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Malta Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens require a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Malta; apply via Identity Malta or the Maltese embassy/consulate with standard processing about 15 days and a visa fee of 80 EUR.

Guide last updated September 5, 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 intended date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: Complete the standard Schengen visa application form (signed). Applications are submitted via the Maltese embassy/consulate or a designated visa application centre (VAC); there is no separate Afghanistan-specific form.
  • Financial proof: Provide recent bank statements for the last 3–6 months, pay slips, and evidence of income. If someone else is sponsoring your trip, include a sponsorship letter and the sponsor’s bank statements. You should show funds sufficient to cover your stay; a commonly used guideline for Schengen visas is around 80 EUR per day of stay (e.g., a 7-day trip would typically require around 560 EUR), though the exact amount is assessed by the consular officer.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide proof of accommodation in Malta (hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Malta) and a round-trip or onward ticket or travel itinerary.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport-style photo (size 35x45 mm, 3.5x4.5 cm) with a plain light background; taken within the last 6 months; full face visible; no hats or sunglasses; photo should meet local embassy/vac centre requirements.
  • Biometrics: Yes; biometrics are required for new applicants and are collected at the visa application centre or Maltese consulate.
  • Travel health insurance: Required; travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical expenses and repatriation, valid for all Schengen states including Malta.
  • Translations: If documents are not in English or Maltese, translations by a certified translator may be required.
  • Note: Official guidance and forms are available at https://identitymalta.com/ and https://foreign.gov.mt/; check for any country-specific instructions and accepted document formats.

Visa types

  • Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) for Malta: Official name: Schengen Visa (short-stay) for Malta; Validity: up to 90 days within a 180-day period; Entry: single, double, or multiple entries depending on the visa grant; Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Malta National Visa (Type D) for long stays (work, study, family reunification): Official name: Malta National Visa (Long Stay); Validity: up to 12 months with possible extension; Entry: multiple entries; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Student visa (National visa, Type D): Official name: Malta National Visa for Studies; Validity: duration of the study program; Entry: multiple entries; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Work visa (National visa, Type D): Official name: Malta National Visa for Work; Validity: duration of the work contract (may be extended with a work permit); Entry: multiple entries; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Family reunification (National visa, Type D): Official name: Malta National Visa for Family Reunification; Validity: typically up to 12 months or as long as the family member’s status; Entry: multiple entries; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Note: Business visits fall under the Short-stay Type C category; official names and eligibility are confirmed in the Malta government portals.

Sticker visa (How to apply)

  • How to apply online: Malta does not generally offer a stand-alone online e-visa for Afghanistan; submit a sticker visa application through the Maltese embassy/consulate or a designated visa application centre. Start at https://identitymalta.com/ and https://foreign.gov.mt/ to confirm the current process and local VAC options.
  • How to apply: Determine the appropriate visa type on Identity Malta/FMG portals; gather all required documents (see What you need); book an in-person appointment at the nearest Maltese embassy/consulate or approved visa center (VAC).
  • Documentation submission: Submit the application in person along with biometrics. Include all required documents and translations if needed; pay the visa fee as directed by the centre.
  • Interview: Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
  • Fees: Pay the standard visa fee (80 EUR for short-stay). If a Visa Centre service fee applies (VAC handling), this will be charged by the centre.
  • Processing time: Typical processing is up to 15 calendar days; it can take longer (up to 30 days or more in exceptional cases) depending on the case and security checks.
  • How the result arrives: If approved, a visa sticker will be affixed to the passport; the passport is returned with the decision letter or notice from the embassy/VAC.
  • Documents checklist (example): Passport, completed visa form, two recent photos, travel medical insurance, flight itinerary, hotel/accommodation proof, proof of funds, sponsorship letter if applicable, invitation letter if hosting, translations, and any country-specific documents requested by the Maltese authorities.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (short-stay): 80 EUR; approximate USD equivalent about 85–90 USD depending on exchange rates.
  • National visa (long stay) fee: 180 EUR; approximate USD equivalent about 190–200 USD.
  • VAC/visa centre service fee: varies by centre; commonly around 25 EUR (approx USD 26–28); check the exact amount at the centre where you submit.
  • Total estimated cost: Short-stay around 105 EUR (visa + service); long-stay around 205 EUR (visa + service).
  • Standard processing time: up to 15 calendar days; in some cases up to 30 days; extended processing (e.g., for security checks) up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
  • Express/priority options: Some VACs offer expedited processing for higher fees; availability and costs vary by location and cannot be guaranteed; always verify with the local centre.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start the visa process at least 8–12 weeks before travel if possible to account for appointments, document collection, and potential delays; many applicants aim for 2–3 months ahead of travel.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent documentation, insufficient funds or unclear evidence of means, lack of credible travel purpose or ties to home country, incorrect application form, missing travel health insurance, non-English/M Maltese translations where required, or inadequate accommodation proof.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: Malta generally requires submission through the designated Maltese embassy/consulate or a VAC; Afghanistan does not have a dedicated Maltese embassy, so you may need to use a neighbouring country’s Maltese mission or an authorized VAC; check Identity Malta and the Maltese foreign affairs site for the correct centre with jurisdiction over Afghanistan.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Always check your government’s travel advisories and Malta’s official pages for any updated entry rules or advisories; be aware of any country-specific requirements for Afghan nationals.
  • Extension options inside Malta: Short-stay visas (Type C) are not typically extendable beyond 90 days; for stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Malta National Visa (Type D) or a residence/work permit from Maltese authorities before or during your stay, in line with local immigration rules.

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.