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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More

– If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.

– If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).

– If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry. 

VISA INFORMATION

Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority

Visa can be applied for in the following cities: Pretoria.  Application will be processed by The Italian Embassy in Pretoria  on behalf of Malta

The Embassy requires applicants to present themselves for biometrics

  • Applications shall be lodged no more than three months before the start of the intended visit
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.
  • Children under 12 don’t require biometrics
  • Italian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa
    796 George Avenue
    0083 Arcadia
    Pretoria
  • Tel:  (+27) 12 423 000

Email: visti.pretoria@esteri.it

Please note that for those living in Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth you can approach your nearest Carpago Office

Durban: Carpago

Pencarrow Office Park,

8 Pencarrow Crescent,

Armstrong Avenue,

La Lucia, 4319

Durban

Cape Town: Carpago

Ground Floor, Old Warehouse building,

Black River Park South,

2 Fir Street,

Observatory 7925

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth: Carpago

Office 108, 1st Floor, Harbour View Building,

Oakworth Road,

Humewood, 6070
Port Elizabeth

Monday to Friday
from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Tel: 087 231 0313

Email: infoitaly-za@capago.eu

  • Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (after the return date of planned trip).
  • Passport must have a minimum of 3 blank pages
  • If not a SA citizen, a residence permit valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicants last day of stay in the Schengen states.
  • Photocopy of BIOMETRIC PAGE of passport – preferably in colour
  • Photocopy of any previous SCHENGEN VISAS.
  • Photocopy of applicants ID Document
  • Duly completed (in capitals with black ink ) and signed “Harmonised Application For Schengen” form (the application form may be acquired free of charge at the consular departments of the foreign representatives or downloaded from the country’s website).
  • 2 x Identical Colour passport photographs  – must not be older than 30 days.
    • Size:  45mm x 35mm
    • No smiling, no head gear, no sunglasses etc
  • Photocopy of return flights clearly showing ​all ​flight sectors (​including to/from RSA).  Ensure trip(s) are no longer than 90 days in a 6 month period.  Passenger full name must be clear.
  • Proof of confirmed hotel accommodation for ​each night​ out of RSA.  ​Accommodation must state the applicants name, arrival date, departure date and the address of hotel.
  • If the applicant is staying with friends and family, the host must send a sworn affidavit invitation (that has been certified by the Maltese National Police) confirming names, date and accommodation address.  Copy of hosts passport or ID.   Non-resident hosts must provide proof of ownership of property & a residence permit
  • Proof of residence is required by means of a Utility Bill showing residential address.
  • Travel/Health/Accident insurance: a one page document stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen Travel Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay with a minimum medical coverage of the Rand equivalent of Euro 30 000 per person for all medical expenses including evacuation, repatriation dead or alive and emergency transportation as well as emergency on/out of hospital medical treatment occurring in any Schengen country. No quotations will be accepted
  • An original bank stamped, latest 3 months bank statements.
    • The statements cannot be older than 14 days from date of Visa Appointment.
    • Bank statements must reflect a monthly salary.
    • Bank Statements must be in English.
    • Approximate amount needs to be equivalent to a minimum of approximately ZAR 1100 per person per day.
    • All sponsorship letters must be certified.
    • Should your spouse/parent/partner be responsible for financial means, please supply a letter from spouse/parent/partner confirming responsibility and provide proof in the form of original bank stamped latest 3 months Bank Statements and a copy of their ID Document
    • Credit card statements or cash will not be accepted
    • Purchase of foreign currency will not be accepted
    • In case of an overdraft, an overdraft summary report from the bank must be submitted.
    • Please note that all foreign passport holders MUST supply 6 months recent bank statements
  • Letter of Employment
  • If employed:  the applicant needs to provide a signed original letter of employment stating salary/annual cost to company and date of employment inception and a certified copy of last three month payslips.
  • If self-employment (Directors, CEO, Board Members), the applicant needs to provide proof of company registration /commercial license and latest VAT certificate.
  • If pensioned or retired the applicant is required to provide proof of pensionership
  • If a student or scholar the applicant is required to provide a letter from the school/university confirming attendance (enrolment letter not accepted).

  • An official invitation letter by event organizer, reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
  • Enrolment/Entry tickets/Event program and an official letter of institution sending the applicant

  • An official letter from school confirming attendance.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

  • An official letter from college/university confirming attendance or copy of student card.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

New South African passports for minors under the age of 18 are being issued containing the details of the parents as a standard feature.  Children travelling on these new passports do not require any additional documentation when travelling abroad if accompanied by both parents.

If however the children are still travelling on the old passports then ​the following additional documents will be required for any minor travelling with a parent:

  • Copy of unabridged Birth Certificate
  • Copies of parents ID documents
  • Consent letter from each parent not accompanying the minor. ​
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.

  • An official business letter from a company in the Schengen state, as well as from the employer stating purpose and date of visit must be presented.
  • An official invitation letter from inviting company reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
    • Hotel reservation is required unless the invitation letter clearly states that accommodation is provided and details of same provided.
  • For conferences proof of registration and payment has to be submitted.

  • A letter of justification of the company and SA partner/branch explaining the purpose of the visit
  • A list of the participants

15 Working days

Visas will be issued for the period of intended stay only (ie. from date of arrival to date of departure)

Maximum 90 days per semester with multiple entries.

WEATHER

Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters. Average maximum temperatures in summer can reach over 33 °C with temperatures in December dropping to an average of 12 °C.

The best time to travel is April – June & September – October.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Malta
Capital City: Valletta
International Airports: Malta International Airport (MLA)
Area: Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands are about 100 km south of Sicily. Malta is the largest of the Maltese Islands with an area of 246 km², Gozo is 67 km² while little Comino is only 2.7 km².
Population: 417,000 (approx.)
Time Zone: 1 Hour ahead of GMT
Religion: Approximately 98% of the population is Roman Catholic and there are 400 churches on the island. Many other religious denominations are also represented.
Language: Maltese and English are the official languages with Italian also being commonly spoken.
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Most cards accepted.
ATM Accessibility: Main banks (HSBC & BOV + Private ATM companies)
Dialling Code: +86

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: The electrical supply is 230 volts /- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands.
Business Hours: Mon to Fri 08:30-17:30, Sat 09:00-12:30
Banking Hours: Mon – Sat from 0830- 13:30/14:00 (excluding public holidays)
Photography Restrictions: Some Heritage sites such as St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta restrict photography. There will always be a notice to inform visitors.
Tipping: It is not obligatory or expected, but accepted. It is always at the client’s own discretion.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: How many maltese switch from speaking Maltese, English and Italian in the same sentence.

FESTIVALS

  • Valletta International Baroque Festival – January
  • Carnival – February / March
  • Holy Week & Easter
  • Malta International Fireworks Festival – end April
  • Village Festas – end of May
  • Għanafest – June
  • Isle of MTV – July
  • Malta International Arts Festival – June- July
  • The Malta Jazz Festival – July
  • Notte Bianca – October
  • Festival Mediterranea – October
  • Christmas – 25 December

MAP

“Gozo remained an utterly private place, an island in petto – within the breast – and lucky the man who could find the key, turn the lock, and vanish inside.”

– Nicholas Monserrat