About this guide
Colombia is among Malta's leading source countries for Single Permit applicants, alongside India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Serbia. VFS Global — the organisation that operates the Pre-Departure Course interview centres — has a presence in Colombia, including Bogotá and Medellín.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for Colombian workers coming to — or already working in — Malta’s hospitality sector. The requirements are the same for all Third Country Nationals: this guide provides the same information with the practical context most relevant to workers from Colombia.
What the Skills Pass requires
The Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass is a two-phase process for Third Country Nationals working in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments in Malta:
- Phase 1 — online assessments (42 days): Two mandatory courses (Basic Customer Care and Basic Maltese Tourism Product) plus an occupation-specific assessment. Can be completed from Colombia before you travel.
- Phase 2 — interview: A live assessment of English proficiency and occupation-specific competency. Bookable via video conference in many cases.
- Certificate: A digital credential issued through Blockcerts after passing both phases. Issued to the individual, not the employer.
Completing the process from Colombia
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from Colombia before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from Colombia.
Completing both phases before your employment begins means your certificate is in place before your first shift — which is the simplest outcome for both you and your employer.
VFS Global: VFS Global — the organisation that administers interview centres for Maltese processes — has a presence in Colombia. Whether your specific Phase 2 interview is at a VFS Global centre or via video conference depends on your booking options at the official portal.
Covered occupations
The five covered occupations are: Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, and Commis de Rang. If you are not in one of these roles at an MTA-licensed establishment, the Skills Pass requirement may not apply to you. Confirm with your employer and the official Skills Pass portal.
See the role-specific pages on this site for guidance tailored to your occupation: Chef, Waiter, Receptionist, Bar Staff — or browse all role guides.
Frequently asked questions
01Does the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass apply to Colombian workers specifically?
The Skills Pass is a sector-wide requirement for workers in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments, regardless of nationality. Colombian workers are not treated differently from workers of any other nationality in how the requirement applies.
02Can I complete the Skills Pass process from Colombia before relocating?
Phase 1 (the online assessments) can be completed from Colombia. Phase 2 (the interview) may also be bookable via video conference depending on your available slot options. Completing both phases before you move means your certificate is ready to verify when your employment in Malta begins.
03How long does the full process take starting from Colombia?
Phase 1 (online, within a 42-day window) can start and finish from Colombia. Phase 2 (the interview, potentially bookable via video conference) can also potentially be completed before travel. Realistically, from registration to certificate, plan for 6–10 weeks if you work through it promptly. See the full timeline page for the breakdown.