Malta Visa RequirementsFor Russia passport holders
Russian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Since November 7, 2025, only single-entry visas are issued to Russian citizens. The consular fee is EUR 90 (approximately $98 USD), and processing typically takes 15 working days. Applications are submitted through the Maltese embassy, consulate, or an authorised VFS Global centre where available.
Russia passport holders require a visa to enter Malta.
Submit your Schengen visa application at the Maltese embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In countries where Malta has no direct diplomatic representation, applications may be handled by another Schengen country on Malta's behalf or through Identity Malta's authorised external service providers. Check VFS Global to confirm whether a VFS centre processes Malta visas in your city before booking an appointment.
Required lead time: apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for the standard 15-working-day processing window (which can extend to 45 calendar days in complex cases). Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until the visa is in hand.
- Valid passport (biometric strongly recommended; must be valid at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photos (ICAO standard)
- Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage, valid for the entire Schengen zone
- Proof of confirmed accommodation in Malta (hotel bookings or host invitation)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months)
- Round-trip flight itinerary (booking confirmation, not necessarily paid tickets)
- Proof of civil status and employment or study
- Visa fee: EUR 90, payable at the time of application (non-refundable)
Key requirements:
Since only single-entry visas are currently issued, plan your itinerary so that you do not need to re-enter the Schengen Area after leaving Malta during the same trip.
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. A biometric passport is strongly recommended. At least two blank pages are required.
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Forms are available at the Maltese embassy, consulate, or authorised VFS Global centre. All fields must be filled in accurately and in block capitals.
Passport-Size Photographs
Two recent colour photographs, 35 x 45 mm, with a plain white or light grey background. Taken within the last 6 months. ICAO standard: face centred, neutral expression, no glasses.
Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area and for the full duration of the stay. Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. The policy must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmations, short-term rental reservations, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Malta (with their ID and proof of address). Accommodation must cover the entire intended stay.
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing regular income and sufficient funds to cover the trip. As a general guide, EUR 50 to 100 per day is expected. A letter from your employer or accountant confirming salary may be requested alongside statements.
Current Travel Situation
Russia to Malta: What You Need to Know
Russia and Malta have no visa-free agreement. Malta is a full Schengen Area member, so a standard Schengen visa is required. Following the EU decision of November 7, 2025, multiple-entry Schengen visas can no longer be issued to Russian nationals; only single-entry visas are granted. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in October 2025 and is expected to reach full deployment in April 2026, which will register biometric data at Schengen borders. ETIAS, the EU travel-authorisation scheme, is expected to follow in Q4 2026; it will not affect Russian citizens who already require a visa, but it is worth monitoring for future travel planning. Direct flights between Russia and Malta have been suspended since 2022; travellers must connect through third countries.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights between Russia and Malta as of early 2026. The most common connection is via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, which operates regular flights between major Russian cities and Malta's Luqa Airport (MLA). Other viable connections include Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Frankfurt (FRA). When booking, confirm that the connecting country does not require an additional transit visa for Russian passport holders.
Money & Banking
Malta uses the euro (EUR). Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards stopped working internationally in March 2022 following card-network suspensions. Mir cards were banned from Maltese (and most European) processors in January 2026. UnionPay acceptance in Malta is very limited and not reliable for everyday use.
- Carry sufficient euro cash exchanged before departure (in a country where you can still access funds)
- Use a non-Russian bank card if you hold one (Georgian, Armenian, Kazakh, Turkish, or UAE-issued cards generally work in the EU)
- ATMs in Malta are widely available but will only accept cards on working international networks
- Travellers cheques are not widely accepted
Practical options:
Budget guidance: Malta is a mid-range European destination. Budget travellers can manage on EUR 60 to 80 per day including accommodation and meals. Mid-range travel runs EUR 120 to 180 per day. The summer peak season (June to September) sees significantly higher accommodation prices.
Practical Tips
Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, just 316 square kilometres, yet it packs in an extraordinary amount of history and natural beauty.
- Valletta: The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its Baroque architecture, the Grand Harbour, and St. John's Co-Cathedral. It is one of the most concentrated historic cities in Europe and entirely walkable.
- Gozo Island: The quieter, greener sister island reached by a short ferry from Cirkewwa. Home to the Azure Window site (collapsed 2017 but still visited for the surrounding seascape), the Ggantija Temples, and some of the best diving in the Mediterranean.
- Blue Lagoon (Comino): A striking turquoise lagoon between Malta and Gozo, reachable by boat trip. It gets very crowded in summer; visit early in the morning or outside peak season.
- Megalithic Temples: Malta is home to the oldest free-standing structures on Earth, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples are a short bus ride from Valletta.
- Diving and snorkelling: Malta has outstanding visibility and warm waters from June to November. The wreck of the Blenheim Bomber and the Um el Faroud are popular dive sites.
- WWII history: The Siege of Malta Museum in Valletta and the Lascaris War Rooms document the island's extraordinary wartime role.
Top highlights:
Language: Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. English is widely spoken across the island, making it unusually accessible for Russian travellers who speak English as a second language.
Getting around: Malta has a reliable public bus network covering the whole island. Taxis and ride-hailing (eCabs, Bolt) are available. Renting a car is worth considering for exploring Gozo. Note that traffic drives on the left.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October offer pleasant temperatures (20 to 27 C), lower crowds, and affordable prices. July and August are hot (30 to 35 C) and very busy with European tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa to visit Malta?
Yes. Russian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Malta is a full member of the Schengen Area, so a standard Schengen visa grants access to the island. There is no visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorisation available for Russian nationals.
How much does a Malta Schengen visa cost for Russians?
The consular fee is EUR 90 (approximately $98 USD at early 2026 rates). This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. An external service fee may apply if you apply through a VFS Global centre. Since November 7, 2025, only single-entry visas are issued to Russian citizens.
How do I apply for a Malta visa from Russia?
Applications are submitted at the Maltese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your region of Russia. Where Malta has no direct representation, a Schengen partner country handles applications on Malta's behalf. Check VFS Global to see whether a VFS centre in your city processes Malta visa applications. You will need: a completed application form, passport, two photos, travel insurance (min EUR 30,000), accommodation proof, bank statements, and a flight itinerary. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
Are there direct flights from Russia to Malta?
No. Direct flights between Russia and Malta have been suspended since 2022. The most convenient connection is via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, which operates frequent flights to Malta's Luqa Airport (MLA) from Moscow and other Russian cities. Connections are also available via Rome, Frankfurt, and other European hubs. Check that your layover country does not require a separate transit visa for Russian passport holders.
Can I use my Russian bank card in Malta?
Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards do not work abroad due to international network suspensions since March 2022. Mir cards were cut off from European processors in January 2026. UnionPay has very limited acceptance in Malta. It is strongly recommended to carry euro cash or to use a non-Russian bank card (for example from a Georgian, Armenian, or Turkish bank) if you hold one. ATMs are widely available in Malta but require a card on a functioning international network.
What are the main attractions in Malta for Russian travellers?
Malta offers a remarkable concentration of sights for its tiny size. Valletta, the UNESCO World Heritage capital, is famous for its Baroque architecture and Grand Harbour. Gozo island is ideal for diving, hiking, and visiting the ancient Ggantija Temples -- among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. The Blue Lagoon on Comino island is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean. Malta also has outstanding World War II history and some of the best diving in Europe. English is an official language alongside Maltese, making the island unusually easy to navigate for travellers who speak English.