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Malta Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a Schengen visa for Malta — apply via VFS Global in a neighboring country; fees start from €80, processing takes approx. 15 working days.

Guide last updated July 24, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Malta and have at least two blank pages.
  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Downloadable from the VFS Global website for the relevant country where you will apply.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm) with a white or off-white background, face clearly visible, and no headwear unless for religious reasons.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements for the last three to six months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., €100 per day for tourist stays, minimum of €1,000 or equivalent if no hotel booked). This can also include payslips, sponsorship letters, etc.
  • Accommodation: Proof of accommodation for your entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host with proof of address).
  • Return Ticket: A confirmed return flight reservation.
  • Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory Schengen travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation. Minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Employment Status Proof: Letter from employer stating position, salary, hire date, and approved leave, or business registration documents if self-employed.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and a digital photograph will be collected at the visa application center (e.g., VFS Global).
  • Other supporting documents: Depending on the visa type (e.g., business invitation letter, student enrollment letter).

Visa types

  • Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C):
  • Official Name: Schengen Visa
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Maximum Stay: 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Entry: Single or multiple entry, depending on application and history.
  • Approximate Fee: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6.
  • Long-Stay Visa (National Visa - Type D):
  • This visa is for stays exceeding 90 days, for purposes like study, work, or family reunification. Applications are processed directly by Maltese authorities and can be complex. Afghanistan citizens typically apply for this type through the Maltese Embassy or Consulate in a country where they have legal residency. Direct application from Afghanistan might be challenging due to the absence of a Maltese diplomatic mission.
  • Official Name: National Visa (Type D)
  • Validity: Varies based on purpose (e.g., 1 year for students).
  • Maximum Stay: Varies based on purpose.
  • Entry: Usually single entry, leading to a residence permit upon arrival.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies, often around €250-€300 for initial applications, plus potential residence permit fees.

How to apply (for Short-Stay Schengen Visa)

  • Visa Application Center (VFS Global): Due to the absence of a Maltese Embassy in Afghanistan, applications are typically lodged through VFS Global centers in neighboring countries where Afghanistan citizens have legal residency or can travel to. Check the VFS Global website for the specific country (e.g., UAE, Turkey) to find the correct application center and book an appointment.
  • Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment online through the VFS Global website for your chosen country.
  • Document Submission: Attend your appointment with all required documents. Your passport will be retained for visa stamping.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the visa fee and VFS service fee at the center. Payment methods vary by VFS center (usually cash or card).
  • Processing: The application will be forwarded to the relevant Schengen country's embassy (likely one representing Malta or a designated Schengen member state) for processing.
  • Passport Collection: You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection or can opt for courier service.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa Fee (Short-Stay Schengen Visa): €80 for adults. This is the standard fee set by the EU. (Approx. $85-90 USD, depending on exchange rates).
  • VFS Global Service Fee: Varies by country, typically between €20-€35 (Approx. $22-38 USD).
  • Total Cost Estimate (Short-Stay): Approximately €100-€115 (Approx. $110-125 USD), excluding travel costs to the application center.
  • Standard Processing Time: Approximately 15 working days from the date of application submission. However, it can take longer during peak seasons or if additional documentation is required.
  • Express/Priority Option: Generally not available for Schengen visa applications lodged through VFS Global. It is advisable to apply well in advance.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply Well in Advance: It is strongly recommended to apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date, considering the complexities of applying from outside Malta and potential processing delays.
  • Choose Application Location Wisely: Identify a VFS Global center in a country where you can legally travel and submit your application. Ensure you meet the residency requirements of that country if applying there.
  • Thoroughly Prepare Documents: Meticulously gather all required documents. Incomplete applications are a common reason for rejection. Ensure financial proof is clear and sufficient.
  • Common Rejection Reasons: Insufficient financial proof, unclear purpose of travel, weak ties to Afghanistan (e.g., lack of stable employment, family ties), previous immigration violations, and lack of comprehensive travel insurance are common reasons for rejection.
  • VFS Global vs. Direct Embassy Application: For short-stay visas, VFS Global is the primary route. Long-stay or complex cases might require direct contact with a Maltese diplomatic mission in another country, but this is less common for initial applications.
  • Travel Advisories: Always check current travel advisories for Afghanistan and the country where you intend to apply for the visa. The official Maltese government website (identitymalta.com) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (foreign.gov.mt) may have relevant information, though specific advisories for Afghanistan citizens might be limited.
  • Extension Options in Malta: Extensions for Schengen visas inside Malta are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., serious illness, force majeure). Long-stay visa holders can apply for residence permit renewals within Malta.

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.