Malta entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Malta in 2026. Apply at the Maltese embassy or a VFS Global centre in China before you travel. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or visa application center in your country of residence. Submit the application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay in Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen zone. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Budget airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in Malta ready. Officers occasionally ask for this at passport control, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry recent bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover €50–€100 per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take over a month
During summer and Chinese holidays, visa processing can stretch to 45 days. Book your appointment at least 8 weeks before departure.
Malta is part of the Schengen Area
A Maltese visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries. But you must enter Malta first if it's your main destination, or spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Maltese embassy in Beijing or at a VFS Global visa application centre in major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu. Book an appointment online first. Bring all required documents in order.
2
Attend the visa interview
Show up at the centre with your printed application, passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and may be asked about your travel plans.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. Track your application online using the reference number from your receipt.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the centre or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, dates, and number of entries are correct.
5
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask simple questions about your trip — answer clearly.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Malta Single Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€280 (≈$305 USD) application fee
For employed individuals with a job offer from a Maltese employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
Apply student visa
Malta Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Maltese institution. Must show proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence, renewable
€100,000+ (≈$109,000 USD) investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in property and government contributions. Requires minimum investment and clean criminal record.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on travel history. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Applied for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | €60 (≈$65 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Malta
No transit visa needed
China passport holders transiting through Malta to a non-Schengen country do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not entering the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, or Canada visa may transit without visa.
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water is safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Valletta
Identity Malta Agency
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
St. Julian's
Malta International Airport Immigration Office
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
For entry/exit issues; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalValletta
LanguageMaltese, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK-style)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but many prefer bottled water due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Chinese passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Malta.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take 30–45 days during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays). Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (approx. 630 CNY), €40 for children 6–12, and free for children under 6. Service charges from VFS Global add about 150–200 CNY.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No. The Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Malta.
Yes. Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 is mandatory for the visa application. It must be valid for the entire Schengen area.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.