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2 ways to enter

Malta visas

Malta transit visa

Most passengers can change flights at one airport in Malta without a visa if they stay in the international transit area for less than one day. Citizens of 12 listed countries normally need an airport transit visa.

Ways to get a Malta transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers outside the mandatory transit-visa list, and listed passengers with an exemption, can use a qualifying airport transfer.

    Stay
    Strictly less than 24 hours.

  2. Airport transit visa

    Visa needed

    Citizens of the 12 listed countries need this visa for an airport transfer unless an exemption applies.

    Fee
    General Schengen application fee: €90, subject to reductions and exceptions.
    Processing
    General Schengen rule: 15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
    1. Apply through Malta's embassy or consulate no earlier than six months before travel.
    2. Attend in person for your first application and provide biometrics if required.
    3. Submit the required supporting documents and pay the applicable fee.

Who needs it

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt.

Who doesn't

Exemptions include holders of qualifying visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If you must leave the international transit area, the visa-free airport transfer rule does not apply. You must meet Malta's entry rules.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Transfer through one airport only, remain in its international transit area and stay for strictly less than 24 hours. Your flight connection and the airport layout must allow this. Passengers on the mandatory transit-visa list also need an exemption.

How to apply

  1. Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa and whether you qualify for an exemption.
  2. If required, apply through Malta's embassy or consulate no earlier than six months before your planned entry.
  3. Attend in person for a first application and provide biometrics if required.
  4. Pay the applicable fee and wait for the decision.

What to bring

  • A recognised travel document.
  • Evidence of any qualifying visa or residence permit used for an exemption.
  • Supporting application documents; a full transit checklist is not specified.

Good to know

  • The general transit privilege requires you to remain in the international transit area.
  • Malta has no additional nationality requirements beyond the common 12-country airport transit list.
  • The visa-free time limit is strictly less than 24 hours.
  • An airport transit visa does not provide permission to leave the international transit area.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Malta?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt. Exemptions include holders of qualifying visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Malta?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Malta transit visa?

Less than one day for the general visa-free airport transfer rule.

How much does a Malta transit visa cost?

Standard Schengen application fee: €90, with age-based reductions and other possible exceptions.

How long does a Malta transit visa take?

General Schengen rule: 15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues; delays can occur.

What documents do I need for a Malta transit visa?

A recognised travel document.; Evidence of any qualifying visa or residence permit used for an exemption.; Supporting application documents; a full transit checklist is not specified..

How do I apply for a Malta transit visa?

1. 1. Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa and whether you qualify for an exemption. 2. 2. If required, apply through Malta's embassy or consulate no earlier than six months before your planned entry. 3. 3. Attend in person for a first application and provide biometrics if required. 4. 4. Pay the applicable fee and wait for the decision.

How long can I stay in transit in Malta?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transfer through one airport only, remain in its international transit area and stay for strictly less than 24 hours. Your flight connection and the airport layout must allow this. Passengers on the mandatory transit-visa list also need an exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in Malta without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If you must leave the international transit area, the visa-free airport transfer rule does not apply. You must meet Malta's entry rules.

What rules do I have to follow on a Malta transit visa?

The general transit privilege requires you to remain in the international transit area. Malta has no additional nationality requirements beyond the common 12-country airport transit list.

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