Qatar bars entry to all foreigners; only citizens allowed

Tribune News NetworkDohaAll foreigners are denied entry to Qatar for the next 14 days, Qatar Airways has said in a statement on its website.The rule is effective immediately.  "Entry to Qatar will only be allowed for Qatari nationals, who will be required to enter quarantine for a period of 14 days," the digital statement said."Passport holders of other nations will no longer be granted entry for a period of 14 days, after which the restrictions will be reviewed," it added."Passengers with onward connections through HIA will be accepted for travel and Qatar Airways’ global network will continue its operation for transit passengers as normal. Cargo operations remain unaffected."Qatar on Sunday announced a series of major announcements aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus in the country, including stopping all incoming flights and shutting all public transport services in the country.The announcements came after the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani chaired a meeting of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management. All the decisions were taken based on the Amir’s directive.The measures were announced at a press conference attended by MoFA spokesperson Lolwah al Khater and other officials.Khater said no incoming flights to Doha will be allowed for a period of 14 days from Wednesday evening. The embargo will be reviewed after the two-week period. However, air cargo and transit flights, in addition to any flight with Qatari citizens coming from any destination in the world, will be allowed.“With regard to Qatari students located outside the country, we advise them to adhere to the policies in place in the study country with the readiness of the country's embassies to provide any of the necessary services, including facilitating the procedures for return to the State of Qatar if the need arises, and we also call upon citizens and residents in the State of Qatar to avoid travel during the coming period,” Khater said.