Saudi Arabia Visa for Maltese Citizens

Maltese citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia to meet the Kingdom’s entry requirements and obey the visa policy.

Travelers from Malta have a freedom of choice of Saudi visa application method, being eligible for an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, a Transit Visa, and a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi eVisa is obtainable online and allows you to explore tourism-related activities, visit family members, or perform Umrah in the Kingdom so it’s perfect for stays of up to 90 days.

Issued directly at Saudi airports, seaports, and land crossings, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) provides convenience for last-minute trips.

If your travel purpose (such as work, study, or residence) isn’t covered by the Electronic Visa, you can use a Regular Visa available at the Saudi Embassy.

The Transit Visa permits short stays when flying with airlines like Saudia or Flynas with a validity of 96 hours from the landing.

NOTE: Apply for your Saudi visa early enough as processing times vary, from as little as 24 hours for the eVisa to several weeks for the Regular Visa.

To enter Saudi Arabia, Maltese citizens must have the following documentation:

• A Maltese passport valid for no less than 6 months.
• A printed copy of the eVisa or any other Saudi visa.
• Health insurance that will cover the entire trip to Saudi Arabia.

Unless you meet the mandatory entry requirements to Saudi Arabia, you won’t be allowed entry to the Kingdom, so check the documentation carefully before travel.

Saudi Arabian eVisa for Maltese Citizens

The Saudi eVisa is the most convenient option for Maltese travelers visiting the Kingdom as it’s accessible online and simplifies the visa process significantly.

The Electronic Visa grants multiple entries over one year of validity, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia (during one trip or a few visits).

Activities permitted by the Saudi eVisa include tourism and leisure, visiting relatives, attending events, and performing Umrah.

Maltese citizens can easily apply for the Saudi Arabian eVisa by:

1. Visiting the KSA Visa homepage to start the application process.
2. Providing travel purpose and nationality to determine the type of visa they need.
3. Checking visa eligibility and applying for a suitable visa after reviewing available options.
4. Logging in or setting up a new account to proceed with the Saudi visa application.
5. Completing the application form and filling in all the required details accurately.
6. Submitting the required face photo, which should be in color and good quality.
7. Making the payment for the visa application using the available payment method.

NOTE: Saudi eVisa applications are processed in 24-72 hours with a small chance of delays, but apply at least a week before to have your document on time.

Online application for the Saudi visa offers convenience and efficiency, allowing users to apply from anywhere at any time.

The Electronic Visa reduces paperwork and provides quick updates on application status.

Other Saudi Visa Application Methods for Maltese

If you don’t feel confident applying for a visa online or need a plan to pursue activities other than tourism, there are other Saudi visas to consider.

Maltese passport holders can also apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy, a Visa on Arrival upon entering the Kingdom, or a Transit Visa for a short layover.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Saudi Visa on Arrival allows travelers from Malta to obtain their visa directly upon entering the country (via airport, seaport, or border crossing), so this option is ideal for those who didn’t apply for a visa beforehand.

To qualify for a Visa on Arrival, Maltese visitors must hold a valid passport and be at least 18 years old.

The application process for a Saudi VOA is straightforward – approach the visa counter or a self-service KIOSK upon arrival, provide the necessary documents, and pay for the application.

The approved Saudi Visa on Arrival is issued immediately after submission.

Transit Visa for a Layover in Saudi Arabia

The Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia allows Maltese travelers to pass through the Kingdom on their way to another destination.

This visa type is particularly useful for passengers with long layovers at airports and those who want to explore the country’s cultural and historical sites during transit.

Generally, the Transit Visa offers a limited stay of up to 96 hours (4 days), making it suitable for brief visits or connecting flights.

To obtain a Saudi Transit Visa, Maltese citizens must choose the visa application option while purchasing their flight tickets to Saudi Arabia via Flynas or Saudia.

A great advantage of the online application is that it gives you an opportunity to add mandatory health insurance to your Saudi visa.

Regular Visa from the Saudi Embassy

To obtain a Regular Visa from the Saudi Embassy, applicants from Malta must submit the required application form along with the necessary documentation (valid passport, face photograph, and supporting documentation).

Depending on the type of Saudi visa being requested – such as a Tourist, Business, or Family Visit Visa – additional documents might include an invitation letter, an employment contract, proof of accommodation, etc.

