By Mahmoud al-Husseini

CAIRO

Qatari nationals will now have to apply for a visa for Egypt starting from this Thursday, a security source at the Cairo International Airport told Anadolu Agency on Monday.

“Cairo’s passport service has informed airports and ports across the country about the new rules,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

“The new visa rule will apply to ordinary Qatari citizens, diplomats and VIPs who hold special passports,” the source added.

The only exception will be Egyptian spouses, offspring and Qatari students enrolled in Egyptian universities.

Egyptian authorities or the Qatari government have yet to comment officially on the development.

The UAE-based Sky News Arabia also confirmed the development.

Prior to the Gulf crisis which emerged last month, Qataris were allowed visa-free entry to Egypt.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, U.A.E. and Bahrain have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, and imposed a sea and land blockade on it after accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Doha denies the accusation, saying the blockade is a violation of international law.