Your trip to Malta requires you to go through a series of steps. The first one is to get a visa to legally enter the country. Thus, the Malta visa application requires you to understand the process, visa types, and specific requirements.
The following article provides vital information taken from credible sources for a smooth Malta visa from Mumbai application process. Moreover, it covers everything from visa application facilities to handling rejections. So, read it till the end!
Tidbit About Malta
Officially known as the Republic of Malta, the country is located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa. Moreover, it is full of islands in Southern Europe.
Furthermore, Malta is surrounded by neighboring countries such as Italy, Libya, and Tunisia. Currently, Maltese and English are the two official languages of the country.
Another interesting point is that Valletta is the capital of Malta, however, it is the smallest city in the EU in terms of area and population. In addition, it was the first World Heritage City in Europe that became the ECC (European Capital of Culture) in 2018.
Where Can Mumbaikars Submit their Malta Visa Application?
The Honorary Consulate of Malta in Mumbai is not directly involved in handling the visa application submissions. However, it can assist the applicants with consular services, including:
- Document attestation
- Emergencies
Therefore, VFS Global is the primary visa application center that processes the Malta visa applications from Mumbai. This is because it is an authorized visa service provider.
Key services of the application center
The following are the key features offered by VFS Global.
- Online appointment booking
- Submission of documents and biometric data
- Payment of the visa application fee and service charges of VFS Global via cash or card
Maltese Visa Types for the Residents of Mumbai
The residents of Mumbai can enjoy the following visa types offered by the Government of Malta. The major categories include short-stay visas and long-stay visas.
- A short-stay or Schengen visa allows you to travel to Malta for 90 days within one hundred and eighty days. It is usually issued for single and multiple entries.
| Visa type | Purpose | Visa fee |
| Tourist visa | Tourism, sightseeing, vacationing, holiday, etc. | 90 euros for adults 45 euros for children between 6 and 12 years of age |
| Visit visa | Visiting the family members or friends living in Malta | |
| Business visa | To attend business meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, etc. | |
| Film crew visa | A film crew, could be an actor or a director, who is a part of a project, can enter Malta under this visa. | |
| Seamen visa | Individuals who want to be employed on a vessel in Malta can get this visa. |
- On the other hand, if you want to stay for more than 90 days or six months, you can apply for a long-stay or National visa. Its validity depends on the purpose of your trip to the target Schengen country.
| Visa type | Purpose | Visa fee |
| Employment visa | Employment/work in Malta | 150-200 euros, depending on the specific visa type and duration of stay |
| Family reunification visa | To reunite with a family member who is a permanent resident of Malta | |
| Study visa | Start a course or program in a Maltese educational institution |
Documents Needed for a Malta Visa from Mumbai
The following checklist will help you prepare your documents for a Malta visa from Mumbai. Make sure that you have the updated versions of all the essentials.
General
Passport
- Must be valid for three months after your trip
- Have two blank pages
- Should not be older than the last ten years
Visa application form
- Download and print it from VFS Global
- Should be visa-specific (Short-stay visa and Long-stay visa)
- Complete it accurately and sign at the end
Photographs
- Two passport-size pictures
- ICAO compliant
- Recent, not older than the last six months
- 35*45mm in size
- White background
Proof of flight itinerary
- A round-trip flight reservation is mandatory to showcase your travel plans
- Also, assist the visa officer with your intention of returning to your home country
- Present information such as your flight number, date, time, departure & arrival airports, IATA codes, and 6-digit PNR
Proof of accommodation
- Demonstrate the place where you will stay during your trip to Malta
- Hotel booking, a rental contract for an apartment or house, and an invitation letter from the Maltese host can be submitted
- Include information such as the name, address, and contact details of the selected place
Cover letter
- A strong cover letter can increase your visa approval chances
- Get your document from coverletterforvisa.com at a minimal price
- Explain the purpose of your trip, the stay duration, intended activities, etc.
Travel health insurance
- The policy should provide explicit coverage for the entire Schengen Area
- Must have an amount of 30,000 to 45,000 euros
- Bears travel and medical emergencies, including accidents, hospitalization, repatriation, evacuation, luggage loss, flight cancellation, etc.
Proof of financial resources
- Must possess sufficient funds to manage the expenses of your trip
- Food, accommodation, and transportation should be managed on your own
- Submit a bank statement, a salary slip, or an income tax return in this regard
Visa-specific
Tourist visa
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Proof of return ticket
Business visa
- Employment letter
- Leave approval letter from the current Indian employer
- NOC
Work visa
- Job offer letter
- Work contract
- Residence permit
Student visa
- Admission letter from the target university
- Academic transcript
- Sponsorship letter from the host
Family reunification visa
- Proof of relationship with the host
- Residence permit and a copy of the host’s passport
Application Process for a Malta Visa from Mumbai: Step-by-Step Guide
The application submission process requires you to complete the following steps for a Malta visa from Mumbai via VFS Global.
- The initial steps must include the selection of a suitable visa type, the collection of the necessary documents, and completion of the visa application form.
- After that, make an appointment with the officials through the website of VFS Global. If you are a frequent traveler and have used this website, you do not need to create an account, simply log in to book the available appointment slot.
