Discover Malta: Tourist Attractions Nigerians Should Not Miss

Nigerian passport holders require a visa to enter Malta, which is part of the Schengen Area. You'll apply for a Short Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This allows you to stay in Malta and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 day period for purposes like tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending short events. The main types of this visa are:

Single Entry: This is the most common type for tourists. It allows you to enter Malta once. After you leave the country (and the Schengen Area), you cannot return with the same visa, even if your allowed days haven't been fully used.

Multiple Entry: This visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you want, as long as you don't exceed a total of 90 days within any 180 day period.

The application process is handled by the Maltese embassy or consulate, with applications typically submitted through an authorized visa application center.

What's in Malta for Tourists: Top Attractions

Despite its small size, Malta is filled with diverse attractions. You can explore ancient cities, stunning coastlines, and a wealth of cultural experiences.

Must Visit Cities & Historical Sites

Vallett: Malta's fortress like capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't miss St. John's Co-Cathedral for its ornate interior and Caravaggio, the Grandmaster's Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for breathtaking harbour views.

Mdina (The Silent City): This beautifully preserved medieval walled city, and iconic filming location for Game of Thrones, offers a peaceful, car free escape.

The Three Cities: Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua offer a more local, authentic Maltese atmosphere and stunning views.

Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples: Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, these are some of the oldest free standing structures in the world, significantly older than the pyramids.

Natural Wonders & Beaches

Blue Grotto: A series of spectacular sea caves on the southern coast, best visited by boat on a sunny morning when the light creates brilliant reflections in the water.

Blue Lagoon (Comino): Famous for its unreal, crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy seabed, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling.

Ramla Bay (Gozo): A stunning wide bay with distinctive reddish golden sand and clear, shallow waters, set against a beautiful rural backdrop.

Dingli Cliffs: The highest point of the Maltese islands offers spectacular, sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, especially at sunset.

Festivals & Cultural Events in 2026

2026 has some major events reflecting the cultural diversity and creative spirit of the islands.

Malta Biennale 2026 (March to May): Contemporary art meets heritage in locations like the Grandmaster's Palace and Ġgantija Archaeological Park.

DLT Malta (June 4th to 7th): A vibrant music festival celebrating global diaspora with open air sets and club takeovers.

Malta International Arts Festival (June 13th to 22nd): Multidisciplinary performances in historic venues across Malta.

Why You Must Visit: 3 Convincing Reasons

1.  Unbeatable Natural Beauty: The country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the dramatic sea caves of the Blue Grotto. Beyond the popular spots, Malta offers hidden gems like the inland sea on Gozo and the coastal trails of Dingli Cliffs.

2.  A Journey Through Millennia of History: As the home of some of the world's oldest free standing structures, Malta is a history lover's paradise. You can walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites in the capital Valletta or explore the ancient, silent city of Mdina.

3. Warm Hospitality and Safety: Beyond the sights, Malta is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Its low violent crime rate and high safety standard allow for comfortable independent exploration.

Your Travel Budget (for Nigerians in 2026)

The following guide uses an exchange rate of €1 to ₦1,672.00 as of May 2026. It's always wise to check the current rate before finalising your budget.

Sample Daily Budget (Excluding Accommodation)

Daily costs, including food, transport, and activities, can vary depending on your travel style.

Budget Traveler: $50 to $70

Mid Range Traveler: $100 to $150

Flight Costs (Lagos/Abuja to Malta)

Flight costs can vary widely based on the airline, season, and how far in advance you book.

Estimated Round Trip Price: Economy class flights can start from roughly $500 (approx. ₦836,000) to $1,800 (approx. ₦3,009,600) or more.

Airlines with Connections: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt), Air France (via Paris), KLM (via Amsterdam), and Qatar Airways (via Doha).

Cheapest Months: The months of late October to mid-December and February to April are generally the most affordable.

Finding Deals: Book your flights 2 to 8 months in advance, keep an eye on price alerts, and consider flying mid week (Tuesday or Wednesday) when fares can be 20 to 30% cheaper.

Accommodation Costs (Per Night)

The cost of a place to stay can vary significantly depending on the location, season, and the type of accommodation you choose.

