Malta entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Malta. You must apply for a Schengen visa before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Indian citizens. Plan ahead — processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Malta. Apply at the Maltese embassy or visa application center in your home country. Submit your application at least 15 days before departure — processing takes up to 15 calendar days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Malta. Immigration may ask to see it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show recent bank statements, credit card statements, or cash to prove you can cover your stay. A general rule is around €50–€100 per day of your trip. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
Visa processing for Malta can take up to 30 days during peak travel season (May–September). Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Check your visa sticker carefully
When you get your passport back, immediately check the visa sticker: confirm your name, passport number, validity dates, number of entries (single or multiple), and duration of stay. Errors can cause problems at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
Find out which Maltese embassy or VFS Global centre covers your region in India. Malta has embassies in New Delhi and Mumbai, but most applications are handled by VFS centres in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
2
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Fill out the official Schengen visa application form (type C for short stays up to 90 days). You can download it from the VFS Global website or the Maltese embassy site. Print and sign it.
3
Gather supporting documents
Collect your passport, photos (2 recent passport-size, white background), flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, employment letter or leave approval, and any previous Schengen visas. Make copies of everything.
4
Book an appointment and submit
Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global centre. Arrive on time with all documents. You'll submit your application, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for under 6), and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30 or even 45 days during peak season. Track your application online using the reference number from VFS.
6
Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport from the VFS centre or have it couriered to you. If approved, check the visa sticker carefully — verify the validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay.
7
Arrive in Malta and go through immigration
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your travel plans. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp — that's your entry record.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 application fee (approx. $327 USD)
For remote workers with proof of income >€2,700/month. No local tax on foreign income. Requires health insurance.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
Indefinite, subject to conditions
€5,000 application fee (approx. $5,450 USD)
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires property purchase/rent and no local employment.
investor visa
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Permanent residence, renewable
€100,000+ contribution (approx. $109,000 USD)
For high-net-worth individuals investing in property and government bonds. Includes family members.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for application submission. | ~€30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ~€100 per day (max €1,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Malta airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may exit the airport.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, or Canada visa may transit without visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water safe.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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 (Expatriates Unit)
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
St. Julian's
Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. Julian's, Malta
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstay or visa issues; limited services.
Practical information for IN 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 = 0.85 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens. You must obtain a Schengen visa before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 30 days during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. This is non-refundable even if your visa is rejected.
Yes. You need to show bank statements for the last 3–6 months with a balance that covers your stay — roughly €50–100 per day. The exact amount depends on your accommodation and itinerary.
Yes, as long as the visa is valid and you enter Malta as your main destination or first point of entry. However, if Malta is your primary destination, you should apply for the visa through Malta.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the rejection letter. The appeal must be sent to the Maltese embassy or consulate that processed your application. There is no additional fee for the appeal, but you must provide new evidence addressing the reasons for refusal.
Yes. Schengen rules require travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. Your insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and the full duration of your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.