Air Travel, sugar and port access: Sanctions levied on Qatar

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia is tightening the noose on neighbouring Qatar, accusing the emirate of financing extremist groups and of meddling in the internal affairs of its neighbours, charges that Qatar deny.

Here is a list of the sanctions imposed so far on the gas-rich nation:

Diplomatic Relations, Citizens’ Movement
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain issued statements cutting ties with Qatar on June 5. They also gave Qatari citizens 14 days to depart their respective countries and banned their citizens from visiting the country.

Visa on Arrival
Etihad and Emirates airlines said expatriates residing in Qatar and in possession of Qatari residency will not be eligible for an Emirati visa on arrival.

Sea, Air and Land Travel
The coalition banned sea and air travel to and from Qatar. The country’s only land border with Saudi Arabia was also shut, depriving it of a main food imports channel.

Airspace
The coalition have said Qatari carriers can’t fly over their territories. Foreign airlines may also have to seek permission for overflights to and from Qatar.

Port Access
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain closed their berths to all ships traveling in and out of Qatari ports. The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Authority on Thursday expanded its ban to include "all vessels arriving from, or destined to Qatar, regardless of its flag".

Egypt also banned Qatari ships from its ports, but they can still access the Suez Canal.

Banking Access
Some banks in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain are cutting their exposure to Qatar. Some lenders in these countries have started withdrawing deposits from Qatari banks and stopped trading riyals and bonds, fearing the imposition of financial sanctions on the nation.

Sugar Exports
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have stopped exporting white sugar to Qatar, ADM Investor Services International said in a report.

Media Access, Freedom of Speech
Saudi Arabia closed down the Al Jazeera TV channel in the kingdom. The UAE will prosecute and punish with fines and jail time people expressing sympathy for Qatar on social media.