Malta Visa

Documents required for Malta Visa application

• Original passport and old passports, if any
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after in India, with a minimum of three blank pages. If you have previously travelled to the US, UK or the Schengen area, then it is favourable to attach these visa copies for a smoother process.
• Return air tickets
• The visa application form duly filled by the applicant, under the guidance of our travel experts
• Recent passport-size colour photographs taken against a white background with matte-finish (size 35 mm x 45 mm and 60% - 80% face close-up)
  Note: Photograph should not be more than 6 months old, scanned/stapled and should not be used in any of the previous visas.
• Covering letter mentioning details of travel, details of the traveller, purpose of visit and duration of stay. The letter should be duly signed by authorized signatory with company stamp and addressed to the The Visa Officer, Embassy of Malta, New Delhi.
• Income Tax Returns of the last 3 years
• Original bank statements reflecting transactions for the last 6 months, duly attested and signed by a bank official
• Hotel confirmation details
• Medical insurance policy
• Original and a copy of your adhaar card

 

Additional documents

If the applicant is employed:

• Salary slips for the last 3 months
• Original leave letter from employer

If the applicant is a company owner or self-employed:

• Certificate of registration of the company / Certificate of Incorporation (MOA / Proof of Proprietorship / Partnership deed, etc)
• Covering letter on the company letter head and financial documents

If the applicant is Retired:

• Pension statements for the last three months
• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

If the applicant is a Minor traveler:

• If accompanied with one of your parents, then an original NOC from other parent and a copy of his/her passport (first and last page)
• If travelling alone, then an original NOC by both parents and a copy of their passports (first and last page)

Malta Visa Photo Requirements

The photograph specifications for any short-term Schengen visa application are:

 

Two identical photos. Not older than six months.

Photo size: 35x45mm.

In color. No black and white

Head should take 70-80% of the photo.

Brightly colored background. Light grey is suggested. No patterns.

The applicant should be looking straight at the camera.

Neutral face expression. No smile and mouth closed

Avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

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• 1) what is a malta schengen visa?

  A Malta Schengen visa is a special kind of visa which allows you to travel among all the Schengen countries including Malta for a maximum period of upto 90 days. This is a traveller’s dream where with one visa you can travel to any of the other 25 Schengen countries along with Malta.

• 2) the schengen visa is valid for which countries?

  A Schengen Visa (issued by a consulate or embassy of a Schengen State) is valid for all 26 States of the Schengen Area (including the European territory of Malta), unless it is marked otherwise on the visa sticker. So you do not need another visa to enter or stay in the European territory of Malta. However, you must be in possession of documentary evidence for the reasons of your stay and your means of support. Schengen Area comprises of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

• 3) how long can i stay in the schengen area on the basis of my visa?

  The Schengen Visa is a short stay visa and takes the form of a sticker affixed to your passport. The definition of “short stay” is a stay of "90 days in any 180 days period". This means that the total duration of stay is of maximum 90 days in any period of 180 days. The precise length of validity of your Schengen Visa is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading “Duration of visit”. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading "Number of entries" by "1". A two-entry or a multiple-entry visa allows for two or several entries during the validity of the Schengen Visa. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "02" or "MULT" under the heading "Number of entries".

• 4) will all schengen visas be granted for 90 days?

  No, not necessarily all Schengen Visas will be granted for 90 days. You may get the Schengen Visa only for the number of days that you present in your travel itinerary and your flight & hotel bookings

• 5) can i apply again for a schengen visa if my application has been refused earlier?

  You may appeal against this decision. The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified using a standard form that is handed out by the Member State's consulate that refused the visa. The notification of the refusal must include the reasons, on which the refusal were based, and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal. You are free to re-apply again if your application has been refused earlier. However, it is recommended that you take note of the reasons for the earlier refusal before submitting a new application and make amendments, where necessary. The visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused. The visa fee covers the cost of the examination of the visa application.

• 6) what is the schengen visa cover letter?

  The Schengen Visa cover letter is a letter which summarizes your intent to travel to a country that is part of the Schengen area. In your cover letter you should explain: - the purpose of your trip - when and where you intend to travel - how your trip is going to be funded - day-by-day itinerary for your trip - duration of the trip

• 7) is it possible to extend my schengen visa while in malta?

  You cannot extend your short-stay visa while in Malta except in special circumstances, and exceeding your permitted period of stay is considered an act of illegality or criminality. Instead, you must return to your home country within the permitted period of stay and apply for another Malta Visa if necessary.

• 8) how long before the start of the intended visit should i apply for a schengen visa?

