Egypt called on citizens looking to perform the hajj (Muslim pilgrimage) this year not to use the Saudi electronic visa, which is meant for those looking to attend cultural events in the country.

The Saudi e-visa does not give holders the right to perform the hajj, and Saudi authorities warned recently that they would turn back pilgrims attempting to enter the country using this visa, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian foreign ministry on Friday.

Many Egyptians have sought to obtain the Saudi e-visa under the mistaken belief that it would allow them to perform the hajj, said ambassador Yasser Mahmoud Hisham, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Counselor Affairs and Egyptians Abroad.

The ministry has also urged citizens not to deal with unofficial travel agents to avoid fraud.