The UAE temporarily suspended issuance of all entry visas except for those holders of diplomatic passports.

This will be effective as of March 17 (Tuesday).

The decision does not apply to persons who have already got visas before effective date.

In a statement issued , the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship said the move taken as a precautionary measure initiated by country to contain spread of deadly coronavirus and is in response to the World Health Organisation declaring the novel coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic – which makes travel at this point dangerous.

The authority added that the decision will be effective until countries of departure activate a mechanism for medical screening of passengers as an additional measure.

It affirmed that decision stems from UAE’s spirit of responsibility to combat deadly virus and is in solidarity with countries of the world.