  You may only submit your Schengen visa application 90 days before your date of departure. We recommend that you apply at least 20 working days before the date you wish to depart as certain types of travel purpose may take longer than usual to process. For instance, the processing time of your Schengen Visa Application will take between 10-12 working days from your appointment date.

• 9) how long does it take to obtain a malta visa?

  Typically, a Malta Visa (Schengen Visa) takes anywhere from 5 to 15 days to process in the Malta Embassy/Consulate. The processing time for a Malta Visa is dependent on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion.

• 10) what is the role of vfs?

  VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd (VFS) is the Service Delivery Provider for the Embassy of Malta in New Delhi. The role of VFS is to accept visa applications and to dispatch passports and documents back to clients, on behalf of the Embassy of Malta. VFS does not play any part in or influence the outcome of your visa application.

• 11) how can i check the status of my malta visa application?

  Applicants can check the status of Malta visa application online using the Malta VFS Reference number and Date of Birth. Kindly visit the Track Your Application section of the Malta VFS website.

• 12) will i get my visa at the end of the process?

  As an application centre, the Malta Visa Application Centre (VFS) will not be able to guarantee you a visa. The issuance or refusal of a Malta visa is the sole prerogative of The Embassy/Consulate. The Malta Visa Application Centre cannot influence this decision in any way.

• 13) can i leave the schengen area and return again with my schengen visa?

  Schengen Visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the Schengen Visa.

• 14) what are the schengen visa travel insurance requirements?

  Your travel Insurance plan for a Schengen Visa must meet the following requirements: • Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (approx. USD $34,000) • Coverage for repatriation for medical reasons • Coverage for emergency medical treatment • Coverage for expenses resulting from your death • Coverage for the entire period of your intended stay • Valid in all Schengen Area countries

New Delhi

Address: Malta Visa Application Centre,
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg,
Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001

Submission Timings:
08:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs: (Monday – Friday)

09:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs: (Saturday) (Prime Time Submission at an Additional Cost of INR 2,720/-)

Passport Collection Timings:

08:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs: (Monday – Friday)

09:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs: (Saturday) (Prime Time Collection at an Additional Cost of INR 400/-)

VFS Helpline Details:

Contact Number: 022 67866005 (08:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs) (Monday to Friday)
E-mail ID: infomalta.northin@vfshelpline.com

For Parking:

While the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station does not allow parking of vehicles at the station itself due to Security Protocols mandated by DMRC, ample paid parking is available in close vicinity of the Metro Station premises as detailed below:

1. Multi - Level Car Park in DLF Capitol Point Building – Approx. 5 Minutes’ walk to the Metro Station.
2. Basement Level Parking behind Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan (Diagonally Opposite the Metro Station) - Approx. 5 Minutes’ walk to the Metro Station.
3. Parking at Hanuman Mandir - Approx. 5 Minutes’ walk to the Metro Station.
4. Basement Level Parking at Palika Bazar - 7 Minutes’ walk to the Metro Station.

Note: Vehicles are allowed to drop and pick up right at the entry of the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station.

 

Kolkata

Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata – 700107

Submission Timings:

08:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs (Monday - Friday)
10:00 hrs –14:00 hrs: (Saturday) (Prime Time Submission at an Additional Cost of INR 2,720/-)

Passport Collection Timings:

08:00 hrs till17:00 hrs (Monday- Friday)

Prime Time Passport Collection Timing: 10:00 hrs till 14:00 hrs (Saturday)

VFS Helpline Details

Contact Number: 022 67866005 (08:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs) (Monday - Friday)
E-mail ID: infomalta.northin@vfshelpline.com

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Blue Lagoon, Island of Comino: Nature's Perfect Swimming Pool

With an almost tropical quality, the Blue Lagoon is a mesmerizing scene of crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping over a white-sand seabed. This expansive lagoon gives the impression of being a giant swimming pool because the water is temperate, there are no waves, and the shallow end is safe enough for children.

Wonderful for swimming, splashing around, or floating on inflatable tubes, the core of the lagoon is roped off to boats. The lagoon is equivalent in length to several Olympic-size swimming pools. Good swimmers can cross to the cove and tiny beach on the other side.

The lagoon has a small beach with umbrellas and chairs for rent. The other option is sunbathing on the scorching hot rocky hillside. At least, tourists can count on refreshment stands set up around the lagoon.

