Malta Transit Visa: Application Guide & Requirements

Key Takeaways:

Malta Transit Visa lets travelers enter Malta’s airport for connecting flights; citizens of specific countries need it, even if staying in transit.
Exemptions from needing the visa include holding Schengen, EU, EEA, Canada, Japan, or US visas or residence permits, or being a diplomat.
To apply, schedule an appointment, complete the form, pay the fee, prepare documents, and wait for a response within 15 days.

What is a Malta Transit Visa and Who Needs It?

A Malta Transit Visa allows travelers to enter Malta’s airport solely for catching a connecting flight to a third country. For most travelers, staying within the airport’s transit area means no additional visa is required. However, this is not the case for citizens of specific countries, who must obtain a transit visa even if they do not exit the airport.

Malta Transit Visa: Application Guide & Requirements

Countries Requiring a Malta Transit Visa

If you’re a citizen of any of the following countries, you’ll need a transit visa to enter Malta:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka

Citizens who generally do not need a visa to visit Malta or the Schengen Area also do not require a transit visa for Malta.

Exemptions from Malta Transit Visa

Certain exemptions apply, even if you are from one of the countries listed above. You are exempt from needing a Malta Transit Visa if:

You already hold a Schengen Visa or a residence permit from a Schengen country.
You possess a valid visa from any member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), Canada, Japan, or the United States.
You hold a residence permit issued by countries including San Marino, Andorra, Canada, Japan, or the United States.
You are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen.
You hold a diplomatic passport.
You are a flight crew member from a country part of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

How to Apply for a Malta Transit Visa?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Malta Transit Visa:

Book an Appointment
Contact the Embassy of Malta or a visa application center in your country to schedule an appointment. This step is essential before proceeding further.
Complete the Application Form and Pay the Fee
Fill out the visa application form thoroughly and sign it. After completing the form, proceed to pay the application fee, which can be done at the embassy or consulate during document submission.
Prepare the Required Documents
Ensure that all necessary documents are collected and ready for submission. Missing required documents without a valid reason could result in visa denial.
Submit the Application and Wait for a Response
After submitting the documents, wait for a response from the embassy. The response typically arrives within 15 days.

For detailed guidance, you can visit the Government of Malta’s official website.

What Documents Are Required for a Malta Transit Visa?

To successfully apply for a Malta Transit Visa, you need to submit the following documents:

Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date and have two blank pages. Attach copies of any previous visas.
Passport-sized Photos: Two passport-sized (35-45mm) photos with a light background.
Visa Application Form: Complete the form without leaving any blank spaces.
Proof of Visa Fee Payment: Provide a receipt or document proving the application fee has been paid.
Flight Itinerary or Reservation: Submit documents showing your personal and flight information.
Travel Health Insurance: Purchase insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 for the entire Schengen area.

More detailed information on the necessary documents can be found here.

Validity of a Malta Airport Transit Visa

Typically, a Malta airport transit visa is valid for 24 hours, meant only for changing flights within Malta. Travellers cannot leave the airport zone, even if the wait is overnight. For those who need to transit in more than one Schengen country, a regular Schengen Visa is required.

There are also differing types of transit visas:

One-way Transit Visa: Allows transit through a Schengen country only once.
Return Transit Visa: Permits transit through one or two Schengen countries.
Multiple Transit Visa: Allows transit through several Schengen countries.

How Long Does Processing a Malta Transit Visa Take?

Processing times for a Malta transit visa generally range from 5 to 15 days from the date of document submission. Applicants will receive an email or text message updating them on the status of their application.

Malta Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers

Seafarers requiring a Malta transit visa can obtain one for up to five days. This visa is necessary for seamen who are:

Joining a ship/vessel in Malta.
Transferring from one ship to another docked in Malta.
Landing in Malta due to contract completion or unexpected circumstances like illness or personal emergencies.

Documents Required for a Seafarer Transit Visa

In addition to the standard documents, seafarers must provide:

Seaman’s Book.
Inviting Letter from the Shipping Company.
Work Contract.
Flight Reservation (if required).

Malta Transit Visa Costs

The standard fees for a Malta Transit Visa are:

€90 for adults.
€45 for children aged 6 to 12.
€35 for citizens of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

Visa fees are payable at the consulate or embassy during document submission. Some exemptions apply:

Citizens and family members of EU/EEA/Swiss countries.
Children under the age of six.
Students and teachers traveling for academic purposes.
Researchers traveling for scientific research.
Holders of diplomatic passports.
Holders of residence permits or visas from other Schengen countries.

Common Questions About Malta Transit Visa

Understanding the Malta Transit Visa can be complex, so here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I Leave the Airport with a Malta Transit Visa?

No, travelers holding a Malta Transit Visa cannot leave the airport’s transit zone. If you plan to leave the transit area, you must apply for a Malta tourist visa.

How Do I Know If I Need a Malta Transit Visa?

Check if you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa for Malta. If you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the EU, EEA, Canada, Japan, or the USA, or are a diplomatic passport holder or flight crew member, you may be exempt.

What Types of Malta Transit Visas Are Available?

There are three main types: one-way transit visa, return transit visa, and multiple transit visa, depending on the number of times you need to transit through Schengen countries.

What Insurance Do I Need for a Malta Transit Visa?

Applicants need travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area.

Is a Visa Necessary for Seafarers Docking in Malta?

Yes, non-EU/EEA/Swiss seafarers need a transit visa when docking or transferring between ships in Malta, unless they fall under specific exemptions.

Where Can I Apply for More Information about the Malta Transit Visa?

For more details and to start your application process, you can visit VisaVerge.com or the official immigration portal of Malta.

Final Thoughts

Navigating through visa requirements can be cumbersome, but being well-prepared avoids delays and rejections. Ensure all documents are accurate, fees are paid, and timelines are observed to facilitate a smooth transit through Malta. For any further specific information or clarification, official sources like government websites or trusted immigration services such as VisaVerge.com are highly recommended.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Malta Transit Visa
- A document that allows travelers to enter Malta’s airport solely for the purpose of catching a connecting flight to a third country. It does not permit the traveler to leave the airport’s transit area.
Schengen Visa
- A type of visa that allows travel across 26 European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone. It can serve as an exemption to the Malta Transit Visa if already held by the traveler.
Visa Exemptions
- Specific conditions under which travelers are not required to obtain a visa for transit, even if they are from a country that usually requires one. Examples include holding a residence permit from a Schengen country, or possessing a valid visa from EU/EEA states, the USA, Canada, or Japan.
Diplomatic Passport
- A type of passport issued to diplomats and other government officials that often grants the holder certain exemptions, including some visa requirements like the Malta Transit Visa.
Seafarer Transit Visa
- A special category of transit visa for seafarers who need to join or leave ships docked in Malta. This visa is valid for up to five days and requires additional documentation such as a Seaman’s Book and an inviting letter from the shipping company.
  These definitions provide clarity on specialized terms related to Malta Transit Visa and streamline the visa application process for transit travelers.

This Article In A Nutshell:

A Malta Transit Visa is required for travelers from certain countries when passing through Malta’s airport en route to another destination. Those needing it include citizens of Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, among others. Check requirements before traveling to ensure smooth and hassle-free transit.
— By VisaVerge.com

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