- Once done, visit the visa application center on the day of your appointment. Do not forget to take the documents and the application form to submit them to the authorities.
- Moreover, you also need to provide your biometric data (if not done previously) by submitting your fingerprints and photos, to be stored in the Visa Information System for 5 years.
- Another step is to deposit the visa fee according to the purpose of your trip. You can pay the amount in cash or credit/debit card. Also, pay 2,560 INR for using VFS services.
- After completing all the steps, you can also track the status of your Malta visa application using VFS Global’s online portal.
- Lastly, you can collect your passport once your visa is approved in person by visiting the visa application center. Besides, you can also opt for a courier delivery service by paying almost 800 INR.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Maltese Visa from Mumbai?
The processing time for a Malta visa from Mumbai depends on the visa type you apply for. For instance, a short-stay or Schengen visa may take up to 15-20 working days. However, it can be extended to up to 45 days during peak travel season, such as summer or holidays.
On the other hand, the application for a long-stay visa may require 8-10 weeks for processing due to extended scrutiny.
Best time to apply for a Malta visa
The best time to apply for a Malta visa also depends on the selected visa type.
- For example, you should lodge your application at least 4-6 weeks before your intended departure to the target country in case of a Schengen visa.
- Contrary to this, a Type D visa application requires you to submit your application at least 3-6 months in advance to account for any delays.
- Lastly, applicants are usually advised to avoid traveling during the peak seasons (July to August and December) to ensure expedited visa processing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Malta Visa from Mumbai
The following common mistakes should be dodged when applying for a Malta visa from Mumbai.
Incomplete application form
If your visa application form has empty or unfilled fields/blanks, it may lead to rejection. Moreover, missing signatures and documents can also force the authorities to deny your application.
Invalid travel health insurance
Besides, the travel health insurance should be according to the given requirements. For instance, the policy should cover the entire Schengen Area and Malta. In case it does not have the mentioned amount, i.e., 30,000 to 45,000 euros, your visa will be rejected.
Inconsistent itinerary
Furthermore, if the details mentioned on the flight itinerary and hotel accommodation do not align with the information given on the application form, this means that these documents are inconsistent. This is considered one of the primary reasons for visa rejection.
Late application submission
Late application submission, such as applying for a visa less than 15 days before your planned departure, can lead to delayed processing time. This means that you cannot get your visa on time.
Insufficient funds
Lastly, bank statements showing inconsistent transactions can also lead to visa rejection. Therefore, make sure that your account demonstrates sufficient funds to show that you can manage your trip’s expenses.
Tips to Improve Your Malta Visa Application from Mumbai
If you want to avoid rejection and submit a successful Malta visa application from Mumbai, you can practice the tips given below.
Highlight ties to India
You need to show that you will return to your home country before your visa expires. For this purpose, you can submit your property documents, employment contracts, and family details.
Review your essentials
Another tip is to recheck all the documents and the application form before submission. You can review the visa document checklist given on the website of VFS Global to avoid omissions.
Seek professional help
You can get help from professional service providers such as RFV Travels in preparing visa supporting documents. Moreover, VFS Global can also assist you in scheduling a visa appointment with the consulate.
Prepare for the interview
In addition, make sure that you are familiar with the common visa interview questions and rehearse them beforehand. Also, ensure that you provide a clear and honest answer to every question.
Understand visa requirements
Last but not least, before moving ahead with the process, make sure that you understand the available visa types. Besides, the chosen visa should be in consideration of the purpose of your trip and you fulfill its requirements accordingly.
What Should You Do If a Malta Visa from Mumbai is Rejected?
In 2023, the rejection rate for a Malta visa worldwide was nearly 37%. In case your visa gets rejected despite making the efforts, you can handle the rejection in the following ways.
- The first step should be reviewing the rejection letter. Read it thoroughly to identify the reason for rejection. For example, it could be inadequate funds or unclear travel itinerary.
- Secondly, the first option you can use is to reapply for a visa with corrected documents. If you think the decision was fair, you can address the gaps and submit a new application.
- However, the second option is to appeal the rejection decision if you think that the consulate/embassy was unfair with your application. You can file the appeal within 15 days to the High Commission of Malta in New Delhi. Please note that this process is lengthy and time consuming, so prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Malta visa?
Yes. A valid Malta visa allows you to travel to the rest of the 28 Schengen countries for short-term purposes. However, your stay must not exceed 90 days within six months.
- Can I extend my Malta visa from Mumbai?
Applying for a Maltese visa extension is rare. You can only do it under exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian reasons, medical issues, or force majeure.
- Can Mumbaikars get a visa on arrival in Malta?
Unfortunately, no. The residents of Mumbai, India, are not eligible to get a visa on arrival in Malta. Besides, India is also not on the list of visa-free countries that allow its citizens to visit Malta without a visa. So, make sure to get a pre-approved visa before starting your journey.
- How can I track my Maltese visa application from Mumbai?
If you want to track your Malta visa application, you can check its status using VFS Global’s online portal. This requires you to enter the application reference number and your last name.
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