JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – The Egyptian Consulate General in Jeddah successfully resolved a situation involving 102 Egyptian citizens who were stranded at the expatriates’ department in Medina. The pilgrims had completed their Umrah pilgrimage but were unable to return home due to the expiration of their transit visas.

In coordination with Saudi authorities, the consulate worked tirelessly to facilitate the return of the stranded citizens to Egypt. The delay in their departure was approximately 24 hours.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging all Egyptian citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia on a transit visa to carefully review their visa’s validity and permitted stay duration. The ministry also emphasized the importance of meticulous travel planning, including booking flight tickets to and from Saudi Arabia, to avoid legal complications and potential financial losses.

The ministry further clarified that Saudi authorities hold travelers solely responsible for adhering to visa regulations and booking appropriate travel arrangements, regardless of whether the bookings were made independently or through a travel agency.

According to Saudi regulations, violating Hajj and Umrah visas can result in a 10-year ban from entering the country. Violations of visit visas or transit visas may lead to a three-year ban.

The Egyptian Consulate General's swift action exemplifies the government's commitment to assisting its citizens abroad and addressing any challenges they may encounter.