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Malta Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa Required

South African citizens need a Schengen Type C visa for Malta — apply via VFS Global or the Maltese High Commission; fee around EUR 90, processing roughly 15 working days.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed Schengen visa application form, signed
  • Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, light background)
  • Travel/medical insurance valid across Schengen with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months and an employment letter
  • Biometrics required at a VFS Global application centre acting on Malta's behalf

Visa types

  • Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa: tourist or business, single, double or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days within any 180-day period, fee around EUR 90
  • Airport transit visa (Type A): for Schengen airport transit
  • National Type D visa: for stays longer than 90 days (work, study), issued by Malta's Identity Malta Agency

How to apply

  • Submit the application through VFS Global's Schengen visa application centre in Pretoria or Johannesburg, which processes applications on behalf of Identity Malta
  • Book an appointment online, complete the form, and gather supporting documents
  • Attend in person to submit biometrics and documents
  • Standard processing time is around 15 calendar days from a complete application, extendable to 30-45 days in complex cases
  • Collect the decision in person or via courier return of the passport

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: EUR 90 (approximately R1,700-1,800)
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately R500-650 additional
  • Total estimated cost: roughly R2,200-2,400
  • Standard processing: 15 working days
  • No official express/priority service for Schengen short-stay visas, though some VFS centres offer a premium lounge add-on that does not shorten the decision timeline

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel; applications can be lodged up to 6 months in advance
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient proof of funds, unclear travel purpose, weak ties to South Africa
  • Malta is a popular destination for South African visitors with family or property ties — bring supporting documentation if this applies, as it can strengthen the application
  • Keep all supporting documents consistent across the form and attachments, since VFS pre-screens for completeness
  • Extensions from inside the Schengen area are only possible in genuine emergencies

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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.