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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Malta. Italian Embassy represents Malta in South Africa,

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Embassy

Italian Embassy in Pretoria:

VFS Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: 1st Floor Rivonia Village, Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

WEATHER

Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Sea breezes moderate the summer heat, making it ideal for those that love the coast.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Malta is warm and increasingly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C. Wildflowers bloom across the countryside, and coastal walks are particularly pleasant. It’s a great time to explore the island’s historic towns, temples, and scenic cliffs before the peak season begins.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 30°C or higher. The sea is warm and inviting, ideal for swimming, diving, and boat trips. While it can be quite busy with tourists, cooling sea breezes help make the heat more bearable, especially on the coast.
  • Autumn (September to November): Early autumn remains warm, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. The sea stays warm well into October, making it ideal for beach lovers. Rainfall begins to increase in November, but sunny days still dominate, making it a pleasant time to visit with fewer crowds.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 10°C to 16°C. While it’s the wettest time of year, rain showers are usually short-lived, and there are still plenty of sunny days. It’s a quieter season, ideal for cultural visits and enjoying local life without the summer bustle.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early November) offer the best balance of weather and crowd levels. Summer is perfect for beach holidays, while winter is great for cultural trips with mild weather and fewer tourists.

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