UAE, Kuwait And Qatar Extend Visa, Waive Overstay Fines Amid Flight Cancellations During Middle East Conflict

The ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict has triggered an unprecedented level of travel disruption across the Middle East, with passengers facing unexpected cancellations, long delays and sudden rerouting as regional airspace closures force airlines to suspend services. With normal operations heavily affected and thousands of travellers stranded at airports or forced to extend their stays, uncertainty continues to grow. As many visitors risked overstaying their visas amid the shutdown, several Gulf authorities have stepped in with emergency relief measures. These governments say the steps are intended to prevent stranded travellers from facing penalties while they wait for flights to resume.

Also Read: UK Visa Changes 2026: E-Visas To Replace All Physical Documents, How It Affects Travellers

Why Gulf Countries Introduced Visa Relief For Travellers

Large sections of Middle Eastern airspace have closed after regional tensions escalated, halting regular flight operations and leaving many passengers unable to depart. Officials in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar have emphasised that the exceptional measures aim to protect travellers caught in the disruption, especially those whose visas were expiring. The steps are designed to maintain legal stay status without imposing penalties on individuals unable to leave because of flight suspensions or rescheduling.

Which Countries Are Providing Visa Relief To Passengers

Below are the Gulf nations that have announced special visa measures for stranded travellers.

1. UAE Drops Overstay Fines And Extends Support

The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has waived overstay fines for tourists, visitors, those with exit permits and residents with cancelled visas who were unable to leave after 28 February. The exemption covers fines incurred on or after that date.

Authorities have processed travel procedures for more than 30,000 passengers since the disruption began. Exceptional outbound flights have started to operate, and safe corridors with GCC nations have opened to gradually restore capacity. More than 15,000 entry visas have been issued to stranded visitors so they can remain legally until regular operations resume. Accommodation and transport support is being provided with help from airlines and embassies.

Special teams at airports and service centres continue to assist affected travellers. Officials say these measures underline the UAE's commitment to easing the burden on visitors during exceptional circumstances.

2. Kuwait Announces Automatic One-Month Extensions

Kuwait has introduced automatic one-month extensions for all visit and entry visas effective from 28 February. Travellers do not need to visit any office, as the process is fully digital. All related fines and fees have been cancelled.

Residents outside Kuwait who exceeded their permitted absence will receive a three-month absence permit automatically. Authorities say further extensions may be offered depending on the situation. Travellers have been advised to follow government platforms such as the Sahel app and Residency Affairs departments for updates.

Watch the full post below:

Attention:

Due to the current exceptional circumstances, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has today announced the following automatic relief measures implemented electronically and exempt from related fees and fines:

1. a one-month extension of visit visas; and
2. ⁠a three-month… https://t.co/aqwQX1T6F6

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) March 4, 2026

3. Qatar Extends All Entry Visas As Airspace Remains Closed

Qatar has closed its airspace since 28 February, stopping all regular passenger movement. Travellers stranded due to the shutdown will have their entry visas extended automatically for one month without fees. The measure applies to all visa categories. Authorities stated that visitors whose visas expired before the airspace closure must still clear older overstay fines. For those affected by the current disruption, the extension is automatic and requires no application. Qatar's Ministry of Interior may consider further extensions depending on developments.

Qatar Airways is issuing daily operational updates and has allowed passengers travelling between 28 February and 10 March to reschedule travel by up to 14 days or seek refunds, helping manage pressure on stranded travellers.

Statement by the Ministry of Interior regarding the extension of all types of entry visas that have expired or are nearing expiration for a period of one month, with the possibility of further extension subject to developments, effective from Saturday, 28 February 2026.… pic.twitter.com/E9hpVd1rbF

— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) March 2, 2026

What Stranded Travellers Should Do

For travellers stuck due to the ongoing conflict‑related disruptions, here are several essential steps:

• Check airline advisories frequently: Airlines continue to issue rolling updates as airspace closures evolve. Travellers should monitor official websites and announcements for accurate information.
• Keep contact details updated: Passengers should ensure airlines have their correct phone numbers and email IDs, as most updates and new schedules are shared digitally.
• Use refund or rebooking waivers: Many airlines are offering free date changes or full refunds for cancelled flights. Travellers should take advantage of these options early, as availability may change depending on aircraft positioning and the reopening of airspace.
• Check the status of major hubs before travelling: With Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha partially suspended or operating limited services, passengers should confirm that operations have resumed before going to the airport.
• Know your passenger rights under DGCA rules: India's DGCA mandates a 48‑hour free cancellation window, full refunds within 14 days and penalty‑free rebooking options for major disruptions on Indian carriers or bookings made in India.
• Avoid calling customer care unless travel is imminent: Airlines request that only passengers scheduled to fly within 48 hours contact helplines due to high call volumes. Others should rely on online updates.

Also Read: Dubai, Abu Dhabi Expats Drive 10 Hours To Find Flights From Oman, Saudi Amid Iran Attacks

Travel Disruption Expected To Continue

Airlines across the region and beyond have cancelled numerous flights, including links to Bangkok, Phuket and key Gulf hubs, with carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways and Air Arabia adjusting operations due to the conflict.

Authorities urge passengers to monitor official updates as restrictions remain in place. With tensions still high and the airspace partially closed, delays and sudden schedule changes are likely to continue. The visa relief introduced by Gulf countries is intended to reduce immediate stress for travellers and ensure they remain legally protected while waiting for normal services to resume.