Malta Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Malta — the walled capital Valletta (Europe's smallest EU capital), the Blue Lagoon, and ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge — is a small but historically extraordinary Schengen destination. Applications go through Maltese embassies or VFS Global. Malta has one of the more accessible financial requirements in Schengen and a reputation for efficient processing. This guide covers everything you need to apply.
Visa requirements can change. Check the Identity Malta (Identità) visa information page and your local Maltese embassy before applying.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 adults · €45 children (6–11) · Free under 6 |
| processing time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in complex cases) |
| Financial Requirement | ~€65 per day of stay |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Application Channel | Maltese embassy or VFS Global (country-dependent) |
| Official Source | identita.gov.mt |
Financial Requirements for a Malta Visa
Malta requires approximately €65 per day of your stay. Malta is mid-range in terms of Schengen costs — accommodation and dining are noticeably cheaper than Western Europe.
| Trip Length | Minimum Required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | €325 | €550+ |
| 7 days | €455 | €750+ |
| 10 days | €650 | €1,050+ |
Bank statements must cover the last 3 months, be bank-stamped, and show regular income. See our bank balance requirements guide for presentation tips.
Document Checklist for Malta Schengen Visa
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Completed visa application form — from the Identity Malta (Identità) website, signed and dated.
- Valid passport — valid for 3+ months after your return date, at least 2 blank pages.
- Previous passports — all expired passports showing prior travel history.
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage valid for the Schengen Area. See our travel insurance guide.
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary (refundable or on-hold, not a paid ticket).
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings with free cancellation for every night of your stay.
- Bank statements — last 3 months, bank-stamped, showing sufficient daily funds.
- Cover letter — explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to home country.
Employment / Income Proof
- employment letter confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Last 3 months' payslips
- For self-employed: business registration, tax returns, company bank statements
- For students: enrolment letter, No Objection Certificate, sponsor's financials
How to Apply for a Malta Schengen Visa
Find your application centre via the Identity Malta website. Malta uses VFS Global in some countries and handles applications at its embassies in others.
- Confirm whether your country uses VFS Global or direct embassy submission via the Identity Malta website.
- Book an appointment — at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.
- Attend in person with originals and one copy of all documents.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.
- Pay the €90 visa fee — non-refundable.
- Track your application with the reference number provided.
Malta-Specific Tips
- Valletta: Europe's smallest EU capital is walkable in a day but rewards slower exploration. The St. John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio paintings) and the Upper Barrakka Gardens are highlights. Book the Co-Cathedral timed entry in advance in peak season.
- Blue Lagoon (Comino): Malta's most photographed spot — a brilliant turquoise lagoon on the tiny island of Comino. Boats run from Valletta, Sliema, and Mellieħa. It is extremely crowded in July–August; visit early morning or during shoulder season (May–June, September–October) for a better experience.
- Gozo Island: Malta's sister island is slower-paced and greener. The Azure Window (collapsed in 2017) is gone, but the inland sea, Citadel in Victoria, and Ramla Bay are excellent. Day trip or overnight from Malta.
- Megalithic temples: Malta has the oldest free-standing stone structures on Earth — the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by over 1,000 years. Worth booking a guided tour for context.
- Diving: Malta is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations — crystal-clear water, WWII wrecks, and underwater caves. Include diving activity bookings in your itinerary documentation.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for a Malta Schengen visa?
Malta requires approximately €65 per day. For a 7-day trip, show at least €455 — ideally €750+ as a buffer. Bank statements covering the last 3 months are required.
Does Malta use VFS Global for visa applications?
Malta uses VFS Global in some countries and accepts applications directly at its embassies in others. Check the Identity Malta (Identità) website to confirm the correct centre for your country.
Can I visit Sicily or southern Italy with a Malta Schengen visa?
Yes. A Malta Schengen visa is valid across all 27 Schengen countries. Malta must be your main destination or first Schengen entry point.
What is the Malta Schengen visa processing time?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from biometrics submission. Malta is known for efficient processing — apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date.