The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked claims that “Saudi Arabia blacklists Ghana for E-visa,” saying Ghanaian citizens can still travel to the Kingdom through the regular visa application process.
In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, the Ministry said the Saudi tourist e-visa programme is run solely under the sovereign visa policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and eligibility is determined by Saudi authorities.
Only 66 Countries Eligible
According to the Ministry, Saudi Arabia currently extends its tourist e-visa facility to 66 countries. The list is made up predominantly of G20 nations, North American countries, EU Member States and selected high-income economies in Asia.
“Ghana’s exclusion from the electronic visa programme is not unique. Most African countries are currently not included in the Saudi tourist e-visa system,” the statement noted.
At present, only South Africa, Mauritius and Seychelles qualify for the e-visa from Africa. Ghana shares the same status as Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and Morocco.
Standard Visa Route Still Open
The Ministry stressed that Ghana’s absence from the e-visa list does not mean a travel ban.
“Ghanaian citizens continue to have access to the standard visa application process for travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it said.
Prospective travelers can apply through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Accra or through an authorized VFS Tasheer Service Centre for tourism, business, family visits, or Umrah.
Visa-On-Arrival Option for Some Travelers
The Ministry further noted that eligible Ghanaian passport holders who already hold a valid and previously used tourist or commercial visa from the US, UK or a Schengen country can bypass the standard process.
Subject to Saudi regulations, they may apply directly for a visa on arrival or an e-visa, provided they travel on a Saudi National Carrier — Saudia or Flynas.
