Malta entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or visa application centre before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Malta embassy or visa application center in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. Use the official Malta Identity Malta portal to find the correct application form and appointment booking.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Malta and the Schengen area. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Schengen rules, but airlines may enforce 3 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. Immigration officers at Malta International Airport check this at the border — have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking, hostel reservation, or a letter of invitation from your host in Malta. Immigration may ask for it during the visa interview or at the border — keep a copy in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Schengen rules suggest at least €50–€100 per day — have a printed statement from the last 3 months ready. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas). Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
A Malta visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days. Your first point of entry must be Malta, or Malta must be your main destination (longest stay).
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
Find the Maltese embassy or VFS Global centre responsible for your region. If there's no Maltese embassy in Senegal, you may need to apply through the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Malta (often France or Italy). Check the official Maltese visa website.
2
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Book an appointment at the visa application centre. Attend in person to submit your documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Pay the visa fee (typically €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12).
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if the centre offers it. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport or have it couriered. Check the visa sticker carefully: name, dates, number of entries, and validity period.
6
Arrive in Malta
At Malta International Airport (MLA), join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, accommodation proof, and travel insurance ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard Schengen C visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (≈$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 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Work Permit (Employment License)
1 year, renewable
€280 (≈$305 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Maltese employer. Requires labor market test and health insurance.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) visa fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Maltese institution. Must show sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply digital nomad visa
Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (≈$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €2,700/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional handling fee may apply at VFS or TLScontact. | Varies by application center |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalties vary; may include deportation and re-entry ban. | €100–€300 per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Senegal passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes in Malta unless exempt.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa
- Holders of a valid visa for an EU/EEA country
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 (e.g., Senegal).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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 (Expatriates Unit)
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Valletta
Malta International Airport – Police Immigration
Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for SN 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
Yes, if you are a Senegalese passport holder and you plan to leave the international transit area, you need a Schengen visa. If you stay airside and do not pass through passport control, you may not need a visa for a short layover, but check with your airline. For most connections within the Schengen area, you will need a visa.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is printed on your visa sticker. You cannot extend it beyond 90 days except in very exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency).
If there is no Maltese embassy in Senegal, you typically apply through the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Malta — often France or Italy. Check the official website of the Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs or contact VFS Global for the nearest application centre.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are subject to change and are paid at the time of application. Some visa centres charge an additional service fee.
No. A Schengen tourist visa does not permit any form of paid work. If you plan to work, you need a separate work visa or residence permit. Volunteering for no pay is generally allowed but check with the embassy.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within a specified period (usually 30 days) or reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or doubts about returning.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see bank statements, cash, or credit cards to prove you can support yourself. The recommended amount is at least €50 per day of your stay. Having a printed bank statement or a digital copy on your phone is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.