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Malta Visa for Albania Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Albania citizens can travel to Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they meet entry conditions.

Guide last updated August 7, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

Entry conditions

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Proof of sufficient funds: Minimum of EUR 45 per day of stay, or equivalent in a convertible currency. For short stays, a minimum of EUR 300 is generally expected if no accommodation is pre-paid.
  • Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, invitation letter from a host, or proof of onward travel.
  • Return or onward ticket: Must be presented upon arrival.
  • Travel health insurance: While not strictly mandatory for visa-free entry, it is highly recommended. It should cover medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
  • Purpose of visit: Clearly state the reason for travel (tourism, business, visiting family/friends).
  • Duration of stay: Maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This is part of the Schengen Area rules.
  • Work restrictions: No work is permitted during this visa-free stay.
  • Extension options: Extensions are generally not granted for short-stay visa-free periods. Significant humanitarian reasons or unforeseen circumstances may be considered, but are difficult to obtain.

Visa types

  • Albania citizens do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Malta as part of the Schengen Area. For stays exceeding 90 days, or for the purpose of work or long-term study, specific visas and permits are required:
  • Schengen Visa (Type C): If the stay exceeds 90 days or for specific purposes like study or work, a Schengen visa is required. This is typically applied for at the Maltese embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
  • Official Name: Schengen Visa (short-stay)
  • Validity: Typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single or multiple entry.
  • Approximate Fee: EUR 80 (for applicants aged 12 and above), EUR 40 (for children aged 6-12), free for children under 6.
  • National Visa (Type D) / Residence Permits: For stays longer than 90 days for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.
  • Official Name: Varies based on purpose (e.g., Work Permit, Study Permit).
  • Validity: Varies based on the purpose and duration of the stay.
  • Max Stay: Varies.
  • Entry: Usually single entry initially, with a residence permit allowing multiple entries.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies significantly depending on the permit type. Generally higher than Schengen visa fees.

How to apply

  • For Albania citizens traveling for short stays (up to 90 days), no visa application is required. The process involves adhering to the entry conditions upon arrival at the Maltese port of entry (e.g., Malta International Airport).
  • If a long-stay visa or residence permit is needed:
  • 1. Identify the correct visa type based on the purpose of stay (work, study, family, etc.).
  • 2. Visit the official Identity Malta Agency website (https://identitymalta.com/) or the relevant government ministry for specific application procedures and required documents.
  • 3. In most cases, applications for long-stay visas or residence permits are submitted to the embassy or consulate of Malta in your country of residence, or through authorized external service providers like VFS Global, if applicable.
  • 4. Gather all required documentation as per the specific visa category. This will likely include:
  • Application form.
  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
  • Passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements.
  • Proof of financial means.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Travel health insurance.
  • Specific documents related to the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, university admission letter, marriage certificate).
  • 5. Schedule an appointment for submission and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) if required.
  • 6. Pay the applicable visa fees and service fees.

Fees & processing time

  • For visa-free short stays (up to 90 days), there are no visa fees or processing times for Albania citizens.
  • For Schengen Visas (if applicable for longer stays or specific purposes):
  • Visa Fee: EUR 80 (for applicants aged 12 and above).
  • Processing Time: Standard processing takes approximately 15 calendar days, but can be extended up to 45 days in certain cases. It is advisable to apply at least 1 to 2 months before the intended travel date.
  • For National Visas / Residence Permits:
  • Fees and processing times vary significantly based on the type of permit and application location. It is crucial to consult the Identity Malta Agency website (https://identitymalta.com/) or the relevant embassy/consulate for precise details.

Tips for Albania travelers

  • Plan well in advance: Even for visa-free travel, ensure all your documents are in order. For long-stay visa applications, start the process several months before your intended departure.
  • Common rejection reasons for short stays: Insufficient proof of funds, lack of a clear purpose of visit, no return ticket, or an invalid passport are common reasons for issues at the border. Ensure you can clearly articulate the purpose of your trip.
  • VFS/BLS vs. direct embassy application: If a visa is required, check if Malta uses external service providers like VFS Global or BLS International for visa applications. These centers can streamline the submission process but incur additional service fees. Direct embassy applications might be an option if available and preferred.
  • Travel advisories: Always check for any current travel advisories issued by the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant international bodies regarding travel to Malta or the Schengen Area.
  • Extension options: As mentioned, extensions for visa-free stays are rarely granted. If you anticipate needing to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa or residence permit before your initial 90-day period expires.

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.