Maldives, Thailand ease visa rules for stranded tourists amid Gulf tensions

The Maldives, Qatar, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka have all introduced visa relief measures for tourists stranded by Gulf airspace closures triggered by US-Israel-Iran hostilities.

With its airspace currently closed until at least 4 March, Qatar has automatically extended all entry visas by one month, effective from 28 February 2026 – the date Gulf airspace restrictions began to disrupt flights – at no charge. The extension is processed automatically to visas that have expired or are about to expire, with no need to visit departments, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed. 

The Maldives, which relies heavily on Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi for connectivity to Europe and Asia, has followed suit, allowing Immigration to extend tourist visas beyond the standard 30 days for anyone unable to leave before expiry due to cancellations. Affected visitors are advised to visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv to apply for an extension.

Maldives Immigration has also deployed support teams at Male’s Velana International Airport to assist with visa‑extension queries on the ground.

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Among other countries easing rules for stranded visitors, Thailand is waiving overstay fines for tourists at departure airports whose visas lapsed on or after 28 February, while offering 30-day extensions to those needing more time, subject to standard documentation. Affected tourists can request extensions at any Thai Immigration Office in the country.

India has directed Foreigners Regional Registration Offices to fast-track free extensions on tourist, business and medical visas expiring through 7 March, provided travellers can show proof of disrupted flights. Extensions can also be initiated online via the official e‑FRRO portal: indianfrro.gov.in.

Sri Lanka rounds out the measures with a blanket seven-day visa extension, giving stranded foreigners breathing room to rebook amid the disruption. Passengers are instructed to contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration.