Malta is a Schengen Agreement country, and its visa can be applied for through the Embassy of Malta in China or the Consulate General of Austria in Shanghai. Before applying for a visa, it is advisable for applicants to contact the Malta Visa Center in advance to confirm the required materials before submitting their application. According to bilateral agreements, Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic or official passports (excluding official ordinary passports) can enter or transit through Malta without a visa and stay for 30 days.
I. Visa Application Process
1. The visa applicant determines the purpose of the visit to Malta and the travel itinerary.
2. Log on to the official website of the Embassy of Malta in China or the Malta Visa Application Center, browse the relevant visa information, and download the visa application form and visa review form.
3. Prepare materials according to the visa review form.
4. Fill out the visa application form and sign it.
5. Submit the visa application at the Malta Visa Application Center, pay the visa fee and the visa collection service fee.
6. Wait for the visa application review or supplementary materials.
7. The visa processing time is 15 days.
8. When collecting the visa, you must bring a stamped copy of the passport submitted with the visa application and the original receipt. If someone else is collecting it on your behalf, a letter of authorization signed by the passport holder must be attached.
9. After receiving the visa, you should promptly and carefully check whether all the information on the visa is correct, especially the validity period and duration of stay to ensure they match the application, and verify that personal information such as the spelling of the name is correct. If any errors are found, you should contact the visa office immediately.
II. Required Documents for Visa Application
The Malta visa is divided into short-term (Category C) and long-term (Category D) visas. For tourism in Malta, a short-term (Category C) visa, which is a Schengen visa, is usually applied for. The required materials include:
1. A valid passport with a validity of more than 6 months.
2. Visa application form.
3. Two 2-inch photos.
4. Round-trip flight booking confirmation.
5. One copy of visa insurance: the insurance amount must be at least 30,000 euros or 300,000 RMB, covering the entire duration of travel.
6. Proof of employment: a document issued by the employer including the applicant's name, position, salary, and the duration of travel abroad. It must also state the name, address, and contact number of the employer, be stamped with the official seal, and include the name, position, and signature of the person issuing the document, along with an English translation.
7. Hotel reservation.
8. Original and copy of the household registration book.
9. Personal financial guarantee: salary, proof of unfrozen savings, property certificate, or vehicle purchase documents. Originals and translations are required.
10. Identity card: original and copy required.
11. Applicants under 18 years old must submit a notarized birth certificate and dual authentication of authorization from both parents or guardians (must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Malta). Copies of the passport or identity card information pages of both parents must be submitted; if there is a legal guardianship relationship, relevant guardianship documents must be provided.