The Central Visa Unit (CVU) is the government’s immigration central authority responsible for the implementation of national visa policies and the provisions under the Schengen acquis (as far as visa matters are concerned). The responsibility of issuing a visa is shared with Malta’s Diplomatic Missions abroad.

The CVU is committed to facilitate the issuance of a visa to all those who have a valid reason to visit Malta.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an authorisation in the form of a sticker affixed to a passport which authorizes the bearer to stay in or travel through Malta during a limited, specified, period. The possession of a visa does not give the third country national the automatic right of entry, as bearers must prove that they will meet the conditions of entry.

Notwithstanding the possession of a visa, border control authorities may refuse entry or annul the visa if it is established that:

the bearer is not in possession of adequate means of subsistence;
the data submitted during the visa application produced was incorrect or falsified;
the bearer is unable to provide details regarding the circumstances of his/her stay in Malta.

Border control authorities may refuse entry also for reasons of security or public policy. Malta mainly issues two (2) types of visas:
The Schengen Visa (short stay), which is issued for a period not exceeding 90 days; &
The National Visa (long stay/ D-Visa), which is issued for a period exceeding 90 days, but not longer than 365 days and in accordance with the national rules.
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For more information, please visit the Central Visa Unit page by clicking here.