Egypt to end visas on arrival for Qataris amid Gulf crisis

Egypt will 'end visas on arrival' for Qatari citizens as a dispute between four Arab states and the Gulf emirate continues over allegations that Doha supports terrorism.

The measure, which goes into effect on Thursday, will not include spouses of Egyptians or university students who will be granted tourist visas on arrival, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid told local media on Monday.

"It does not make sense to keep making exceptions for Qatar and giving it privileges in light of its current positions," Abu Zeid said.

He added that Qatari nationals will now have to apply for a visa in order to enter Egypt.

The decision was announced on Monday as Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, who is trying to mediate an end to the dispute.

Shoukry insisted that Qatar has to meet the demands of the Arab bloc to end an embargo, a foreign ministry statement said.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have demanded that Qatar stop supporting the Muslim Brotherhood movement and close broadcaster Al Jazeera which they accuse of inciting unrest in their countries.

Riyadh and its allies have expelled Qatari citizens and closed land and maritime borders while also suspending air links with Doha.

Human Rights Watch [HRW] has said the isolation of Qatar by a Saudi-led bloc has resulted in serious human rights violations.

"Gulf autocrats' political disputes are violating the rights of peaceful Gulf residents who were living their lives and caring for their families," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW.

The blockade has disrupted trade, split families and raised fears of military confrontation in the Gulf region.

The Gulf crisis is the worst to hit the region since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981.