Malta entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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 Apply for a Schengen visa | Malta requires a Schengen visa for Indian passport holders. Apply at the Malta visa application centre in your country of residence — you cannot apply at the border. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, and no more than 6 months in advance. The visa costs €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, and is free for children under 6.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area | Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — not just Malta. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. The ticket must show you leave the Schengen zone within the 90-day visa validity period. Budget airlines check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Malta. Officers at the visa application centre and at the border may ask to see it. A booking.com reservation with free cancellation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds. The Schengen rule is roughly €50–€100 per day of stay. A recent payslip or a letter from your employer also helps. | 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 17, 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 = 0.86 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. 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 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.