Malta Visa RequirementsFor South Africa passport holders
South African citizens can enter Malta without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period. Malta is a full Schengen member and Eurozone country; the 90-day allowance is shared across all Schengen states. Notably, English is one of Malta's two official languages, making it very accessible for South African travelers.
Great news! South Africa passport holders can enter Malta without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for South African passport holders. Carry a valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond Schengen exit), proof of accommodation, return ticket, travel insurance, and sufficient funds. Malta uses the Euro (EUR). The 90/180-day Schengen rule applies. Malta International Airport (MLA) is the single entry airport.
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
Valid South African Passport
Passport valid at least 3 months beyond Schengen exit, issued within 10 years, minimum 2 blank pages.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward ticket out of Schengen.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel or guesthouse bookings for Malta.
Current Travel Situation
South Africa to Malta: What You Need to Know
Malta and South Africa share Commonwealth membership and a common language (English), making Malta a uniquely comfortable Schengen destination for South African travelers. Malta has positioned itself as a major center for English-language education, iGaming, financial services, and blockchain/crypto regulation in Europe. The Maltese-South African community is modest; however, Malta's warm climate and English-language environment make it a popular choice for South Africans considering European residency.
How to Get There
There are no direct nonstop flights from South Africa to Malta. Common connections are via Rome (ITA Airways), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), London (British Airways), or Amsterdam (KLM). Air Malta (now Malta Air) and Ryanair operate extensively to MLA. Journey time with one stop is 14 to 16 hours.
Money & Banking
Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted widely; ATMs are plentiful. Budget 70 to 110 EUR per day for mid-range travel in Valletta or Sliema. Malta is more affordable than Western Europe. English is widely spoken, making navigation easy for South Africans.
Practical Tips
Malta is tiny: the main island is 27 km long and 14 km wide, yet it packs in 7,000 years of history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, the Hypogeum), the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and excellent diving. Valletta is Europe's smallest capital city. The island of Gozo is a quieter alternative. Climate is warm and sunny almost year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Africans visit Malta without a visa?
Yes. South African passport holders can enter Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period. Malta is a full Schengen member and Eurozone country; the 90-day allowance applies across all Schengen states. English is an official Maltese language, making it very accessible for South Africans.
What language do people speak in Malta?
Maltese (a Semitic language with Arab roots) and English are both official languages. Most Maltese people speak English fluently, as Malta was a British colony until 1964. French and Italian are also widely understood. South Africans will feel very comfortable communicating in English throughout the country.
Are there direct flights from South Africa to Malta?
There are no direct nonstop flights from South Africa to Malta. Common connections are via Rome (ITA Airways), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), London (British Airways), or Amsterdam (KLM) to Malta International Airport (MLA). Ryanair and Wizz Air serve Malta from many European hubs. Journey time from Johannesburg with one stop is 14 to 16 hours.
What are the must-see attractions in Malta for South Africans?
Valletta (Europe's smallest and most fascinating capital city, UNESCO-listed, St John's Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio masterpieces), the Blue Lagoon on Comino island (by boat, extraordinary azure water), the Megalithic Temples of Malta (7,000 years old, older than Stonehenge, UNESCO World Heritage), the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni (underground prehistoric burial site, UNESCO, very limited tickets), the Medieval walled city of Mdina, and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk on Sunday mornings.
What currency does Malta use?
Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. Malta is moderately priced: budget 70 to 110 EUR per day for mid-range travel. Valletta and Sliema/St Julian's are the main tourist areas. Ferry connections between Malta and Gozo (the smaller sister island) cost under 5 EUR return.
Is Malta good for diving and water sports for South Africans?
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations. Crystal-clear water with 20 to 30 m visibility, dramatic underwater topography, and several famous wreck dives (including the Um El Faroud and HMS Maori) make it exceptional. The Blue Grotto sea caves are accessible by boat. Water temperatures reach 26 degrees in August to September. Several PADI dive centers in Sliema, Bugibba, and Marsaskala offer courses and guided dives.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
April to June and September to October offer the best weather (warm, 20 to 28 degrees) and smaller crowds than peak summer. July and August are very hot (30 to 36 degrees) and busy, particularly at the Blue Lagoon. Malta's Carnival (February) and the traditional village festas (summer) are colorful cultural events. Winter (November to March) is mild (15 to 18 degrees) and very quiet, with low prices.
Does Malta have a residency program for South Africans?
Yes. Malta's Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MGRP) and Global Residence Programme allow non-EU nationals to obtain Maltese residence through property purchase or rental and a contribution. This grants Schengen Area residence rights. Several South African high-net-worth individuals have used Malta's residency programs as a gateway to European residence.