Umrah E-Visa for Malta Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the Muslim community residing in the heart of the Mediterranean, the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a journey that resonates deeply with Malta's own Semitic roots and history. Traveling from the limestone fortifications of Valletta to the sacred desert of the Hejaz represents a transition from the "Crossroads of Civilizations" to the spiritual center of Islam. The Umrah E-Visa for Malta citizens is a digital authorization specifically designed to facilitate this sacred duty. In 2026, the Kingdom has fully integrated this process with the Nusuk platform, ensuring that Maltese pilgrims can organize their journey with the ease and efficiency of a modern European nation.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Maltese passport holders—covering flights from Luqa (MLA), managing Euro finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Maltese Citizens
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity Period: 1 Year from the date of issuance
Maximum Stay: 90 Days for each visit
Primary Platform: Nusuk App integration required for Holy Sites
Mahram Requirement: Not Required (Women can travel alone)
Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage included
At eviSAudi, we respect the sanctity of your journey. You can start your Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa application online, and we will handle the bureaucratic details while you focus on your Niyyah (Intention).
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Spiritual Purpose vs. Leisure Travel
Although the digital document is technically a "Visit Visa," applying with Umrah intent fundamentally changes your preparation checklist.
For Worship: The Umrah workflow prioritizes the Nusuk ecosystem. If your heart is set on Tawaf and praying in the Rawdah, you must follow the specific appointment protocols.
For Leisure: If your plan is strictly to explore the Red Sea coast or the heritage sites of AlUla without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Malta Citizens.
⚠️ Important Limitation: Not Valid for Hajj It is crucial to understand that this E-Visa is valid for Umrah rituals only. It cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage. During the sacred season of Dhul-Hijjah, this visa type is suspended. Residents of Malta wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official quotas managed by the Islamic Centre in Paola.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for the Maltese
Maltese pilgrims often align their pilgrimage with seasons that offer a break from the humidity, even though they are accustomed to heat.
Winter & Spring (November – April): This is the ideal window. While Malta can be windy and damp in winter, Makkah offers dry, pleasant temperatures (around 25°C).
Santa Marija (August): Many Maltese take holidays in August, but be warned: Saudi Arabia is significantly hotter than Malta in August (often 45°C+). If traveling then, prepare for extreme heat.
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From the Grand Harbour to the Red Sea: Logistics
Since there are no direct flights to Saudi Arabia from Malta, pilgrims must plan their transit carefully from Malta International Airport (MLA).
The Istanbul Route: The most popular route is via Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines. It offers daily connections and allows for a comfortable transit.
The Dubai Route: Emirates via Dubai (DXB) is a premium option often chosen by families for its high comfort levels.
Ihram Strategy: Since you will be changing planes, do not wear Ihram from Malta. Plan to shower and change into Ihram at your final transit airport (e.g., Istanbul or Dubai) before the last flight to Jeddah, which crosses the Miqat.
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Digital Planning: The Nusuk Ecosystem
Your E-Visa grants entry to the Kingdom, but the Nusuk App facilitates your access to the sacred areas.
Rawdah Al Sharifah: To pray in the Rawdah (the green carpet area in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a digital permit is mandatory. These slots are extremely limited. Once we issue your visa, you must download Nusuk immediately to book your slot.
Umrah Slot: You can also use the app to monitor crowd density in the Mataf to choose quieter times for your Tawaf.
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Traveling with Family
Maltese culture is deeply family-oriented. The E-Visa system supports this by allowing for group applications, where you can process visas for the entire family in one session. Makkah is highly accessible; electric scooters are available at the Grand Mosque, and the Haramain High-Speed Train provides wheelchair-accessible transport between Makkah and Madinah, ensuring comfort for elderly family members (in-Nanniet).
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Malta Citizens
For applicants applying from Malta, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Euro (€) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. €170 – €185 (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. €230 – €250 (Base: $250 USD). Designed for urgent spiritual intentions or last-minute travel (12-24 hour turnaround).
All payments are processed securely. The final amount in Euro is determined by your bank’s daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
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Pilgrimage Application Steps for Maltese
The process is designed to be efficient.
Intention & Details: Complete the secure online form. You can apply for your entire family group in one session.
Photo: Upload a clear, recent photo. For Muslim women: Photos with a Hijab are perfectly acceptable; the face must be visible from hairline to chin.
Digital Issuance: Once approved, we email the PDF visa directly to you. Please print multiple copies—one for your wallet and one for your hand luggage—to show at airline check-in counters at Luqa.
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Financial Logistics: BOV, HSBC & Revolut
Banking: Your Maltese bank cards (BOV, HSBC Malta, APS) work internationally.
Fintech Pro Tip: Revolut is extremely popular in Malta and is an excellent travel companion in Saudi Arabia. It offers great exchange rates for SAR and is widely accepted.
Cash Advice: We recommend exchanging a small amount of Euros for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport for immediate cash needs (Sadaqah, taxis). Euros are widely accepted for exchange.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Malta Citizens
Below are the most common questions Maltese citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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Do I need a visa if I have a Maltese Residence Permit (ID Card) but not a passport?
This E-Visa is specifically for Maltese Citizens (holders of the EU passport). If you hold a Maltese Residence Permit (Karta tal-Identità for foreigners) but a passport from another country (e.g., Libya, Syria, Somalia), you may need to apply based on your passport's nationality or check if you qualify for the "Schengen Resident" exemption category.
Can Maltese women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Maltese women of any age can apply for an Umrah E-Visa and travel alone or in groups.
Is the Meningitis vaccine required?
Saudi health regulations strongly recommend the Meningococcal meningitis vaccine (ACWY) for all pilgrims. While you might not be asked to upload the certificate online, carrying the vaccination card is highly advisable.
Can I track my visa status?
Yes. We understand the anticipation of a spiritual journey. You can check the progress of your application at any time on our Track Visa Status page.