Immigration counters are seen at the arrival hall ahead of the annual Haj pilgrimage at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 28, 2022. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS
Saudi Arabia authorities have denied issuing a viral memo notifying travellers of visa restrictions and an entry ban.
The memo named Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria among the countries facing the restrictions.
Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh were also listed as restricted from applying for new short-term Saudi visas, including visas for business, visits (single/multi-entry), tourism, and family visits.
The restrictions are scheduled to take effect April 13, the memo claimed.
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The document added that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date even if they hold valid visas.
“Non-compliance may result in a 5-year ban from entering KSA,” the statement said.
However, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the document as unofficial when contacted by TheCable.
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The agency told TheCable that the only circular issued by the Saudi authorities were guidelines around hajj travels.
“Anyone holding a Tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter or stay inside Makkah during 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (29 April to 11 June 2025 AD),” the Saudi agency said on Thursday.
The Saudi hajj visa is granted exclusively for the hajj pilgrimage and is valid only during the Muslim holy period.
Muslims seeking to visit Saudi Arabia are required to apply for a hajj visa other than a tourist visa.
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