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Malta Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Malta — apply online at identitymalta.com or via the Maltese Embassy/Consulate; visa fee is 80 EUR (approx USD 85–90), with typical processing of 15–30 days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Forms: Schengen Visa Application Form — completed online via identitymalta.com or downloaded and signed before submission.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing funds sufficient for your stay; a daily minimum guideline of 95 EUR is commonly used, or an overall amount aligned with your itinerary.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter from a Maltese host, plus a round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45 mm) with a plain light background, taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: Yes — you will provide biometrics at the designated visa application center or embassy during your appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: Required travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid for the entire Schengen area and duration of stay.

Visa types

  • Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for Malta — tourism, business; Official name: Schengen Visa (Type C) for Malta; Validity up to 90 days within a 180-day period; single or multiple entries; approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Malta National Visa (Long Stay) for study/work — official name: Malta National Visa (Long Stay, Type D) for study or work; validity varies by purpose and duration of stay; typically multiple entry; approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Student visa (long stay) — official name: Malta National Visa for Students (Long Stay); duration tied to the course; multiple entry; approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Work visa (long stay) — official name: Malta National Visa for Employment (Long Stay); duration as per contract; multiple entry; approximate fee: 80 EUR.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to identitymalta.com, create an account, complete the Schengen visa application form, upload required documents, pay the government fee, and book an appointment at the Malta embassy/consulate or visa center.
  • Steps and documents: Prepare all required documents (see sections above), attend the appointment for document submission and biometrics, and answer any questions during the interview if requested.
  • Fee and processing: Pay the visa fee online as part of the application; you will be notified by email of the decision and will need to present your passport for visa stamping if approved.
  • Approval arrival: Visa decision is typically delivered after administrative processing; if approved, collect your passport with the visa stamp from the chosen collection point or as instructed via the identitymalta portal.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (adults): 80 EUR. Children 6–12 years: 40 EUR. Under 6: free.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: 25 EUR (subject to change; confirm current amount on identitymalta.com or the chosen service provider’s site).
  • Total cost estimate: 105 EUR for adults (80 visa + 25 service), plus any courier or express options if selected.
  • Standard processing time: 15–30 calendar days; in peak periods or due to complexities, it can extend up to 60 days.
  • Express/priority option: Some centers may offer expedited processing for an additional fee; exact costs and availability vary by center; check identitymalta.com for current options.

Tips for China travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Apply at least 15 days before travel; ideally 30–60 days ahead; you can apply up to 6 months before travel for tourism.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Insufficient or inconsistent travel plans, inadequate funds or unclear financial proof, incomplete or mismatched documents, lack of proof of onward/return travel, inadequate travel medical insurance, or lack of ties to home country.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Some applicants apply via Malta’s chosen visa service (VFS/BLS) or directly through the Maltese embassy/consulate; verify the correct procedure on identitymalta.com and the Maltese embassy page for China.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check current Malta government advisories and your home country’s travel warnings; consult identitymalta.com and the Maltese embassy page for the most up-to-date guidance.
  • Extension options inside Malta: Extensions are not routinely granted for short-stay visas; if you need to extend your stay, contact the Maltese Police General Headquarters, Immigration Department, before your visa expires, and be prepared to justify the request with compelling reasons. Approval is discretionary and not guaranteed.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.