Malta

General Information on the Malta Schengen Visa

Malta is an island nation and a member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, citizens of the Republic of Turkey holding Ordinary (Maroon) passports are required to obtain a Schengen visa for trips to Malta lasting up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits. Holders of Special (Green), Service (Grey), and Diplomatic (Black) passports are exempt from the visa requirement for stays not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. Malta visa applications are accepted through VFS Global, the visa application center authorized by the Maltese diplomatic missions.

How to Apply for a Malta Visa? (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Malta visa application process is systematic when the correct steps are followed. As of 2026, applicants are expected to follow the steps below.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

The first and most crucial step is to correctly identify the visa type that matches your purpose of travel. The most common types are: Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Family and Friend Visit Visa, and Cultural or Sports Event Visa. Your travel purpose will directly influence the list of documents you need to prepare.

Step 2: Book a Malta VFS Global Appointment

It is mandatory to book an online appointment through the official VFS Global website to submit your application documents and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph). It is advisable to book your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date, especially during peak seasons like summer, public holidays, and vacation periods.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

You must prepare the documents required for your chosen visa type completely, correctly, and with up-to-date information. It is critical for the success of your application that all documents are in A4 format and meet the specified criteria.

Step 4: Application and Biometric Data Submission

You must be present at the relevant VFS Global application center on the date and time of your appointment. Your documents will be checked and submitted, and if you have not previously provided fingerprints for a Schengen visa or if your data from the last 59 months is no longer valid, your biometric data will be collected. Visa fees are also paid at this stage. Remember that the decision-making authority for your application is the Consulate General of Malta in Istanbul.

Required Documents for a Malta Schengen Visa in 2026

Below is a list of basic documents generally required for a short-stay Type C Malta Schengen visa. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's professional status and purpose of travel.

• Visa Application Form: A fully completed and signed online application form.
• Passport: A passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date, with at least 2 empty pages, issued within the last 10 years.
• Biometric Photograph: 2 recent biometric photos, 35x45 mm in size, with a white background.
• Travel Health Insurance: An insurance policy valid in all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Flight and Hotel Reservations: Round-trip flight reservations and hotel reservations or an invitation letter confirming accommodation.
• Documents Proving Financial Status: Stamped and signed salary slips for the last 3 months, bank account statements (obtained within the last 7 days, showing a balance, stamped, and signed).
• Professional Status Documents: For employees, SGK employment declaration and service record, company permission letter; for business owners, tax plate, signature circular; for students, student certificate; for retirees, retirement document.
• Copy of National ID Card and a Full Civil Registration Record.

Reasons for Malta Visa Rejection and Key Considerations

To avoid a visa rejection for Malta, certain points require special attention. The most common reasons for rejection include:

• Insufficient or unconvincing financial resources: The provided bank accounts not being sufficient to cover travel expenses or suspicious account activity.
• Unclear purpose of travel: Inconsistent hotel/flight reservations or an unconvincing travel itinerary.
• Incomplete or incorrect documents: Documents being outdated, not submitted in the required format, or suspicion of fraudulent documents.
• Perceived threat to public order: The applicant having previously violated Schengen entry/exit rules.

To increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, it is important to prepare all documents completely and honestly, clearly explain your travel plan, and ensure your financial situation is transparent.

The Malta Visa Process with Hermes Vize

If you are seeking professional assistance with the complexity of the Malta visa application process and the detailed document preparation it requires, you can benefit from the experience of Hermes Vize. Our expert team simplifies the process by guiding you at every step, from ensuring your application is prepared correctly and completely to managing the appointment process. You can contact us to evaluate your application conditions and learn more about our services.