• Regular Visas include purposes like business, work, studies, residence, daily visits, and more.
• Application steps involve attending an in-person appointment at the embassy and taking part in an interview with the immigration officer.
• Standard processing time for a Saudi Regular Visa varies between 2-8 weeks.

It’s best to contact the Saudi Embassy via phone or email to confirm the documents required for your visa application to avoid issues at the office.

NOTE: Embassy applications for Saudi visas are ideal for complex travel scenarios requiring personalized assistance from the immigration staff.

Preparing for a Saudi Visa Application

Preparing for the Saudi visa application requires Maltese citizens to pay careful attention to detail.

By understanding the necessary documentation, standard processing timelines, and the steps involved, you can minimize delays and increase the chances of a fast visa approval.

Travelers from Malta should avoid common errors during the Saudi Arabian visa application process, as even the smallest mistakes can cost them valuable time.

• Ensure all personal details match your passport.
• Attach high-quality copies of documents.
• Make sure the documents are in English or Arabic.*
• Check your passport’s expiration date.
• Provide a recent face photo (no older than 6 months).
• Be prepared to submit proof of financial means if requested.

*If your documents are in a different language, it’s mandatory that you prepare a suitable translation of the text – it can be done at a professional translation office.

Passport and Photo Requirements for Saudi Visas

To apply for any Saudi visa, make sure that you meet all the necessary requirements and follow the correct procedures.

When applying for a Saudi visa, Maltese citizens should have in mind the following criteria:

• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• It must include at least 2 blank visa pages for the visa stamp.
• The passport should be in good condition, with no damage or tampered pages.

It’s essential to follow the face photo requirements to ensure your Saudi Arabian visa application is accepted without any issues:

• The photo must be in color and taken against a plain white background.
• The applicant’s full face must be visible, with a neutral expression.
• The image must be recent and taken within the last 6 months.
• Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons.
• The photo should not be digitally altered or contain shadows, glare, or overexposure.

NOTE: You can take the face photograph for your Saudi visa application at a professional studio, but at-home shots are also accepted as long as they meet the photo requirements.

Saudi Embassy in Malta

If you’re applying for a visa via the Saudi Embassy, note that Saudi Arabia does not currently maintain a diplomatic office in Malta.

Maltese citizens are typically directed to consulates in other countries, such as the Saudi Embassy in Italy, which will provide the necessary assistance with visa applications, entry rules updates, and travel advisories.

• Address: Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, 9, 00198 Roma
• Phone: +39 068 44851
• Email: itemb@mofa.gov.sa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do Maltese citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Maltese citizens must obtain a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, but they are eligible for an Electronic Visa, Regular Visa, Transit Visa, and a Visa on Arrival.

• How long does it take to get a Saudi eVisa?
  The Saudi eVisa is typically processed within 24 to 72 hours, with a small possibility of delays.

• What activities are allowed with a Saudi eVisa?
  The Electronic Visa permits Maltese citizens to pursue tourism, take part in sports events, and meet with the family in Saudi Arabia.

• Can citizens of Malta apply for a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Maltese travelers can apply for a Visa on Arrival at Saudi airports, seaports, and land crossings.

• How long is a Saudi eVisa valid?
  The Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa is valid for one year, with stays of up to 90 days in total.

• Is a Transit Visa required for layovers?
  You don’t need to apply for a Transit Visa unless you leave the airport transit area.

• Is there a Saudi Embassy in Malta?
  No, Maltese citizens must use regional consulates, for example, the Saudi Embassy in Italy.

Conclusion

Regardless of the selected application method, obtaining a Saudi visa is a simple process that provides an efficient way for Maltese travelers to visit Saudi Arabia.

All Maltese citizens can apply online for a Saudi Arabian eVisa, which allows for a 90-day stay in the Kingdom during its one-year validity period.

For those seeking flexibility, the Visa on Arrival option offers an alternative method for entering Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Maltese travelers on layovers can apply for a Transit Visa for a convenient 4-day stay in the Kingdom.

Citizens of Malta can also apply for a Regular Visa through the immigration office. As there is no Saudi Embassy in Malta, all applications must be processed via the Saudi Embassy in Italy.

By understanding the basics of the application process and preparing the documents (like a passport or a face photo) carefully, you’ll be well-equipped to explore Saudi Arabia.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations