Malta Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi passport holders require a Schengen visa for Malta. Malta's Schengen visa applications in Saudi Arabia may be processed by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh or via VFS Global (check current arrangements). The fee is EUR 80. Malta is a small but historically rich Mediterranean island nation known for its megalithic temples (older than the pyramids), crusader-era fortifications, and clear-water diving.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Malta.
Contact the Italian Embassy in Riyadh or VFS Global to confirm Malta Schengen visa processing in Saudi Arabia. Standard Schengen documents required. Fee EUR 80.
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed form submitted to the Maltese Embassy or VFS Global in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended departure from Schengen Zone, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos
Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) on white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing adequate funds for your stay (guideline: EUR 50 per day).
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in the Schengen Zone.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Malta: What You Need to Know
Malta is a Schengen member. Malta's visa applications in Saudi Arabia may be handled by the Italian Embassy or VFS Global. Valletta, Malta's capital, is one of Europe's smallest capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Knights of St. John (Hospitaller Knights) built Malta's extraordinary fortifications in the 16th century. Malta's warm Mediterranean climate, English as an official language (British Commonwealth history), and excellent diving make it popular with English-speaking Gulf residents.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Malta (MLA) connects via Rome, Frankfurt, or Istanbul. Air Malta and Ryanair serve this route. Total travel approximately 5 to 7 hours.
Money & Banking
Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Malta is moderately priced by EU standards. Valletta hotels run EUR 100 to EUR 250 per night. English is widely spoken. Cards accepted everywhere.
Practical Tips
Valletta highlights: St. John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio paintings), Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Grand Master's Palace, and the WWII War Museum.
Blue Lagoon (Comino Island): The most photographed spot in Malta, accessible by ferry from Cirkewwa. Crystal-clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling. Very busy in summer; visit early morning.
Malta diving: Malta has outstanding underwater visibility (30m+) and numerous World War II shipwrecks and caves. A major diving destination in the Mediterranean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a Schengen visa for Malta?
Yes. Saudi nationals require a Schengen visa for Malta. Applications may be processed by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh or via VFS Global. Confirm the current processing arrangement before applying. Fee EUR 80.
How many days are needed in Malta?
Three to four days is sufficient to see Malta's main highlights: Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua), the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and either Gozo or the Hagar Qim megalithic temples. Five to seven days allows for relaxed exploration and more time on Gozo.
What is the Blue Lagoon and how do I get there?
The Blue Lagoon is a natural bay on the island of Comino between Malta and Gozo, famous for crystal-clear turquoise water. Ferry boats depart from Cirkewwa (northern Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo) and take approximately 25 minutes. In summer (June-September), the Blue Lagoon is very crowded; arrive early in the morning for the best experience.
What is the Knights of St. John heritage in Malta?
The Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John) ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. They built Valletta as the world's first planned city (1565). St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta contains Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist" (the only painting Caravaggio signed). The Grand Master's Palace, the Fort St. Angelo, and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) all have Knight heritage.
Are there halal restaurants in Malta?
Halal restaurants in Malta are limited. Valletta and St. Julian's have some Lebanese, Turkish, and Middle Eastern restaurants. As a small island with no significant Muslim community, halal-certified restaurants are few. Seafood is widely available and generally suitable for Muslim travelers.
What languages are spoken in Malta?
Malta has two official languages: Maltese (a Semitic language related to Arabic with Italian, Norman, and English influences) and English. Arabic-speaking visitors will find some Maltese words familiar. English is universally spoken and all signs are in English.