Budget (Hostels, guesthouses): €20 to €50 (approx. ₦33,440 to ₦83,600) per person.

Mid Range (3 star hotels, B&Bs): €80 to €150 (approx. ₦133,760 to ₦250,800) per room.

Food and Dining

Eating out can be affordable if you know where to look.

Budget: A delicious, flaky savoury pastry called pastizzi can cost as little as €0.50 (approx. ₦836). A filling meal of ftira or a burger at a local snack bar is around €5 to €10 (approx. ₦8,360 to ₦16,720).

Mid Range: A three course meal for two at a decent restaurant with a bottle of wine would be roughly €60 to €80 (approx. ₦100,320 to ₦133,760).

Getting Around Malta (Transport)

The public transport network is extensive and very budget-friendly.

Local Buses: A single bus ticket during summer is €3 (approx. ₦5,016), but the best deal is the Tallinja Explore Card: for just €21 (approx. ₦35,112), you get 7 days of unlimited bus travel across Malta and Gozo.

Airport Transfer: Instead of a taxi costing around €30 (approx. ₦50,160), take the X4 bus directly to Sliema for just €2 (approx. ₦3,344).

Ride hailing Apps: Use the Bolt or eCabs app for cheaper, price upfront rides, which can be 30% to 40% less than hailing a traditional white taxi.

 Activity Costs

Free activities: Exploring Valletta and Mdina, walking the Dingli Cliffs, and visiting public gardens and beaches.

Paid activities: Entry to St. John's Co Cathedral is around €15 (approx. ₦25,080); a boat trip to the Blue Grotto is around €8 to €10 (approx. ₦13,376 - ₦16,720).

Types of Tourist Visas for Nigerians

For Nigerian citizens, the relevant visa is the previously mentioned Short Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). There are no specific, separate "tourist" visa subcategories for Malta. However, your application may be approved for different validity periods:

Single Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Malta (and the Schengen Area) once. If you leave, you cannot return, even within the allowed 90-day period.

Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times within the visa's validity period. The total stay must still not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. This is highly beneficial if you plan a side trip to a non-Schengen area like the UK.

The main decision in your application will be stating your purpose as "Tourism" and selecting the "Multiple Entry" option if you anticipate needing it.

Security for Tourists in Malta

General Safety: Malta is considered a safe country with a high safety standard, where you can generally travel with confidence. However, there are specific safety concerns to be aware of, as outlined below.

Areas to Be Cautious: The most common issue is theft, particularly pickpocketing, which is prevalent in the busy tourist season. High-risk areas include the nightlife district of Paceville (especially at night), the capital Valletta, and on crowded public buses. Official warnings also exist regarding organized crime involved in thefts.

How to Stay Safe:

Keep valuables secure and avoid keeping wallets or phones in your back pocket.

Be vigilant in crowded areas, on public transport, and in nightlife zones. Never leave your drink unattended in a bar.

Malta drives on the left and roads can be narrow and winding, so take extra care as a pedestrian.

Emergency Numbers:

Police, Ambulance, Fire: 112 (European wide emergency number).

Malta Tourist Visa Processing Time

Standard Processing Time: The standard processing time for a Malta Schengen visa application is 15 calendar days.

Potential Delays: This can be extended up to 45 calendar days if additional document checks or a more thorough review of your application is required.

How to Apply (Step by Step):

    1.  Book Appointment: Secure a slot at the authorised visa centre for Malta in Nigeria, ideally 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

    2.  Gather Documents: Collect required documents (passport, application form, flight/hotel bookings, travel insurance, financial proof, etc.).

    3.  Attend Appointment: Submit documents and provide biometric data.

    4.  Pay Visa Fee: €90 for adults; €45 for children aged 6-12.

    5.  Wait for Processing: This typically takes around 15 calendar days after submission.

    6.  Collect Passport: Be notified to retrieve your passport with the visa decision.

Apply well in advance. You can submit your application as early as 6 months before your trip, and it's highly recommended that you apply at least 4 weeks prior to your departure to account for any unforeseen delays.

Start Planning Your Maltese Adventure

Malta is safe, friendly, and ready to welcome you. With a little planning, you can have an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday!

Feel free to ask if you need more specific information on any part of the visa process or things to do in Malta.