Malta entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Malta in 2026. Since Malta is part of the Schengen Area, you'll apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, which allows up to 90 days of travel across most of Europe.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C-type) | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You need a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, travel insurance covering €30,000, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 15 calendar days — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire Schengen stay — not just Malta. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport expiry before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Malta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. This can be a flight, ferry, or train ticket to a non-Schengen country. Budget airlines may deny boarding without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a signed letter from your host in Malta ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover €50–€100 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks for this, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Schengen visa = multiple countries
A Malta-issued Schengen visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. But you must enter Malta first or spend the most days there.
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointment slots at the Maltese embassy in Riyadh or through VFS Global can be booked weeks in advance. During peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), book 2-3 months ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Gather Your Documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements (last 3 months), and employment letter. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Maltese embassy or consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah, or at the VFS Global visa application centre that handles Malta visas. Slots fill up fast — book 2-3 weeks in advance.
3
Attend the Interview
Show up on time with all original documents and photocopies. You'll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The officer may ask about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Saudi Arabia.
4
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30-45 days if additional checks are needed. Track your application online using the reference number.
5
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries (single, double, or multiple). If denied, you'll receive a written reason.
Download Malta Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen C visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (depending on history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Single Work Permit (Malta)
1 year, renewable
€280 (~$305 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Maltese employer. Requires a work license and residence permit. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Malta)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Maltese institution. Allows part-time work (20 hours/week). Must show proof of funds and health insurance.
Apply retirement visa
Malta Retirement Programme
1 year, renewable annually
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee + tax obligations
For non-EU retirees with stable income. Requires proof of pension or passive income, health insurance, and a property lease/purchase in Malta. Offers favourable tax treatment.
Apply digital nomad visa
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For remote workers and freelancers with income from outside Malta. Requires proof of employment, minimum income threshold (€2,700/month), and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS/embassy)Additional service charge if applying through a visa centre. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay to prevent future bans. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Malta
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Malta International Airport (MLA) if they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa even if leaving airside for connecting flights.
Transit hubsMalta International Airport (MLA)
Health & vaccines for Malta
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent and avoid tick habitats.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe to drink.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Valletta
Identity Malta Agency (Expatriates Unit)
Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Valletta VLT 2000
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; book appointment online.
St. Julian's
Malta Police General Headquarters (Immigration Section)
St. George's Square, St. Julian's STJ 3201
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For reporting overstay or visa issues; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalValletta
LanguageMaltese, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK-style)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but many prefer bottled water due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Saudi passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival for Malta.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. It can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
Yes. You need to show you can support yourself during your stay. Typically, bank statements from the last 3 months showing a balance of at least €50-100 per day of your trip. A sponsorship letter from a host in Malta can also work.
No. The Schengen short-stay visa cannot be extended for tourism. For longer stays, you'd need a national visa (e.g., for work, study, or family reunification) applied for before travel.
You'll receive a formal refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Maltese embassy or reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Saudi Arabia, or incomplete paperwork.
Yes, for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). This is required for all first-time Schengen applicants. If you've given biometrics within the last 59 months, you may be able to submit via a visa application centre without an interview.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.