From May through October, travelers can stay at the Comino Hotel (the only hotel on the island) to appreciate the Blue Lagoon without the other tourists and enjoy a peaceful vacation. Things to do on Comino Island include nature walks, hiking, and water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tips for Tourists: During high season, this beach is often crowded by 10:30am, so it is best to arrive early. The lagoon is less crowded after 4pm, however the returning ferries stop running around 6pm. The ferry ride from Mgarr on the island of Gozo take about 15 minutes to arrive at the Blue Lagoon on the Island of Comino. From the Island of Malta (departing from the port of Marfa or Cirkewwa), the ferry ride to the Blue Lagoon takes about 30 minutes.

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Breathtaking Views at Dingli Cliffs, Island of Malta

Those who appreciate awe-inspiring coastal scenery should take a short drive or bus ride from the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq to the Dingli Cliffs. The appeal (and the drawback) of this location is its remoteness. The sheer 250-meter Dingli Cliffs plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea, and the sloping hillsides are fertile land used by small farms. The highlight of Dingli Cliffs is the viewpoint that offers stunning seaside panoramas.

Besides a short walking trail, there is nothing at Dingli Cliffs except a tiny hilltop chapel (closed to the public), which is devoted to Saint Mary Magdalene.

Tips for Tourists: Keep in mind that there are no restrooms or cafés. Sometimes tourists will find a pop-up souvenir and refreshment stand. Dingli Cliffs does not have a visible bus stop (ask the bus driver where to get out), and buses run infrequently, but the sensational photo-ops make it worth the trek.

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Editor's Pick Golden Bay Beach, Island of Malta

With its sheltered sandy shores tucked away behind by a mountainous coastline and sloping cliffs, Golden Bay in Northwest Malta is one of the island's prettiest beaches. Golden Bay Beach is easily accessible by car or bus; the bus stop is only a five-minute walk away from the beach. Unlike other beaches in Malta, Golden Bay Beach is far away from street traffic, which makes it a perfect get-away-from-it-all seaside escape.

The beach has an extremely wide shoreline with soft golden sands. The clean, calm waters are safe for swimming. Many visitors spend the day here sunbathing while listening to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Lounge chairs and beach umbrellas are available for rent, and the site has well-maintained facilities including public toilets and changing rooms. There are also cafés and restaurants with terraces overlooking the shore and the gently crashing waves.

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Historical Attractions in Rabat, Island of Malta

Just outside the Mdina ramparts is the neighboring town of Rabat. Tourists can see both cities in the same day; Mdina and Rabat are sometimes considered to be one unified urban area.

In Maltese, the word "Rabat" means "suburb." Rabat is less touristy and more modern than Mdina, but there are noteworthy historical attractions. One of the hidden gems is the Casa Bernard, a grand 16th-century house that belonged to a noble Maltese family of French origins. Although the Casa Bernard is still a private residence, it is open to the public for guided tours.

The Roman Villa archaeological site boasts some of the finest 1st-century BC Roman mosaics in the world. A key landmark tied to Malta's Christian heritage, the 17th-century Church of Saint Paul, stands above the Grotto of Saint Paul, where it is said that the saint found refuge during his stay in Malta.

Next to the church, the Wignacourt Museum displays an extensive collection of Punic-Roman artifacts. The 16th-century Saint Dominic's Convent is an important pilgrimage destination because it contains a marble statue of the Virgin Mary that is considered miraculous.

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Prehistoric Tarxien Temples, Island of Malta

The UNESCO-listed Tarxien Temples is the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cult site in Malta, consisting of four megalithic structures. Excavated in 1914, the site covers an area of 5,400 square meters and displays the artistic achievements of Malta's mysterious prehistoric culture during the "Temple Period" (Late Neolithic Period) between 3,600 BC and 2,500 BC. Stone reliefs and sculptures that were found here are represented on the site by excellent reproductions; the originals are displayed in the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta.

The stone walls of the four adjoining temples are decorated with surprisingly intricate spiral patterns and animal figures. The decorative South Temple contains the largest collection of art, including reliefs that depict goats, pigs, bulls, and a ram. There is also a unique statue depicting a fertility goddess with robust legs, small dainty feet, and a pleated skirt.

The East Temple is made of sturdy slab walls with recognizable oracle holes. The Central Temple features a six-apse architectural plan and has an arched roof that reveals technically advanced construction techniques.

Tip for Tourists: The Tarxien Temples archaeological site is within easy walking distance of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. Both sites could easily be visited on the same day.

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The Blue Grotto, Island of Malta

The Blue Grotto is approached by a winding road on a cliff high above the Mediterranean Sea. The spectacular coastal scenery provides an exciting introduction to the nature site. The breathtaking seaside scenery and limestone caves here are a picture of pure serenity. The water shines a brilliant blue in the sun. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was home to the sirens (sea nymphs), who captivated sailors with their charms.

