The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted reports alleging that Saudi Arabia has blacklisted Ghana under its electronic visa programme, explaining that Ghana’s status stems from Saudi Arabia’s general sovereign visa framework rather than a diplomatic setback.
Addressing public concerns, the Ministry clarified that the decision regarding eligible countries rests entirely with the authorities in Riyadh.
“The eligibility criteria and the list of countries whose nationals qualify for the electronic visa programme are determined solely by the Saudi authorities and do not reflect any diplomatic failure or policy omission on the part of the Government of Ghana,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia currently extends its tourist e-visa scheme to 66 nations, which predominantly comprise G20 members, North American countries, European Union member states, and high-income Asian economies. Within Africa, only South Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles are currently included in the digital visa system.
The Ministry emphasized that Ghana’s position is shared by several other African nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco, and does not constitute a ban on Ghanaian travelers.
“The absence of Ghana from the tourist e-visa list does not mean that Ghanaian nationals are prohibited from travelling to Saudi Arabia or have been blacklisted. Ghanaian citizens continue to have access to the standard visa application process for travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.
Prospective travelers can secure travel visas by submitting applications through the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Accra or via an authorized VFS Tasheer Service Centre. Regular consular processes remain fully operational for tourism, business, family visits, and Umrah.
Additionally, Ghanaian passport holders who possess a valid and previously used commercial or tourist visa from the United States, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen state remain eligible to apply directly for a visa on arrival or an e-visa, provided they travel aboard a Saudi national carrier such as Saudia or Flynas.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports on social media and rely solely on official channels for verified visa information.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
