If you’re a US Green Card holder, there’s an exciting opportunity to travel and discover Europe, and it all begins with the Malta Schengen Visa. Malta is a member of the Schengen Area and is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet full of attraction and charm. From the impressive ancient temples, which are older than the Pyramids, to the crystal-clear blue waters surrounding its stunning coastline, Malta is a real treasure in the Mediterranean. In this guide, we will explain how to get a Malta Schengen visa for US green card holders. If you’d like, you can also trust us with the visa process for a hassle-free experience, and then we can kick off this thrilling adventure together.
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Are U.S. green card holders allowed to enter Malta without a visa?
No, if you are a US Green Card holder (F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.), you need a visa if your birth country does not have a visa liberation agreement with the European Union as per the Schengen Area Free Movement Agreement. Check if you can enter the Schengen area without a visa.
Do US citizens need a Malta Schengen visa?
US citizens do not need a visa for the short-term category, which is 90 days in a period of 180 days; however, starting in 2025, all American passport holders will need an authorization form through ETIAS in order to travel to European countries.
What are the ETIAS rules for Malta?
Starting in 2025, if you’re from one of the 60 countries that can currently visit Europe without a visa, you’ll need permission to enter. You can get this permission through ETIAS or a Schengen Visa, but you only need one, not both. To avoid confusion, answer 4 questions in this ETIAS assessment to know if you need a Schengen visa or ETIAS to enter any Schengen area.
Which applicants are permitted to apply for a Malta visa from the United States?
- Applicants who are legal resident in the US (Green Card holders, F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc. holders) can apply, and your residence must be valid for at least 3 months after returning to the US from Malta.
- If the only European country you are visiting is Malta.
- If visiting multiple Schengen nations, make sure to spend more time in Malta.
- If you spend equal days in multiple Schengen nations, your initial entry must be through Malta.
How do I apply for a Malta visa from the US as a green card holder?
Know your visa type to travel to Malta with a Schengen visa based on your purpose.
- Transit Visa: If you want to travel outside of the Schengen Area and use a Maltese airport to get to your destination
- Tourist Visa: If you are visiting Malta for a vacation, sightseeing, or just some relaxation on the stunning beaches
- Visitor visa: If you intend to visit any relatives or friends.
- Business visa: A business visa is required if you want to attend a trade show, interact with clients, or take part in any other business-related activity.
- Diplomat visas are for official visits by national delegations or government officials.
- Medical visa: for those seeking any medical treatment, consultations, or procedures.
- Student Visa: If you are enrolling for a higher education at any of the universities in Malta.
- Visa for Sports, Film Crew -If you are attending any football event or shooting a movie ? then you need to get a culture visa.
- Spouse Visa: If you want to stay with your spouse, who is either a citizen or on a work visa,
Where in the US can you apply for a Malta Schengen visa?
In the United States, the Maltese government has established its embassy in Washington, D.C., which serves as the primary diplomatic mission for Malta.
In addition to the embassy in Washington, D.C., Malta may have consulates in other major cities across the United States. These consulates may provide limited services, including visa application acceptance, to residents within their respective jurisdictions.
Embassy of Malta in Washington DC
Address: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, 20008, District of Columbia, Washington, United States
Telephone: +1-202-462-3611
Fax: +1-202-387-5470
How to book an appointment for a visa application at the Malta Embassy in Washington?
You can either call +1 (202) 462-3611 or send an email via [email protected] to book an appointment and request further information on the visa application process, including supporting documents.
Essential Paperwork for US Green Card Holders Seeking a Malta Schengen Visa
Malta Visa Application form
Fill and sign your application form accurately and ensure all the details matches your passport . Application for minors must be completed and signed by parents or authorizing person. Download your form in English or Other Language. Note that you can only submit your application in person and not online.
Visit here to know how to fill the visa application form.
Valid passport
Make sure the passport remains valid for 3 months after your departure from Malta and contains two blank pages. Passports issued within the last 10 years are eligible for visa endorsement. Those issued more than a decade ago won’t be accepted. It’s important to check your passport’s expiration date before your trip to Malta to avoid travel issues.
Two Passport size photos
Two identical colour pictures of size 35mm x 45mm taken in the last 6 months in a light background with applicants looking straight into the camera and ears visible. Do not smile, maintain a neutral face expression, and lose any kind of sunglass or spectacle.
