Malta’s accession to Schengen also facilitates travel for third country nationals who are family members
[1] of Maltese citizens.
A third country national who is the family member of a Maltese citizen, but not in possession of a residence document issued by Malta or another EU Member State, requires a visa (if he or she is of nationality subject to a visa requirement) to enter the Schengen area, including Malta, from a third country.
Once in possession of a residence document
[2] issued by Malta or another EU Member State it would however be possible for a third country national who is the family member of a Maltese citizen to enter the Schengen area (including Malta ) without the requirement of a visa.
Similarly to Maltese citizens, third country nationals who are family members of Maltese citizens are not subject to any border checks when travelling to another Schengen state. However, it remains necessary for third country nationals who are family members of Maltese nationals to be in possession of a Passport and the residence document issued by the Maltese authorities or another EU Member State.
[1] The spouse and dependent children who are under 21 years of age
[2] A residence sticker, complete with security features, is now being issued by the Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs Department. The sticker indicates that such persons are ‘Exempt Persons’ and that they are family members of a Maltese citizen. Those third country nationals not already in possession of such document are advised to contact the Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs Department prior to travelling.