Several countries are providing visa extensions and assistance to travellers stranded in regions affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Some of the countries offering visa relief include:
UAE
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has decided to exempt individuals from visa overstay fines.
The decision applies to all foreigners, including visitors holding visit visas, tourist visas, or exit permits, as well as residents who had cancelled their residency permits in preparation for departure. The exemption applies to fines incurred on or after February 28.
Qatar
The Ministry of Interior is allowing visitors holding any entry visa to extend their visa by one month, effective February 28. Further extensions will be granted in line with ongoing developments.
The extension will be processed automatically through the approved electronic systems, with exemption of any fees that may occur.
Indonesia
The Directorate General of Immigration is granting a Forced Stay Permit (ITKT) with a maximum validity period of 30 days to travellers whose visas are nearing their expiration date.
Travellers will be exempt from overstay fines if they can present documentation from the Aviation Civil Authority (airline/airport authority).
Additional personnel have also been deployed at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport to assist affected tourists. Travellers whose visas are about to expire can report directly to immigration offices for processing.
Maldives
Authorities have announced the extension of tourist visas for visitors affected by ongoing travel disruptions. Tourist visas will be extended for visitors currently in the country who are unable to depart before the expiry of their visas.
For tourist visa extensions, travellers must visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
Thailand
In cases where a foreign national remains in Thailand with an expired visa and wishes to depart, authorities have waived the visa overstay fine for visas expired from February 28 onward.
Travellers with expired visas who want to remain in the country will have to apply for a temporary stay visa. The immigration officer shall first proceed with the fine settlement in accordance with the law, and then consider granting an extension of temporary stay for a period not exceeding 30 days per each permission.
India
India has said that all foreign nationals that need assistance with extending their visa or to regularise their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
Contact details are available via https://boi.gov.in/.
Kuwait
All visit entry visas that have expired or are about to will be extended by one month starting February 28. The extension applies automatically through the electronic system.
There will be an exemption from prescribed fees and any other fines that may occur during this period.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s government has decided to grant affected tourists a free 14-day extension of their visa validity.
To support tourists, the government has established 24-hour operational services through several state institutions. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has been established for tourists and any issues may be reported through the 1912 hotline.
