🇨🇳CHINA

🏳MTCN-MT

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit MT?

Q: Does ETIAS let me skip the Malta visa?

No. ETIAS (launching late 2026) only applies to visa-exempt nationalities. Chinese passport holders still need a full Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay on the visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, counted across the entire Schengen Area, not just Malta.

Q: Isn't there a China-Malta visa-free deal?

China grants visa-free entry to Maltese citizens (since late 2024), but that is one-directional and does not apply to Chinese citizens traveling to Malta.

Q: How much does the visa cost in total?

Around EUR 118-180: the EUR 90 consular fee, ~EUR 28 VFS service fee, plus mandatory travel insurance.

Q: Can I use a Schengen visa issued by another country to enter Malta?

Yes. A valid Schengen visa from any member state lets you enter Malta, but Malta should be your main destination if you apply through it.

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Malta for tourism. Malta is a Schengen member, and China is not on the EU visa-exemption list, so you must apply in advance through VFS Global before travel. Malta is a full member of the Schengen Area, and Chinese ordinary passport holders are NOT visa-exempt for the EU/Schengen. To visit Malta for tourism you must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before departure. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, not just Malta. Applications are submitted through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of Malta in China (or, where Malta is not represented, another Schengen state may act for it). The base consular fee is EUR 90, fixed by EU law and identical across all Schengen states, plus a VFS service fee of about EUR 28. You must show round-trip flights, confirmed accommodation, travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage, and proof of sufficient funds. Note: ETIAS (Europe's travel authorization launching late 2026) applies only to visa-EXEMPT nationalities, so Chinese travelers are unaffected and will continue using the standard Schengen visa. A separate, unrelated 2024 policy lets MALTESE citizens enter China visa-free — that does not help Chinese travelers going to Malta. Always confirm requirements with the official Maltese mission before booking.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 consular fee + ~EUR 28 VFS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (can extend to 30-45)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; covers all Schengen states

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm the Maltese representation in China

Identify where to apply. Malta processes Schengen visas for Chinese applicants through VFS Global centres; where Malta is not represented, another Schengen state may act on its behalf. Apply at the centre covering your place of residence.

· VFS Global· By residence

/02

Gather required documents

Complete the Schengen application form and assemble your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, financial proof and supporting letters according to the tourism checklist.

· Tourism category· Checklist

/03

Book an appointment and submit biometrics

Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global centre. Attend in person to submit documents and give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics), unless you were enrolled within the last 59 months.

· In person· Biometrics

/04

Pay the visa and service fees

Pay the EUR 90 consular fee plus the VFS service fee (~EUR 28). Fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision.

· Non-refundable· EUR 90 + service

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is about 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days in busy periods or if extra documents are requested. Apply at least 3 weeks (ideally several weeks) before travel.

· ~15 days· Apply early

/06

Collect your passport and verify the visa

Retrieve your passport, check the visa sticker for validity dates, number of entries and authorized days, and travel within those limits.

· Check sticker· 90/180 rule

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, with 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm, white background)

required

Travel medical insurance covering min. EUR 30,000 across Schengen

required

Round-trip flight reservation matching travel dates

required

Confirmed hotel bookings or accommodation proof for full stay

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, typically last 3-6 months)

required

Employment/study proof: leave letter, business licence, or enrolment

recommended

Day-by-day travel itinerary

recommended

Cover letter explaining purpose and dates of trip

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen consular visa fee (adult)EUR 90Fixed by EU law; same across all Schengen states

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service fee~EUR 28 (about CNY 222)Per application; non-refundable

Travel medical insurance~EUR 30-60Must cover min. EUR 30,000; varies by trip length

Total estimateEUR 118 — EUR 180incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

~15 calendar days

Typical decision time after biometrics submission; can extend to 30-45 days in peak season or if additional documents are requested.

Early application

Up to 6 months ahead

Schengen visas can be lodged up to 6 months before travel (15 days minimum). Applying early avoids appointment shortages in peak season.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Malta is in the Schengen Area

Malta applies the common Schengen visa policy; entry rules are set EU-wide, not bilaterally with China.

High

/02

China is not visa-exempt for Schengen

Chinese ordinary passport holders are on the EU list requiring a visa for short stays, so a Type C visa is mandatory.

High

/03

ETIAS does not replace the visa for Chinese travelers

ETIAS (from late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationalities; Chinese citizens continue to need a full Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

90/180 day limit applies area-wide

The authorized stay counts across all Schengen states combined, not Malta alone.

Medium

/05

China-Malta visa waiver is one-directional

China's 2024 visa-free policy benefits Maltese citizens entering China, not Chinese citizens entering Malta.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

China to Malta route verified

Confirmed via VFS Global Malta (China) and Maltese MFA that Chinese ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90 + ~EUR 28 service fee, 90/180 stay). Verified ETIAS does not apply to visa-required nationals.

/09 — The questions