Egypt's Foreign Ministry Confirms Introduction of Visas for Qatari Nationals

CAIRO (Sputnik) — Abu Zeid stressed that Qatar continued to stick to its position on supporting terrorist extremist groups.

"Mandatory preliminary visas are imposed for Qatari citizens, except for humanitarian cases," the spokesman told Sputnik, adding that Egypt did not plan to give privileges to the citizens of the "states supporting terrorism."

On Monday, Egyptian media reported that Qatari citizens would be banned from entering Egypt without a visa from Thursday amid the ongoing diplomatic row between four Arab states and Doha. Exceptions will reportedly be made for spouses and children of the Egyptian nationals, as well as those Qatari citizens studying at Egyptian universities.

In June, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. Though Kuwait, which is acting as a mediator in the crisis, the four Arab states handed over an ultimatum containing 13 demands to Doha. The list included requests to sever relations with Iran, close Turkey’s military base on Qatar's territory and shut down Al Jazeera TV channel, and end support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization banned in Russia. Doha has refused to comply with the demands.