Residency proof
Such as a green card, Alien registration, or valid US visa. Ensure the visa is valid after returning to the US from Malta.
Flight Itinerary
An itinerary should have a booking ID, applicant name, and flight number. Do not book fully paid air tickets until the visa is approved; use our Flightgen app to obtain your itinerary.
Proof of accommodation
Accommodation dates must match the flight dates. If you are staying in a hotel, provide detailed reservation details. Or if staying with relatives or friends, provide an invitation letter from the host.
Travel health insurance
A certificate with the applicant’s name, the coverage dates, the coverage for repatriation, and the minimum coverage of €30.000 or $5,000 should be specified. Insurance consumables cannot have deductibles. To obtain insurance, simply click the link below.
Cover letter
Cover letter specifying the purpose of your trip, length of the stay, co-passenger details, travel dates, and return information. This is the first document to convince Maltese authorities to grant you a visa; hence, be clear while addressing.
Wondering how to write a cover letter for a Malta visa? We’ve got you covered. Get your document quickly by answering a few questions below.
Financial sustenance proof
This is to ensure authorities that you have enough money for the trip after booking flights and accommodations. In the previous three months, your account must have maintained a minimum balance of $115 a day per person, or a minimum of $1,500 if the trip is shorter than 10 days. You can confirm this by providing the last 3 month bank statements.
If your trip is sponsored by someone, you should get a Sponsorship letter from the respective person.
Proof of employment
- Provide the previous three pay stubs and a notarized employment letter from the firm, if you are an employee, along with a letter requesting a leave of absence.
- The most recent ITR, professional license and certificate of incorporation, if applicable, and the last three bank statements can be provided by self-employed people.
- A Social Security Administration letter verifying monthly retirement benefits should be in the possession of the retiree.
- Students may submit transcripts, a school ID, or an F1 copy.
- Business travellers present a letter of invitation verifying their commercial relationship with a Malta corporation or organisation.
Documents for Minors may consist of,
- The minor’s birth certificate.
- Parents or authorised individuals complete and sign the visa application form for your minor.
- A legal custody paperwork if the parents are not together.
- A notarized parental authorization letter allowing travel to Malta
- Parents or authorised persons must submit a copy of their passport, official government picture ID, most recent bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs.
To know more in detail visit Documents required for Schengen visa.
What happens on the day of the appointment at the Malta Embassy?
Attend your appointment with a hard copy of your application and all the documents. Parents or authorised person should make accommodations for minors during the interview.
Authorities will check your documents, and if required, you will be asked for further information. Be polite and confident in answering.
Your biometric data will be collected, which captures facial images and fingerprints. People under the age of 12 or those whose fingerprints have already been taken in the last 59 months need not provide fingerprinting.
Pay your visa fees.
Wait for the visa processing.
How much is the Malta Schengen Visa fee for US green card holders?
The visa fee is settled in United States dollars in cash, money order, or cashier’s check only.
Fees depends on the exchange rate on the date of the appointment. Personal checks are not accepted.
Schengen Visa | €80.00 |
Children 6-12 (until the age of 12 years minus 1 day) | €40.00 |
Children 0-6 years (i.e., children that are 6 years of age minus 1 day) | €0 |
Schengen Visa (Family Members of EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals) | €0 |
Schengen Visa (for Countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements) | €35.00 |
To know more about other categories and additional services visit Missions service fee.
What is the visa processing time for a Malta visa?
Visas are processed in 15 days and can extend up to 45 days for certain individuals if further security checks are required. Hence, it is advised to apply at least 15 days before your scheduled trip.
What if my Malta Schengen Visa gets refused, annulled, or revoked?
If Maltese authorities refuse, annul, or revoke the visa, they will send you a refusal letter specifying the reason. In that case, applicants have the right to appeal against such decisions to the Immigration Appeal Board within 15 days of receiving the letter. You must address the board only in English and send the appeal to [email protected] with a copy of the refusal letter and notarized supporting documents, which aid in the review. You can address the board as
The Secretary
Immigration Appeals Board
15, 1st Floor, City Gate Building, Ordinance Street, Valletta.
The applicant and Central Visa Unit will be notified of the decision from the Immigration Appeal Board.
Hence, it is very important to fill out a visa application form with accurate details matching your passport and make sure all the documents produced are valid and unexpired.