ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Schengen Visa Application Requirements:
    • Completed Application Form: Fill out the “Common Schengen Application Form” in capital letters and sign it. Available for free download from consular websites or at consular offices.
    • Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day in the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have two blank pages.
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    • Photographs: Provide two recent color passport-sized photographs.
    • Residence Permit: If not a South African citizen, provide a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your last day in the Schengen area.
    • Visa for Final Destination: Obtain any required visa for your final country of destination before applying for a Schengen visa, if applicable.
    • Visa Fee Payment: Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.
    • Travel Itinerary: Submit a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen state, including dates and flight numbers. Some consulates may require the original ticket upon visa collection (verify with the relevant consulate).
    • Proof of Funds: Show evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay (e.g., a bank statement from the past three months). The required amount varies by country—confirm with the consulate. Cash is not accepted as proof.
    • Travel Insurance: Provide a one-page document confirming Schengen Travel Medical Insurance coverage with a minimum of Euro 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries.
    • Accommodation Proof: Include a confirmed hotel reservation (hotel vouchers are not sufficient). If staying with a relative or friend, provide an invitation letter from the host, a copy of their passport or ID, and possibly authentication by relevant authorities. For prepaid tours, provide details and proof of payment to the tour operator.
    • Business Travel: Submit an official business letter from a company in the Schengen area and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit. For conferences, provide proof of registration and payment.
    • For Minors Under 18: Provide an unabridged birth certificate. If traveling alone, include certified parental consent from both parents. If traveling with one parent, include notarized consent from the other parent. If only one parent has guardianship, present relevant court documents. Some consulates may require both parents to sign in their presence.
    • Additional Documentation: The consular office may request additional documents such as proof of employment or student status, or a personal interview.
    • Application Timing: Apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit but no earlier than 3 months before the start of your visit.
    • Visa Categories:
      • Short Stay Visa: Allows up to 90 days in a 6-month period.
      • Long Stay Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, issued by member states based on national legislation.
    • Visa Fees:
      • All Visa Types (Transit and Short Stay): 60 Euros, payable in Rand.
      • Children Aged 6-12: 35 Euros, payable in Rand.
    • Note: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the current Euro/Rand exchange rate and payment methods.
    • Note: All visa applications are processed through the Italian Embassy in Pretoria.

VISA INFORMATION

See Schengen Visa Application Requirements above.

Allows for tourism purposes, subject to the Schengen Visa requirements.

For business-related visits, including conferences and meetings.

Typically, 15 calendar days, but may vary depending on the consulate.

Short Stay Visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • Italian Embassy in Pretoria:
    • Address: 796 George Avenue, Arcadia
    • Phone: +27 12 423 0000
    • Email: segreteria.pretoria@esteri.it
      • Visa Office Phone: +27 12 423 0025
      • Visa Office Email: visti.pretoria@esteri.it
    • Opening Hours:
      • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Morning: 09:30 – 12:00
      • Wednesday Afternoon: 14:00 – 16:00
      • Tuesday: Closed to the public

WEATHER

Malta experiences a classic Mediterranean climate:

  • Summer: Hot and dry with temperatures exceeding 33°C.
  • Winter: Mild and humid with temperatures around 12°C in December.
  • Optimal Visit Times: April to June and September to October.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Malta
Capital City: Valletta
International Airports: Malta International Airport (MLA)
Area: Malta: 246 km²
Gozo: 67 km²
Comino: 2.7 km²
Located about 100 km south of Sicily in the central Mediterranean
Population: 536,740 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of GMT
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic (approx. 98% of the population).
Malta has over 400 churches.
Various other religious denominations are also represented.
Language: Official: Maltese and English
Commonly spoken: Italian
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Most cards accepted.
ATM Accessibility: Available at main banks (HSBC & BOV) and private ATM companies
Dialling Code: +356

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Voltage: 230 volts ± 10%
Frequency: 50 Hz
Plug Type: Three-pin rectangular (British-style)
Adapters are widely available
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 to Sat: 08:30 – 13:30/14:00 (excluding public holidays)
Photography Restrictions: Some heritage sites, such as St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, restrict photography. Look for notices indicating restrictions.
Tipping: General: Tipping is not obligatory or expected but is appreciated.
Luggage Carrier: €0.50 – €1 per piece of luggage.
Room Cleaning: €1 – €2 per day.
Restaurant: 5-10% of the bill is customary. The tip is typically left on the table when leaving. If a service charge is already included in the bill, an additional tip is not necessary.
Taxi: 5-10% of the fare is usual.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, but always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No specific dress code restrictions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Language Switching: Many Maltese switch between Maltese, English, and Italian within the same sentence.
Two Clocks on Belfries: Many Maltese churches have two clocks on their bell towers. Only the right clock shows the correct time to confuse evil spirits and ensure worshippers’ safety.
Eyes on Fishing Boats: Traditional Maltese fishing boats, or luzzi, often have eyes painted on their bows to ward off evil spirits.

FESTIVALS

  • Valletta International Baroque Festival: January
  • Carnival: February/March
  • Holy Week & Easter: Dates vary
  • Malta International Fireworks Festival: End of 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: December 25

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