Malta Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Standard Category A visa for airport transit only
- Category C visa options for transits involving overnight stays
- Required for specific nationalities even during short layovers
- Validates your onward travel to a non-Schengen country
- Access to Malta International Airport (MLA) transit facilities
- Processing usually takes 15 calendar days
- Mandatory for non-Schengen citizens without visa-free privileges
Processing time
15 calendar days
During peak travel seasons or for specific nationalities, processing may take up to 45 or 60 days. Apply early to avoid disruption.
Estimated cost
$100 - $140
- Schengen Transit Visa Fee (Adults)€90 (approx. $100)
- Schengen Transit Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€45 (approx. $50)
- Service Centre Fee (if applicable)Varies
Requirements
- Applicant must be transiting to a destination outside the Schengen Area
- Must hold a valid passport issued within the last 10 years
- Proof of onward flight bookings (round trip or one way)
- Valid visa for the final destination country, if applicable
- Sufficient financial means for the duration of the layover
- Traveller must not be an 'alert' subject in the Schengen Information System
- Specific nationalities must apply regardless of layover duration
- Travel insurance valid for the entire Schengen territory
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and 3 months validity remaining after transit
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (Schengen standard)
- Confirmed flight tickets for the onward journey to a non-Schengen destination
- Valid visa for the final destination country (if required)
- Evidence of travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation for the duration of the layover if staying overnight
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Identify Visa Type
Determine if your nationality requires an Airport Transit Visa (Category A) or if your layover involves entering the Schengen zone (Category C).
- 2
Book an Appointment
Locate the nearest Maltese Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global centre to book your visa appointment.
- 3
Prepare Documentation
Complete the official Schengen Visa application form accurately, ensuring you select 'Transit' as the purpose of your journey.
- 4
Submit Application and Biometrics
Attend your scheduled appointment to submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
- 5
Pay the Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee at the application centre. Keep the receipt for tracking purposes.
- 6
Wait for Processing
Wait for the standard 15-day processing period. You can often track your application status online.
- 7
Collect Passport
Once notified, collect your passport. Verify that the visa dates and details match your travel itinerary.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your passport has at least 3 months validity left after your scheduled transit.
- Do not book non-refundable onward hotels until your transit visa is approved.
- Clearly highlight your final destination visa in your application package.
- Double-check that your travel insurance specifically mentions coverage in the Schengen Area.
- Be precise with your flight times; if your transit exceeds 24 hours, you likely need a Category C visa.
- Submit clear, high-quality copies of all original documents.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.