Malta is a Schengen country and the smallest country in the EU region. Malta is one of the preferred tourist destinations and attracts international tourists to its historical places scattered across the country.
If you are an Indian citizen wandering about the Malta visa application requirements, this article is for you. It will help you to collect the mandatory documents and enjoy your journey.
Tourists Who Requires A Visa to Malta
You are not allowed to travel to Malta without a visa application if you are not in one of the following categories.
1- Not a citizen of one of Schengen countries (nationals of Schengen visa are exempt from visa)
2- If you are not a national of the United States, Canada, Japan or New Zealand
3- You are not a Swiss Citizen
4- Not resident of a third-world country that has yet to ink a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area
5- If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA
Note: Members of the abovementioned countries need no visa for Malta if they plan to stay for a period not exceeding 90 days. At the same time, all citizens of other nationalities must apply for a D or extended stay visa if they want to stay for a long time.
A Checklist of Documents Required for Malta Visa
Visa application requirements for every type of visa are slightly different. However, there are some commonly implemented rules and regulations on the part of Schengen countries. Some documents are widely provided by the applicants irrespective of the purpose of their visit to Malta. If you are an Indian citizen and want to apply for a visa, double check the following documents:
1- Fill Out the Visa Application Form
Fill out your visa application form correctly, providing precise information about your name, occupation, and visa purpose. Your visa application form contains almost 37 questions that must be adequately addressed. Pay your visa application fee.
Note: It is preferable to submit your visa application form in person.
2- Valid Passport:
Valid passport with at least two empty pages to be stamped. It has to be suitable for three months, even beyond your planned stay in Malta. According to the Schengen rule book, your Passport should not be over ten years old.
3- Passport Size Photographs:
Two of your passport-sized identical pictures. Your pictures must not be blurred. Follow the standard set by the Schengen authorities for the photographs for visa.
3- Authentic Visa:
A visa is required to enter the territory of Malta. Apply for your visa at least six months before your planned journey. Your access depends on the purpose of your trip to Malta. Make sure to provide a copy of your previous passport (if any)
4- Flight Reservation;
Reserve your flight to visit Malta. Your flight itinerary is mandatory to confirm to the authorities the intended purpose and period of your stay in the country.
5- Proof of Accommodation:
In simple words, proof of accommodation is the exact information about where you will be staying throughout your journey. The evidence of accommodation can be proof of hotel booking, rental agreement, or letter of invitation from your Malta resident relative.
6- Travel Health Insurance;
You need to purchase insurance that must not be less than € 30,000. The insurance should be enough to give you coverage throughout your entire journey. With this insurance, you can travel around all the Schengen nations.
7- Cover Letter:
A cover letter is a personalised letter to be submitted to immigration agency. It consists of details such as why you wish to visit a particular country, how long you intend to remain in Malta, and the details of your return.
8- Proof of Civil Status:
Civil status proof describes your marital state. It includes your spouse’s marriage and death certificates (if required/application).
How Can I Retrieve My Visa?
Your visa application may be rejected for any reason:
- Your visa application gets rejected if you provide insufficient information or documentary proof.
- If you do not pay your fee, your visa procession is stopped.
- If you have a criminal record, your visa is rejected by Malta authorities.
Nevertheless, you can retrieve your visa by following the following steps. If your visa application is rejected, write an appeal letter with solid arguments supporting your retrieval claims. For the retrieval of your passport, you should provide the following documents:
1- Personal information, name, country name, date of birth, passport number.
2- Refusal date
3- The reason for the rejection
4- The argument that why the refusal, according to you, was incorrect
5- Your authentic signature
Note: If your appeal letter is rejected, you are advised to re-apply for a visa for the second time.
Where to Apply for a Malta Short-Stay Visa from India?
As an Indian, you should apply for your Malta visa at one of the following:
- Maltese Embassy
- Maltese Consulate
- Visa application centre
- Embassy of a Schengen country to which Malta has outsourced visa submission
What Is the Visa Processing Time of Maltese Visa?
The Maltese visa typically takes 15 days to process. However, the time may be extended to 60 days in extraordinary conditions. To avoid any delay in the issuance of a visa, you should apply at least 3 months before your journey.