Qatar places temporary entry ban on people coming from certain countries, including India

Tribune News NetworkDohaEntry to all those coming to Qatar from certain countries, including India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, will be banned temporarily from March 9 onwards as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus.Travellers from China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, South Korea, Syria, Nepal and Thailand will also face the ban, the Government Communication Office said on Sunday. The ban comes on top of the travel restriction announced by Qatar Airways to and from Italy.The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit and temporary visitors.Qatar urges all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time.These precautionary measures may be subject to further updates based on the latest guidance of the national health authorities and international organisations on the spread of coronavirus, in order to ensure the safety of all residents of Qatar.