Malta tourist visa
Malta sits inside the Schengen area, so a holiday there runs on the standard short-stay visa — Type C, the 'uniform' visa. It buys you up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and once it is in your passport you can move freely across the whole Schengen zone. Apply through Malta's mission when Malta is your main destination — the country where you will spend the most nights — or, if your nights are split evenly across several Schengen states, through your first point of entry.
From India, you lodge the application in person at a VFS Global visa application centre, where your fingerprints and photograph are taken. VFS forwards the file to the High Commission of Malta in New Delhi, which makes the actual decision. Count on roughly 15 days from the day it reaches the High Commission, stretching to 45 when a case needs further checks. One requirement trips people up: travel medical insurance covering the entire trip, valid across the Schengen area, with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover. It is not optional.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holder travelling to Malta for tourism, sightseeing or a short holiday.
- ✓Malta is your main Schengen destination (where you will spend the most nights), or your point of first entry when stays are of equal length across several Schengen states.
- ✓The trip does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
- ✓You can show sufficient funds, confirmed accommodation and a return or onward ticket, plus ties to India indicating you will return.
- ✓The visit does not involve work or study in Malta — a Schengen visa does not permit employment or study.
- ✓Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 blank pages.
Visa options for Malta
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Tourism
The category covered by this page. For sightseeing and holidays; up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with travel across the wider Schengen area.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Visiting family or friends
The same Type C visa where the purpose is visiting relatives or friends in Malta, supported by a notarised 'Declaration of Proof' with a copy of the host's Malta ID or passport.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Business
The same Type C visa for meetings, conferences or short business visits; the Business category follows different submission-window rules at VFS Global.
Airport transit visa (Type A)
For passing through the international transit zone of a Maltese airport without entering the Schengen area; not required for a tourist visit.
Documents typically required
- ✓Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (in English).
- ✓One recent colour photograph on a white background, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (do not staple it to the form).
- ✓Passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 blank pages; plus original and photocopy of all pages of current and previous passports.
- ✓Overseas travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area, minimum EUR 30,000 cover, spanning the entire trip including arrival and departure dates; from a Schengen-recognised insurer in India.
- ✓Flight tickets; if visiting several Schengen states, proof of intra-Schengen flights, train itinerary or car rental.
- ✓Proof of accommodation: confirmed hotel booking, or a notarised 'Declaration of Proof' plus a copy of the host's Malta ID card or passport when staying with family or friends.
- ✓Proof of funds: original private bank statement showing the last three months' movements, stamped and signed by the bank; and Indian income-tax return acknowledgements for the last two assessment years.
- ✓Employment proof: last three months' payslips, employment contract and the employer's leave-approval letter; company owners/self-employed provide company registration and GST number; pensioners provide three months' pension statements.
- ✓For minors travelling without both parents: notarised parental consent and copies of the parents'/guardians' identity documents.
- ✓Aadhaar card with a photocopy.
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Applications from India are submitted at VFS Global centres (including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Goa and Jalandhar) and forwarded to the High Commission of Malta, New Delhi, which takes the decision. The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6-11 (under 6 exempt), payable in rupees, plus a VFS Global service charge of INR 2,931. Apply at least 15 days before travel; if the High Commission asks for missing documents, they must be provided within 5 days of submission.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests entirely with the High Commission of Malta and the consulate — no agent or consultancy can guarantee a Schengen visa. What we can do is assess your profile honestly and build the strongest, best-documented application possible. Across the last two to three years, our applications have carried a 97% success rate.
Visiting more than one Schengen country — do I apply through Malta?
Only when Malta is your main destination, meaning the country where you will spend the most nights. If your nights are split evenly across several Schengen states, apply to your country of first entry. Going through the wrong mission is a common, avoidable cause of rejection.
How long does a Malta Schengen tourist visa take?
About 15 days — but the clock starts when your file reaches the High Commission of Malta, not when you submit at VFS Global. It can run to 45 days if the consulate wants further checks, so give yourself plenty of room before you travel.
Is travel medical insurance compulsory?
Yes, without exception. Every Schengen applicant needs travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area, with at least EUR 30,000 cover, spanning the full trip including your arrival and departure days, bought from a Schengen-recognised insurer in India.