maltese Short-Stay Visa
To successfully apply for a Maltese short-stay visa, follow these steps:
- Figure out what visitor visa to use.
- Identify the application location.
- Complete the Maltese short-stay visa application by ticking the relevant options provided.
- Collect the required documents.
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Participate in the interview in an embassy, consulate, or VAC in Malta.
Application Locations
Apply at a Maltese Embassy/Consulate/VAC if:
- The country of Malta is the foreseen destiny for you.
- You will stay in Malta for many more days than you will spend in any other Schengen country.
- Schengen Zone through Malta – You will be able to pass.
Visa Processing Time and Fees
The person’s average visa processing time is 15 working days but in exceptional cases, it can reach 60 days. The costs are:
- €80 for adults
- €20 for children aged 2 up to 12
- free for children less than six.
It shall be the case that some categories of aspirants may be exempted from paying any fee at all or partial fees based on nationality or other factors.
Number of Years in Malta
In order not to distinguish between EU nationals and visa-free ones, the current rule proposes a restriction of stay from 90 days to up to 180 days for visa-free nationals so that all the travelers in this category can be treated equally. For stays longer than a few weeks, do it by the local administrative rules, and based on where you live.
Extending Your Visa
Under certain circumstances, you may prolong the visa by applying to the local authorities through the Department for National Security and the Executive for Home Affairs. Nevertheless, deferrals can take place under humanitarian or catastrophe circumstances.
What are the common reasons for visa rejection in Malta
Common reasons for visa rejection in Malta can significantly impact applicants’ chances of success. Understanding these reasons is crucial for preparing a strong application. Here are the most frequent causes of visa denials:
Insufficient Financial Proof
Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial means to support themselves during their stay. Failure to provide sufficient bank statements or financial documents can lead to rejection.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form
Any mistakes or omissions in the visa application form can result in denial. It is essential to fill out the form accurately and completely, ensuring all sections are addressed.
Lack of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a requirement for a Malta visa application. Not providing proof of adequate coverage can lead to rejection, as it raises concerns about potential medical expenses.
Failure to Demonstrate Ties to Home Country
Visa officers look for evidence that applicants have strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property, or family. Inadequate proof of these ties can result in doubts about the applicant’s intention to return after their visit.
Lack of Genuine Purpose of Visit
Applicants must clearly state and substantiate the purpose of their visit, whether for tourism, business, or study. Failure to provide supporting documents can lead to rejection based on perceived insincerity.
Inadequate Supporting Documents
Submitting insufficient or inappropriate supporting documents can raise red flags during the application review process. This includes not providing confirmed accommodation details or travel itineraries.
Criminal Record or Security Concerns
A criminal record or any security-related issues can lead to automatic rejection, as authorities conduct thorough background checks on applicants.
Poor Interview Performance
If an interview is part of the application process, poor performance—such as being unable to answer questions confidently—can negatively impact the outcome.
False or Fraudulent Documents
Submitting fake documents or providing misleading information is a serious offense that can lead to immediate rejection and potential bans on future applications.
Previous Immigration Violations
A history of overstaying visas or violating immigration laws can significantly decrease the likelihood of approval for a new visa application. By being aware of these common pitfalls and preparing accordingly, applicants can enhance their chances of securing a visa to Malta.
Traveling to Malta means an exciting chance to grow a deeper understanding of the past, history, and nature in one fascinating experience. Whether you would like to visit the Maltese Islands for a short stay or want to spend a longer period there, there are certain rules, fees, and guidelines for the Malta visa application that should be known.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Malta straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Business Visa or an Immigrant Investor Visa, 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 Netherlands Tourist Visa. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
