RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 27, placed an immediate ban on Umrah pilgrims traveling from the countries where coronavirus cases have been confirmed including Pakistan.
According to airport sources, Saudi Arabia has also placed a ban on those traveling to the Kingdom on a visit visa.
The move from the Saudi government follows the confirmation of two coronavirus cases in Pakistan on Wednesday evening. All airlines had directed to inform their passengers to wait for further orders.
The government suspends entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily”, the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
Umrah attracts tens of thousands of Muslims from all over the globe each month.
The foreign ministry said it also suspended visas for tourists visiting from countries where the new virus is a “danger”.
