The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on citizens eager to perform haj (pilgrimage) this year not to use the Saudi electronic visa, which is dedicated to cultural events, while seeking travelling to the holy lands.

The Saudi e-visa doesn't give holders the right to perform haj, moreover, the Saudi authorities have warned recently it would deny those holders entrance to the kingdom, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Many Egyptians have sought recently to obtain the Saudi e-visa believing such visas will allow them to perform haj, said Ambassador Yasser Mahmoud Hisham, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Counselor Affairs and Egyptians Abroad.

The ministry, meanwhile, urged citizens not to deal with unofficial travel agents to avoid fraud.

MENA