Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism or business visits. As of 2026, the process is available at major international airports.
Apply for Saudi Arabia eVisaTourist eVisa for eligible nationalities. Valid 1 year, multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be refused entry or forced to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host. Officers sometimes ask for this during passport control, especially if you are a solo traveller. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the visit | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds. While not always checked, having it ready avoids delays if the officer asks. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at airports
This option is only available when flying into Saudi Arabia. If you're arriving by land or sea, you need to get a visa beforehand from a Saudi embassy.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Saudi Arabia. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go — you will be turned away at the visa counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Saudi Airport
Fly into any international airport in Saudi Arabia (e.g., King Khalid in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz in Jeddah, or King Fahd in Dammam). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters.
2
Queue at Visa on Arrival Counter
Join the line at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
The visa on arrival costs around 480 SAR (approx. 128 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa. Payment is by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive Visa Sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. The visa is usually valid for 90 days from issue.
5
Proceed to Immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa sticker. You may be asked for your return ticket or hotel booking.
6
Collect Luggage and Exit
Once immigration clears you, collect your luggage from baggage claim and exit the arrivals hall. You're now legally in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; faster processing.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 90 days total
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 600 (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
Requires a Saudi employer sponsor. Valid for multiple entries. Includes residency permit (Iqama).
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Free (sponsored by university)
For enrolled students at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment minimum
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of SAR 1 million (~$266,000 USD). Requires business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days per visit. | SAR 800 (~$213 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply before current visa expires. | SAR 200 (~$53 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but fines can accumulate significantly. | SAR 100 (~$27 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 Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 12 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours do not need a visa.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah · King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh · King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to food hygiene; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (e.g., Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh 11134
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Jeddah 22233
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs approximately 480 SAR (around 128 USD). This includes the visa fee and mandatory health insurance. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in Saudi Riyals.
The visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days total, but the exact duration is stamped on the visa sticker.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you will need a visa on arrival or a transit visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
The visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you enter by land (e.g., from Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway) or by sea, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Saudi embassy or consulate.
No, proof of funds is not required for the visa on arrival. However, immigration may ask about your travel plans, so having a return ticket and accommodation confirmation is essential.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.