If you want to travel to the Island of Malta in Southern Europe, you need a Malta Schengen visa.
This visa allows you to enter the Island and stay for a significant period of time before leaving again. Many tourists who visit the Island do so on this visa, which is available for all foreigners from non-visa-exempt countries. Keep reading to learn more about the Schengen visa to Malta.
Malta
Malta is a small island in Southern Europe surrounded by the Mediterranean Ocean.
The Island is one of the smallest island countries in the world and is just 316 km2 and just 80km south of the Italian coast. Malta also has a relatively small population of 533,286 inhabitants and is a tourist location for those who want to enjoy nice and warm weather surrounded by the pleasure of the Mediterranean.
There is much to see in Malta, starting from its capital city, Valletta, the most populated city on the Island. Gozo Island is another famous tourist site, and on the other side of Malta is the hilltop location of Mdina, where you will find dozens of ancient ruins, castles, palaces, beaches, and bays. Fun seekers visit this Area to engage in water sports and other pleasures.
The Island became a member of the European Union in 2004, thereby becoming a borderless country after joining the Schengen Area in 2007. This move increased the number of visitors pouring into the Island on a Schengen visa. Funny enough, for all its luxury, there are more citizens of Malta in other countries, especially in Melbourne, than on the Island of Malta. With a significant percentage of its citizenry living outside the Island, Malta’s population has never hit the 600,000 mark before.
The Maltese Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa of Malta is available to visitors who wish to stay on the Island for a short time. Most of the visitors coming to Malta with this visa do so for tourism purposes and do not stay for more than 90 days. After signing the Schengen Area agreement in compliance with the borderless immigration rules of the Area, the Maltese government was authorized to issue Schengen visas to applicants from across the world.
Holders of a Malta Schengen visa can use the same document to visit other European countries due to the region's free entry and exit benefits. The average Schengen visa validity is 180 days for short-stay visas, but long-stay visas last longer. Furthermore, the visa may be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. This visa can be used to enter Malta by air or sea.
Who Needs A Malta Schengen Visa?
Anyone not from a fellow Schengen country or a visa-free country needs a visa to enter Malta. Citizens from third-world countries in Africa, Latin America, and most parts of Asia need this visa to visit and stay in Malta. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US, and the UK enjoy a special visa-free status in all Schengen countries.
Types of Schengen Visas
There are different types of visas, so the one you apply for will depend on the purpose. If you want to take connecting flights in Malta en route to another country, you will need a transit visa which is valid for only a few days. Then there are Schengen visas for tourism, business trips, medical treatment, sports, and cultural events, family visits, or any short-term engagement that will not keep you on the Island indefinitely or for a long time.
In most cases, schengen visas are called short visit visas because the holder is only permitted to stay on the Island or any other Schengen country for 90 days.
Malta Schengen Visa Requirements
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need the following documents.
Application Form: You will need an application form duly filled and signed by the applicant. No section should be left blank.
Photo: Two recent identical photographs taken not later than six months from the date of use. The photographs must be clear and set all Schengen photo requirements. Avoid wearing glasses and maintain a neutral facial expression.
Passport: A valid passport photograph is required, which should remain valid for at least three months from the departure date. It must have at least 2 blank pages. Passports older than 10 years are not accepted.
Previous Visas If you have been issued previous visas, you should submit them as it will boost your chances of securing the visa.
Cover Letter: A signed cover letter indicating your main purpose for traveling to Malta, including your itinerary, among other details.
Travel Insurance: A travel medical insurance to cover any medical bills you may incur in the country. The insurance policy should provide a minimum cover of €30,000.
Round Trip Itinerary: A round trip flight Itinerary to and from Malta showing the arrival and departure date.
Civil Status: A civil document to prove your status, such as a marriage certificate
Proof of Financial Means: Evidence to prove that you have the financial means to cover your expenses. The minimum daily expense is €48.
Proof of Accommodation: The embassy or consulate would like to know where you plan to stay in Malta.
These are the basic documents for Schengen Malta visa but bear in mind that additional documents may be requested of you.
Visa Fee
Applicants must pay a processing fee of €80 if they are adults or €40 for minors aged 6-11 years. Minors under the age of 6 do not pay this fee. Note that the application fee is non-refundable, and paying it is not a guarantee that you will be issued the visa.