The Sudanese foreign minister explained that the country’s decision to require Egyptians to obtain entry visas for travelling to Sudan is aimed at avoiding terrorists from entering the country, Sudanese local news reported.
The decision was announced on Friday and only affects Egyptian men between 18 and 50, but not women, as they are still allowed to enter without a visa.
The ministry stated that the decision came after consultations and agreements with Egypt.
Egyptians were previously allowed to enter Sudan without a visa, in accordance with a deal signed in 2004.
A number of Sudanese media outlets reported that their country’s decision is similar to what Egypt imposes on Sudanese people, who had to obtain visas before entering Egypt.
Following this decision, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry was scheduled to visit his Sudanese counterpart, Ibrahim Ghandour, for bilateral talks, but it was postponed.
The media reported tension between both countries, due to controversial statements made by the Sudanese minister of information against Egypt.
However, both countries’ foreign ministers confirmed during a phone call the depth and specificity of their relations a month ago.
