The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed widespread claims circulating on social media that Saudi Arabia has blacklisted Ghana from its tourist e-visa programme, clarifying that the Kingdom’s electronic visa policy is based solely on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign immigration regulations and not on any diplomatic issue involving Ghana.
The Ministry explained that the Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa programme operates under the Kingdom’s independent visa policy framework, with eligibility determined exclusively by Saudi authorities. As such, Ghana’s exclusion from the e-visa list does not indicate any failure in Ghana-Saudi diplomatic relations or any restriction placed on Ghanaian travellers.
Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa Eligibility
According to the Ministry, Saudi Arabia currently offers its tourist electronic visa (e-visa) to nationals of 66 selected countries. The list mainly includes:
- G20 member countries
- North American nations
- European Union member states
- Selected high-income Asian economies
The Ministry noted that most African countries are not eligible for Saudi Arabia’s tourist e-visa programme.
Currently, only South Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles are included among African nations eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa. Ghana shares its status with several other African countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco, which are also not part of the electronic visa programme.
Ghana Has Not Been Blacklisted by Saudi Arabia
The Ministry stressed that reports claiming “Saudi Arabia blacklists Ghana for e-visa” are false and misleading.
It emphasized that decisions concerning Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies, border security, and digital visa systems remain the exclusive responsibility of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the Government of Ghana has no authority to determine or influence which countries qualify for Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa system.
Importantly, Ghana’s absence from the tourist e-visa list does not prevent Ghanaians from travelling to Saudi Arabia.
How Ghanaians Can Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa
Ghanaian citizens can continue to apply for the appropriate Saudi Arabia visa through the standard visa application process by:
- Applying through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Accra
- Using an authorized VFS Tasheer Service Centre
These channels remain fully operational for travel purposes, including:
- Tourism
- Business trips
- Family visits
- Umrah pilgrimage
Visa-on-Arrival and E-Visa Option for Some Ghanaians
The Ministry also highlighted that some Ghanaian passport holders may qualify for Saudi Arabia visa-on-arrival or an electronic visa under specific conditions.
Eligible travellers must possess:
- A valid and previously used tourist or commercial visa issued by the:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- A Schengen country
Additionally, applicants must travel on a Saudi national carrier, including:
- Saudia
- Flynas
Those who meet these requirements may qualify under Saudi Arabia’s existing visa regulations.
Ministry Urges Public to Ignore False Social Media Reports
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ghanaians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia to rely only on official visa information and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
It reassured the public that Saudi Arabia visa applications for Ghanaians remain available through the regular consular process and that there is no Saudi blacklist targeting Ghanaian travellers.
Travellers are encouraged to verify all Saudi Arabia visa requirements, tourist visa updates, and travel advisory information through official government and embassy channels before making travel arrangements.
Source: newsthemegh.com