Tourists can take a guided boat tour in one of the brightly painted Maltese fishing boats called luzzus. Boats leave frequently year-round, when the sea is calm. The 20-minute joyride speeds through the sea past six caves, including the Blue Grotto, a 30-meter-high cave with a deep pool of water. The best time to visit is early in the day, ideally before 2pm, when the sunlight best illuminates the water.

The village of Wied iz-Zurrieq (just one kilometer away from the Blue Grotto) has many souvenir stores, ice-cream shops, and cafés, as well as cliffside restaurants with marvelous views. Tourists will enjoy a meal at one of the restaurant terraces overlooking the serene blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Grotto is also a popular scuba diving destination because of its bountiful marine life.

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The Idyllic Island of Gozo

Gozo Island is the most idyllic destination of the Maltese Islands. With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation for several days or even a weeklong stay. Although Gozo is less developed than Malta, the island has plenty of cultural attractions: a fortified medieval city, Victoria; a bustling seaside resort, Marsalforn; and the most important archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, Ggantija Temples, dating back to around 3500 BC.

Visitors enjoy the island's bucolic landscape, a delightful retreat from the modern world. A patchwork of small farms cover gently rolling hills and valleys. Hillsides lead down to protected beaches and quaint old fishing ports. A favorite beach is at Ramla Bay with a wide, sandy shore and gentle waters that are safe for swimming. There are also traditional villages perched on hilltops and surrounded by valleys.

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The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, Island of Malta

Mdina offers an escape to a fairy-tale city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting medieval hilltop town is steeped in history. Tourists must pass through the dramatic Main Gate to enter the city, giving the impression of walking back in time. Within the city's immense, ancient ramparts is a delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful, old sandstone buildings.

The most important monument in Mdina is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, a glorious Baroque building designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. The lavishly decorated sanctuary features a magnificent dome, marble columns, gilded details, and gorgeous ceiling paintings. The cathedral possesses a precious 12th-century icon of the Madonna and renowned works of art by celebrated Maltese painter Mattia Preti.

To get a sense of Mdina's former glory, tourists should visit the historic palaces. The Palazzo Vilhena (Saint Publius Square) is a stately 18th-century Magisterial Palace that now houses Malta's superb Natural History Museum with geological exhibits such as fossils, birds' eggs, and bird nests.

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The Seaside Charm of Mellieha, Island of Malta

In the scenic countryside of Northwest Malta, Mellieha is a family-friendly seaside destination. The beach is next to a busy road, which detracts from the natural beauty. However, the Mellieha Beach has the largest stretch of sandy shore on the Maltese Islands with a one-and-a-half kilometer shoreline of fine white sand. Mellieha Bay has very gentle shelving, which makes it shallow enough to stand even quite far away from the shore. The calm waters with no undercurrents are safe for children to wade or swim.

The picturesque village of Mellieha stands on a craggy hilltop overlooking the pastoral landscape of rocky outcrops, vine-covered hills, and small farms. In a beacon-like position at the highest point in the village, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory (Parish Square) is a lovely 19th-century Baroque building. The church contains the Shipwreck of Saint Paul painting by renowned artist Giuseppe Cali and a statue of The Virgin Mary that is venerated during the annual Mellieha Village Festa. This lively festival features marching bands and fireworks.

Opposite the steps that lead down from the Parish Square is a mystical cave-shrine dedicated to the Madonna. An underground spring running through the cave is said to have miraculous healing powers.

Mellieha also has wonderful bird sanctuaries in the Ghadira Nature Reserve.

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Valletta: Malta's Elegant Capital

A strategically important seaport, Valletta is the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta. The entire city is testimony to the grandeur of the Knights of Malta, the European noblemen who were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530. The knights created a capital worthy of their aristocratic stature, on par with other great European capitals. Valletta's regular grid plan and orderly public squares reveal the knights' logical 16th-century urban planning.

Tourists can easily navigate this small city that is bounded by two harbors: the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor. The heart of the city is Saint John's Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by the different Orders of the Knights, hailing from various countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. Visitors are surprised by the lavish interior with its opulent gilded decor.

Nearby is the immense Grand Master's Palace, once the residence of the Knights of Malta. This palace boasts splendid paintings, as well as an armory, that tell the story of the knights' military victories.

For tourists who appreciate culture and historic monuments, Valletta is one of the best places to visit on the Maltese Islands. Valletta is Malta's most modernized city and is also the most convenient location for travelers who would like to explore the Island of Malta without a car. The island has an efficient bus system with Valletta as its hub.

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