Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days if additional checks needed
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-12), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard Schengen Type C visa for tourism purposes. Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 must apply at a Maltese embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global center. Applications may be submitted 6 months to 15 days before travel. Multiple-entry visas with longer validity may be issued for frequent travelers. Countries not cooperating on readmission may face higher fees of EUR 135 or EUR 180. All documents must be in English or Maltese.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 who require a Schengen visa for short stays.
-
Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses (minimum EUR 48/day), and return travel.
Minimum funds: EUR 48/day
-
Purpose of visit
Must demonstrate genuine tourism purpose with a clear itinerary and return travel plans.
-
Criminal record
Must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, taken against a light background, showing the full face without head covering, ICAO standards
-
Bank statement
Months required: 3
-
Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: 30000
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host in Malta with proof of their accommodation; Must cover full stay: No
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen visa application form
-
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["cash", "card"]; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, financial proof, accommodation proof, flight reservations, and cover letter. All documents must be in English or Maltese; certified translations required otherwise.
-
Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form online or download and fill out the paper form.
-
Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Maltese embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global center in your country of residence. VFS Global handles applications from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Türkiye.
-
Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 90 (adults) at the time of submission. Additional VFS Global service fees may apply.
-
Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center during your appointment.
-
Biometrics
Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photograph). Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. Not required if biometrics were recorded for another Schengen visa within the past 59 months.
-
Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days. May take up to 45 days if additional checks are required.
-
Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center.