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Middle East countries waive fines for travellers stranded due to Iran conflict

Qatar Airways plane at Hamad International Airport in 2024
Qatar Airways plane at Hamad International Airport in 2024 Copyright  Photo by Ish Consul on Unsplash
Copyright Photo by Ish Consul on Unsplash
By Dianne Apen-Sadler
Published on Updated
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In Qatar, visit visas have automatically been extended by one month, while the UAE has said affected tourists will not have to pay any fines when they leave the country.

Tourists stuck in a number of countries across the Middle East due to the ongoing Iran conflict will not face fees for overstaying on their visit visas.

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Officials in Qatar and Kuwait have said that those affected by airspace closures will have their visas extended by one month, and this change will be applied automatically.

In the case of Qatar, further extensions may be announced in the future “in line with developments”.

In the UAE and Bahrain, fee waivers are in place. Bahrain has said the waiver will apply to anyone whose visit visa expired after 28 February, and will remain in place for an additional month after the airspace reopens.

Citizens of 102 countries around the globe can get a free visa on arrival in Qatar, but the length of stay depends on nationality.

For the majority of European nations, you can stay for up to 90 days. Others can get a 30-day visa which is extendable for a further 30 days.

Similarly, citizens of 74 countries can get a free 90-day visa on arrival in the UAE. A further 13 countries are eligible for a 30-day visa.

Regional airspace closures

Airspaces remain closed across much of the region, although some airlines have begun operating commercial flights.

Qatar Airways began operating a limited flight schedule on 8 March, with priority given to stranded passengers with families, elderly passengers, and those with urgent medical and compassionate travel needs.

Currently, the airline is operating less than 20 flights to, and a similar number from, Doha every day, and passengers can book their seats through the app or website.

Both Etihad Airways and Emirates are operating commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, although many routes remain cancelled.

Emirates has said it expects to return to full flight capacity "in the coming days".

Bahrain's airspace remains closed, although flag carrier Gulf Air began operating a limited number of flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to London Heathrow, Bombay and Bangkok on 11 March.

Kuwait's airspace is also closed. Flag carrier Kuwait Airways has operated some flights for residents looking to return to the country from Europe via Saudi Arabia.

Visit visa extensions around the globe

Visit visas are also being extended for residents and citizens living in the Middle East who cannot return due to flight cancellations.

Thailand, the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka have all announced fee waivers or visit visa extensions as a result of the conflict.

In Sri Lanka, tourists are being given a free 14-day visa extension, while in Thailand, visitors can apply for a 30-day extension. For those who do manage to leave, overstay fees will be waived if your visa expired from 28 February onwards.

For those stuck in India, travellers are being told to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office for help extending their visit visa.

Visit visas for those stuck in the Maldives are also being extended, and tourists can apply through the Imuga immigration website.

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