Can You Extend Your Stay in Malta on a Tourist Visa?
Malta is a beautiful destination with stunning coastlines, where non-EU travelers often visit for leisure, business opportunities, and family visits. As a part of the Schengen area, Malta follows its standard visa policies. Due to this, the non-EU visitors have to obtain a Malta tourist visa to travel and stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, at times, the visitors feel the need to extend their Malta visa. This could happen in any case, but a Schengen visa extension can only be granted in exceptional circumstances. To understand the reasons taken into consideration by the authorities for a visa extension, keep reading the following guide.
Here, you will also find a procedure to apply for a Malta Tourist visa extension. In case you do not qualify for a visa extension, this guide also provides clear guidance on reapplying for a Malta tourist visa successfully from the UK. So, KEEP READING!!!
Understanding Malta Tourist Visa Extension
Generally speaking, a Malta tourist visa extension can only happen in case of serious emergencies. Other than that, if you want to extend your trip, then you need to exit the Schengen area. After that, you will have to apply for a new visa to continue your visit. So, let’s find out whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa extension or not.
What is the Malta tourist visa?
A Malta Tourist visa is a short-stay (Type C) visa that allows non-EU visitors to enter Malta and travel for up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa can be used for tourism, leisure, or family visits. It also permits you to travel across all 29 Schengen member countries.
However, while choosing another country to visit on a Malta tourist visa, make sure you are staying in Malta for the maximum number of days from your trip. Since Malta is a part of the Schengen Zone, the extension of the visa beyond the initial period is generally granted in exceptional cases.
Do you know? The initial application success rate is considerably lower in Malta. It is highly recommended to take the right guidance before applying for a Malta visa.
Who qualifies for a short-stay visa extension in Malta?
As you know, the visa extensions in Malta are not easily granted. Applicants must prove that their situation meets the requirements. The Malta visa extensions can only be considered under the following cases:
1. Force Majeure
In case of unavoidable cases, such as:
- Natural disasters (volcanic eruption, earthquake, etc.)
- Major political events (war, riot, etc.)
- Pandemics or travel bans
- Particular weather conditions
In these cases, you cannot leave the country, even after completing your 90 days within a 180-day period. If you have been affected by any of the above situations, then you can apply for a visa extension in Malta.
2. Unexpected Circumstances
In some unforeseen situations, such as:
- Medical Emergencies: If you or your close relative faces a serious health issue that requires extended treatment in Malta.
- Flight Cancellation: If your flight is canceled by an airline, and no immediate alternatives are available.
Such cases also allow a Malta Tourist visa extension.
3. Serious Subjective Reasons
A visa extension is allowed in cases like:
- If there is an unexpected urgent legal matter that requires your presence.
- A delay in a business meeting without your information that did not take place within the stipulated time.
4. Other Unexpected Events
Some other unexpected reasons, such as:
- Loss or theft of travel documents: If your passport or other documents required are not available at the time of departure. And, it requires time for replacement.
- Visa Regulations: In case of changes in the visa regulations that affect your return journey.
Are you still uncertain whether you qualify for the Malta Tourist visa extension? If you do not meet any of the above eligibility requirements, then unfortunately, you need to return to your home country. However, you can reapply for a Malta visa online without any fuss. At MALTA-VISAS, we have an experienced visa team that ensures that the entire visa process experience for their applicants is swift, convenient, and 100% result-driven.
After a successful visa appointment, if you still face any issues, then feel free to contact us via email or phone. The team is available 24/7 to help you. Just click on APPLY NOW and resume your Malta journey without any worries.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa extension from Malta?
To apply for a Malta Tourist visa extension, follow the steps below:
1. Submit a visa extension application
Make sure to submit your application at least 15 days before your visa expires. In case of overstaying your visa without approval, you may face some serious repercussions like fines, deportation, or even a travel ban in the Schengen Area.
2. Visit the Central Visa Unit (CVU)
The Central Visa Unit (CVU) is the Maltese government’s central immigration authority under the Identity. You need to visit the CVU in person and submit your application there. It is advised to do an advanced booking.
3. Prepare the Necessary Documents
Your visa extension application must include the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa extension form
- Valid proof of reason for extension
- Proof of financial means
- Travel insurance
- Proof of Accommodation
4. Pay the visa Extension Fee
A visa extension fee usually ranges from €30 to €60. However, according to the nature of your application, the cost may differ. Also, please note that this is a non-refundable fee.
5. Wait for Processing
The visa extension decision usually takes 7 to 15 working days. The visa officials will send a notification via email or phone about the outcome. If your visa extension is approved, your visa will be updated with a new validity period. In case of denial, return to your home country before your original visa expires.
Important Tips for a Successful Malta Tourist Visa Extension
If you have understood the process to apply for an extension of the Malta Tourist visa, then here are some pro tips to increase your chances of approval.
1. Apply as early as possible: Apply at least 15 days before your visa expires. Moreover, last-minute applications usually get rejected.
2. Complete documents: Make sure that all your documents are complete, as missing paperwork can result in automatic rejection.
3. Provide valid and Genuine reasons: Properly explain why you need the extension with strong, valid, and genuine proof.
4. Costs and Financial Considerations: Make sure that you have a rental agreement or proof of stay. Additional health insurance coverage may also be required for the extended period.
5. Seek Legal help: Make sure that you seek legal help if your case is complicated. An immigration lawyer can help you with your Malta tourist visa extension application.
What should I do if I do not get the visa extension in Malta?
If your Malta visa extension is denied, you can file an appeal within 15 days of receiving the refusal notification. Moreover, you can also contact an immigration lawyer for seeking advice on your specific situation. However, if nothing works, then you must leave Malta to avoid becoming undocumented.
If you still want to visit Malta for certain purposes from the UK, MALTA-VISAS, a fully devoted private and professional UK-based visa agency, is here to guide you. Our experts fulfill your visa-related queries in the easiest way possible. With our fastest visa services, we provide an easy, streamlined, and quick way to get a Malta visa appointment.
Moreover, we also ensure that your visa application gets approved in one go. So, APPLY NOW and get your Malta Tourist Visa from UK within 2-3 days.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding the eligibility criteria, submitting the visa extension application on time, and following the proper legal process can increase your chances of approval. However, as you know, the Malta tourist visa extension can only be obtained under certain circumstances. So, for visitors who are planning a longer stay, it is better to get a long-stay visa from the UK.
By staying proactive and completely informed, you can avoid legal complications. However, if you want to reapply for a Malta Visa from London, Manchester, or Birmingham with MALTA VISAS, you can get your visa appointment quickly and ensure a smooth travel experience in Malta.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What happens if I overstay my Malta visa?
Overstaying is illegal, especially if there is no formal extension. It can also lead to fines, deportation, and even travel bans in the Schengen areas.
2. Can I work on a Malta tourist visa extension?
No, the tourist visa extension does not give you any right to work in Malta. It is often considered illegal, and you cannot convert a tourist visa to a work permit while in Malta.
3. How much do I need to pay to apply for a Malta Schengen visa extension?
Generally, the visa extension fee in Malta is €30 for most of the applicants. However, for specific cases, the fees can significantly change. But, if there is a reason of force majeure, then the fees can be waived.
