The UAE has suspended an agreement to inaugurate visa-free travel for Israelis in the Gulf country until July 1, citing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Israel’s foreign ministry said.
Until then, Israeli citizens who want to travel to the UAE will need to obtain a visa, as will UAE citizens who want to travel to Israel, the ministry said Monday. The UAE has taken a similar step in terms of travel from most European countries, as well as from India and Pakistan, the Israeli ministry said.
Israel is in its third closure and is discussing the possibility of extending it beyond January 21, as the number of new cases remains high.
The UAE ratified the visa-free travel agreement with Israel last week and is expected to enter into force 30 days from then. The agreement follows a standardization agreement between countries signed in September.
The announcement of the suspension comes a day after the Israeli cabinet voted to demand that all people returning from the UAE and Brazil be quarantined in government hotels. A similar decision taken earlier on travelers returning from South Africa and Zambia was extended for 10 days.