Is Malta a Schengen Country?
Yes. Malta is part of the Schengen Area.
This means a Malta Schengen visa lets you visit Malta. It can also let you travel to other Schengen countries, if your visa allows it.
UAE nationals with an Emirati passport do not need this visa. They can visit Malta for up to 90 days without one. Most other UAE residents do need a visa, depending on their nationality.
Malta Schengen Visa Rules
| Visa Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Visa type | Short-stay Schengen visa |
Maximum stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
Where to apply | VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi |
Who processes it | The Consulate General of Malta in Dubai |
Average processing time | About 15 calendar days |
Longer processing | Can take up to 21 days, or longer in busy periods |
Adult visa fee | €90 (about AED 360) |
Child fee, age 6 to 11 | €45 (about AED 180) |
Children under 6 | No visa fee |
VFS service charge | AED 120 |
Biometrics | Fingerprints for applicants aged 12 or older |
Earliest you can apply | Up to 6 months before you travel |
Who Needs a Malta Schengen Visa?
Your passport decides if you need a visa. Your UAE residence card does not give you free entry to Malta.
UAE Nationals (Emirati Passport)
You do not need a visa. You can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Most Other UAE Residents
You likely need a Schengen visa. This includes many Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and other passport holders living in the UAE.
You may need this visa if you plan to travel for:
Malta Schengen Visa Requirements
You need documents that show who you are, why you want to travel, and how you will pay for your trip.
Valid Passport
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 3 to 6 months after your trip ends. It must contain at least two blank pages and have been issued within the last 10 years.
Complete Application Form
Fill out the official Schengen visa application form accurately. Double-check all your answers before signing and dating the document.
UAE Residence Proof
Evidence explaining the purpose, duration and plans for the proposed visit.
Passport Photo
Bring recent color passport-sized photographs that follow strict biometric guidelines against a plain white background.
Bank Statement
Submit your personal bank statements from the last 3 months. This demonstrates you have stable income and sufficient financial funds to cover your expenses.
Proof of work or business
If you work for a company, bring an employment letter and recent payslips. If you run a business, bring your business license and income documents.
Travel Plan
Present your confirmed round-trip flight booking or itinerary showing your exact entry and exit dates for the Schengen Area.
Hotel or accommodation proof
Show confirmed hotel reservations or a formal invitation letter detailing where you plan to stay throughout your trip.
Travel Insurance
Purchase an approved policy covering all Schengen countries with a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, including emergency repatriation.
Extra documents for your travel purpose
Include extra papers based on why you are traveling, such as a formal invitation letter for family visits, a corporate letter for business trips, or event registrations for conferences.
Malta Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Your photo must follow the standard Schengen photo rules. It should:
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Be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
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Have a white or light background
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Be in colour
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Be taken in the last 6 months
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Show your full face, looking straight ahead
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Have even light with no shadows
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Show a neutral expression
Check with VFS Global before your appointment if you are unsure about any detail. A wrong photo can slow down your application.
Malta Schengen Visa Application Form
You fill out the Schengen visa application form online. This is one of the most important steps, so take your time.
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Get the form from the official source, not a random website.
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Fill in every field. Do not leave gaps.
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Make sure your answers match your other documents.
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Sign the form where needed.
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Check everything twice before you submit it.
Small mistakes on this form can slow down your whole application. Read every question carefully.
How to Apply for a Malta Schengen Visa From Dubai or the UAE
Follow these steps to apply.
Check if You Need a Visa
Look at your passport nationality. Emirati passport holders do not need a visa. Most other UAE residents do.
Confirm Malta is the right country
If you plan to visit only Malta, or Malta is where you'll stay the longest, apply here. If you visit several Schengen countries, check which country should handle your application.
Choose your travel purpose
Pick the right category: tourism, business, or a visit to family or friends.
Complete the application form
Fill out the form online. Print it and sign it.
Prepare your documents
Gather every document on your checklist. Check that names, dates, and details match across all of them.
Book your VFS appointment
Book online through VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Appointment slots can be limited, so book as early as your documents allow.
Submit Your Application
Go to your appointment. Hand in your documents and passport. Give your fingerprints and photo.
Pay the fees
Pay the visa fee and the VFS service charge at the centre.
Track your application
VFS gives you a tracking number. Use it to check your status online.
Collect your passport
Pick up your passport once your application is ready. This tells you if your visa was approved.
Malta Schengen Visa Processing Time
Your application may take longer if: You apply during a busy period, like summer or holidays, You are missing a document, The consulate needs to check extra details about your application. Apply early. Do not wait until the last few weeks before your trip.
