Bahrain/Qatar: Bahrain suspends issuance of entry visas for Qatari nationals /update 1

Event

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday, August 21, that it would cease issuing entry visas for Qatari nationals until further notice in an apparent widening of the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations. Exempt from the ban are Qatari students studying in Bahrain and Qataris currently holding valid visas.

Context

Bahrain began requiring entry visas for Qatari nationals in November 2017 following a breakdown in relations between Qatar and a Saudi-led bloc of Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Egypt. The bloc accuses Qatar of supporting terrorism and has been blocking the movement of goods and people into the country since June 2017. In June 2017, Bahrain closed all air, sea, and land travel to and from Qatar, while Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and FlyDubai airlines all announced the indefinite suspension of flights to Qatar.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to contact their nearest Bahraini consulate for further details. Individuals in Bahrain are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, including visitor and residency regulations.