United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Malta passport holders
Malta passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business.
Great news! Malta passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa required for stays up to 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Extension to 60 days total is possible in-country at immigration offices. The 30-day limit is shorter than many EU citizens receive elsewhere, so plan accordingly.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Malta Passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from the UAE recommended.
Current Travel Situation
Malta to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula with about 10 million people (88% expatriates). Malta and the UAE have growing bilateral ties in financial services, maritime, and technology sectors. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the main tourism hubs and both serve as major transit hubs for European travelers heading to Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Emirates airline (Dubai) and Etihad (Abu Dhabi) are two of the world's leading carriers and have good connections from Malta.
How to Get There
Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are both served from Malta by direct or one-stop flights. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai offer routes. Flight time approximately 4-5 hours. The UAE also serves as a transit hub for longer journeys.
Money & Banking
UAE uses the dirham (AED). Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive by regional standards: restaurant meals AED 60-150 (EUR 15-38), alcohol in licensed venues AED 50-80 per drink, hotel rooms AED 400-1,200/night. Dubai Metro is efficient and cheap (AED 3-8). Taxis are metered and affordable.
Practical Tips
Dubai: the Burj Khalifa (At the Top observation deck, book ahead), the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain (nightly show, free to watch from outside), the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira (most atmospheric in the morning), the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood (wind-tower architecture, cafes), the Palm Jumeirah monorail, and desert safaris. Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's most beautiful, free entry with modest dress), the Louvre Abu Dhabi (stunning Jean Nouvel dome architecture), Yas Island (Formula One circuit, Ferrari World, SeaWorld).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Malta citizens need a visa for UAE?
No. Malta passport holders can enter the UAE visa-free for up to 30 days.
Are there direct flights from Malta to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Emirates operates from Malta to Dubai (DXB) with connections. Etihad serves Abu Dhabi (AUH). Total flight time approximately 4-5 hours. The UAE is also a common transit hub for Maltese traveling onward to Asia or East Africa.
What is the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai is more internationally commercial, culturally mixed, and entertainment-focused: the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world's largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), a global finance center. Abu Dhabi is the UAE's capital, wealthier (most of the UAE's oil is in Abu Dhabi), more conservative, and home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's most beautiful) and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
What is Ramadan and how does it affect travel to the UAE?
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting (approximately 29-30 days, date shifts by 11 days annually). During Ramadan in the UAE, restaurants may be closed during daylight hours (or have curtained off sections for non-Muslims), alcohol service is more restricted, music may be limited in public spaces, and business hours change. Non-Muslims are not required to fast but should not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours. Ramadan evenings (Iftar, the breaking of the fast, and Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal) are festive and full of atmosphere.
Is the UAE safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Same-sex relationships are illegal in the UAE under Islamic law and local legislation. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion. Public displays of affection between any couple may draw attention. Research current conditions carefully before travel.
What are the best shopping opportunities in Dubai?
Dubai Mall (the world's largest mall by total area: 1,200 shops, an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, a dinosaur skeleton). The Gold Souk in Deira (over 300 gold jewelry shops in the traditional souk). The Spice Souk (adjacent to Gold Souk: frankincense, saffron, dried limes, spice blends). The Dubai Design District (D3) for contemporary fashion and design. Dubai is essentially tax-free on consumer goods.