Average Processing
15 calendar days
Most applications are processed within this timeframe.
Maximum Processing
45 calendar days
For applications requiring additional checks or documents.
Malta Schengen Visa Fees
The current official Netherlands Schengen visa fees are:
| Applicant | Official Visa Fee | UAE Amount (VFS) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €90 | AED 360 |
| Child age 6 to 11 | €45 | AED 180 |
| Child under 6 | Free | AED 0 |
AED amounts are based on the current exchange rate and may change without prior notice.
Visa fees are non-refundable, whether or not the application is approved.
Some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or fee exemption. Always check the current fee before your appointment.
Malta Schengen Visa by Travel Purpose
Tourist Visa
Choose this if you're visiting Malta for a holiday or to see the sights. You'll need proof of your hotel, travel plan, insurance, and funds.
Business Visa
Choose this if you're attending meetings, conferences, or training in Malta. You may need an invitation letter from the company you're visiting.
Family or Friend Visit Visa
Choose this if you're visiting family or friends in Malta. You may need extra documents from the person you're visiting, such as an invitation letter.
Can I Travel to Malta With a Schengen Visa I Already Have?
In many cases, yes. If you already hold a valid Schengen visa, you may be able to visit Malta on it. You still need to follow the dates, entry count, and stay limit shown on your visa.
Learn more about the full Schengen visa process, the countries it covers, and the rules that apply.
Can I Visit Other Schengen Countries With a Malta Visa?
Yes. A valid Malta Schengen visa can let you travel to other Schengen countries too. You must still follow the dates, entry count, and stay limit shown on your visa.
Check your full travel plan before you apply, so you submit your application through the correct Schengen country from the start.
Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Malta Schengen Visas
Single-Entry Visa
This visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. Once you exit the region, the visa becomes invalid and you cannot use it again.
Multiple-Entry Visa
This visa permits you to enter and exit the zone multiple times while it remains active. You must still follow the standard rule of staying a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
The visa sticker confirms the number of permitted entries, validity dates, and allowed stay. Receiving a visa does not guarantee entry, as the final decision is made by border authorities.
Can I Visit Other Schengen Countries With a Malta Visa?
Yes. A valid Malta Schengen visa can let you travel to other Schengen countries too. You must still follow the dates, entry count, and stay limit shown on your visa.
Check your full travel plan before you apply, so you submit your application through the correct Schengen country from the start.
Common Malta Visa Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors can slow down or delay your application. Watch out for these:
Missing Documents Always follow the complete official checklist for your specific travel purpose. Double-check that every required paper is included before you submit your file.
Mismatched Travel Plans Ensure your flight reservations, hotel bookings, and application dates align completely. Any conflict between these documents can cause immediate application delays.
Mismatched Details Review your names, passport numbers, and dates across all forms. Make sure every piece of personal information matches perfectly everywhere.
Inadequate Insurance Purchase a travel policy that covers all Schengen countries with a minimum of €30,000 in medical protection. Verify it remains active for your entire stay.
Unclear Travel Purpose State your exact reason for visiting Malta clearly in your cover letter. Ensure your itinerary matches your application story without any confusion.
Incorrect Country Choice If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, always apply through the nation where you will stay the longest. Submitting to the wrong embassy leads to instant rejection.
Weak Financial Proof Submit clear, steady bank statements showing consistent funds over the last three months. Avoid sudden large deposits or unexplained transactions that raise questions.
A careful check before your appointment can help you avoid simple problems.
How Royal Walk Helps With Your Malta Schengen Visa
Eligibility Check
We look at your travel plans and tell you which options apply to your specific trip.
Personal Document Checklist
We give you an exact list of the documents you need for your situation.
Application Form Help
We guide you through every question on the form to avoid common mistakes.
Document Review
We check your papers closely for any errors or missing details before you apply.
Appointment Guidance
We explain the VFS appointment process and help you secure a timely slot.
Pre-Submission Check
We review your entire application package to ensure everything is completely ready.
Why Choose Our Visa Support?
Step-by-step help
Clear instructions at every stage of your application.
A clear document checklist
Know exactly what documents you need for your trip.
Guidance based on your travel purpose
Guidance tailored to your specific travel plans.
A careful document review
We check your documents before you submit.
Easy WhatsApp support
Get answers quickly through your preferred channel.
Honest answers before you apply
Understand your application before you send it.
We do not promise visa approval. We help you prepare the best possible application.
Ready to Start Your Malta Schengen Visa Application?
A strong application starts with the right documents. Tell us about your trip. We'll guide you through every step.
The Consulate General of Malta makes the final decision on every visa application.