The UAE temporarily suspended the issuance of all entry visas except for the holders of diplomatic passports in response to coronavirus pandemic.

The measure will come into effect starting March 17. However, this will not apply to persons who have already got visas before the effective date.

The decision will be in force until countries of departure activate a mechanism for medical screening of passengers as an additional measure, The Gulf News reported.

Earlier Oman declared ban on issuance of travel visas for 30 days, while Kuwait barred everyone, except for their citizens, from entering the country.