Find the right Malta Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time

Malta Visa Policy

Malta is one of the territories to make up the Schengen Area after becoming a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. This is why it maintains the same policy as 26 other Schengen countries and territories in Europe. Anyone looking to visit Malta must complete the policy and hold a visa unless they are from non-visa-exempt countries or territories. Such visitors qualify for the universal Schengen visa waiver program so they can visit Malta for a short time without the need to hold valid visas.

Eligibility of visa entry or nonvisa entry is based on the visitor's nationality, duration of stay, and the purpose of the trip. This is the policy that guides the overall immigration regulation of the island.

As for the EU and Schengen, nationals don't need visas to enter Malta as they enjoy freedom of entry and exit. Furthermore, Schengen citizens can enter another country in the Area with valid ID cards if they don't have passports and stay indefinitely in the Country or territory for as long as they wish. 

Malta Schengen Visa

Another category of persons that can visit Malta is persons from jo visa-exempt countries. If you are from a nonvisa-exempt country, you will need a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Schengen visas are valid for 180 days and allow the holder to stay in Malta for up to 90 days. These visas are multinational visas because the holder can equally visit any other Schengen country or territory with the same visa instead of applying for a different visa for each Country. Moreover, the Schengen visa can also be used to visit other non-Schengen European countries, like Romania, the Republic of Cyprus, and Bulgaria.

Schengen visas are not work or study visas: they are issued for the sole purpose of tourism, business transit, or any other short-term non-economic purposes.

Malta ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new program launched by the European Commission on behalf of the EU and Schengen States. This program was commissioned in 2016 and unveiled in late 2022. ETIAS is a visa waiver program for nationals from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit Malta or any other Schengen country in Europe. It is a pre-screening system in which the visitor must pass and get a permit for entry. In the past visa-exempt visitors could simply visit the Schengen Area with just a valid passport, but all that has changed now.

The policy is partially implemented, but by the start of 2024, all visa-exempt visitors must get ETIAS approval before they can enter the Schengen Area. ETIAS is an electronic system that screens the information of each visitor using several security databases. Persons who pass the screening will be issued the approval, while those who fail will be denied entry into Europe.

This is not a visa on arrival or an electronic visa but an entry permit. It allows visitors to enter and stay in Malta for up to 90 days but only within a 180 days period. ETIAS is also valid for 3 years and can be used multiple times.

Key Information About Malta ETIAS

The application process for Malta ETIAS may be straightforward and simple, but the rules guiding its use are somewhat complex. To ensure that you leave nothing to chance, we review key information; you should keep in mind.

Primary Destination Rule: When traveling to Schengen countries and territories, the primary destination rule is one to keep in mind. This rule states that visitors with plans to visit more than one Schengen country must make the first Country they intend to visit their primary destination. For instance, if you plan to visit five Schengen countries in 90 days and Malta is your first port of call, you should make it your primary destination when filling out your Etias form.

90/180 Rule: This rule covers the duration of stay. It simply means that the applicant must not stay for more than 90 days In Malta within 180 days. The rule still holds if you decide to visit other countries during your trip. Rather than counting the days per Country separately, the days are calculated concurrently from the first day you step into Malta and the last day you spend in a different country before leaving the Schengen Area.

Additional Vetting: ETIAS screening processes take some minutes, and you should know your fate immediately whether your application has been accepted or not. However, in certain situations, applications may be put on hold if your details trigger a security alert, but this rarely happens. Your data will be forwarded to the local ETIAS unit in Malta for further vetting in such a scenario. You will be notified; the orgies may take a few days or weeks to respond.

Only For Visa Exempt Nationals: This permit is only designed for visitors who qualify for the visa waiver program by virtue of their nationality. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, apply for a Schengen visa instead.

Not For Employment or Study: ETIAS is not for employment or study as it is only a short-stay document, not for long-term residency or work. If you must work or study in Malta, apply for a work or study visa instead.

Malta Visa Online – Get your Malta e-Visa with VisaHQ

If you are planning a trip to Malta, you need to know which document to apply for depending on your nationality. For visitors from visa-exempt countries, an online ETIAS application is mandatory. Malta is a pleasant place to visit, but you will not get to enjoy all the amazing sights and sounds of the Mediterranean island if you don't meet the entry requirements.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

If you wish to apply for ETIAS with VisaHQ, here are the steps to take.

Fill The Form: The first step is to complete the application form with accurate details. Make sure your details are accurate and in line with what is on your documents.

Upload Documents: Since the application is online, you will have to upload soft copies of all the relevant documents depending on the type of ETIAS you are applying for. After uploading the documents, pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit the form.

Get the ETIAS: Processing takes only some minutes, and if you meet the conditions, the ETIAS will be sent to your email address.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You should use VisaHQ because of several benefits.

• Our platform is safe and secure
• The application takes only a few minutes to complete
• We offer support services to applicants
• More than two decades of experience

You, too, can get your Etias from the comfort of your home with ETIAS. Visit the main page to apply.