Qatar Airways vague about new visa rule impact

Qatar Airways has said it will make sure customers are informed of new visa rules for entering the country but has remained tight-lipped over the impact to its own business of the regulations.An airline spokesperson told TDME that following news that citizens of 33 countries will now have to apply for a visa before visiting the country, its first priority was to make sure its customers were “well informed of the news procedures”.However, when asked what the impact of these rules might be on Qatar Airways’ business and on leisure and business tourism to the country, the airline did not comment.”We are currently in the process of informing and assisting both existing and new customers of the new ruling,” said the airline’s statement.The airline’s aim, it added, was “to provide further support through this process where possible”. The carrier also stressed that the ruling did not apply to transit customers.Qatar’s strict new rules twill force 33 nationalities - including British and US passport holders - to apply for a visa before visiting the country whereas up until now, they had been issued a visa on arrival.Exact details of the regulations, which are due to come in force on 1 May and also apply to GCC-based expatriates of those nationalities, are yet unclear.TDME also contacted the Qatar Tourism Authority for a comment regarding the impact of the new rules on business and leisure tourism to Qatar, but has not received feedback as yet.