In a statement released today by the Ministry of Interior, Qatar announced “the extension of all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire for a period of one month,” with the possibility of a further extension depending on how the situation evolves.
The measure takes effect on Saturday, February 28, 2026. It applies to all entry visas, regardless of category.
Key point: the extension will be automatic and free of charge, processed through the country’s official electronic systems. Travelers will not need to take any action, pay any fees, or visit any government office.
The only exception concerns individuals who overstayed their legal period of stay before February 28. They must first pay the fine corresponding to their overstay period. Once that formality is completed, the free extension will also be granted to them starting from the announced date.
The Ministry stated that it will continue monitoring developments and take “the necessary measures in a timely manner to ensure the legal stability of residents and visitors.”
Beyond the administrative aspects, the Ministry of Interior is urging both residents and visitors to exercise the utmost caution.
Authorities are advising everyone to remain indoors, limit travel to absolutely essential movements, stay away from windows and exposed areas, and strictly follow official instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
The public is encouraged to rely exclusively on the Ministry’s official accounts for updates.
Qatar: airspace closed, no commercial flights operating
This decision comes as several other international destinations, including Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and the Maldives, have also urgently adjusted their visa policies in response to the disruptions caused by the crisis in the Middle East.
On February 28, shortly after noon (10:00 a.m. CET), the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) announced the closure of the country’s airspace, effective immediately.
Since the closure, no flights have operated to or from Qatar. Unlike the United Arab Emirates, which organized special flights to evacuate stranded passengers, no similar operation has been implemented in Qatar at this stage.
Qatar Airways now publishes daily updates before 9:00 a.m. local time (7:00 a.m. CET) regarding the suspension of its flights.
Passengers holding reservations between February 28 and March 10, 2026, are offered two options:
- Rebook their travel within 14 days; or
- Receive a full refund.
Requests can be made through the airline’s website or mobile app. Due to the exceptionally high volume of inquiries, the airline asks that only passengers departing within the next 48 hours contact its customer service directly.
A country generally open to international travelers
Under normal circumstances, Qatar maintains a relatively flexible visa policy. Citizens of 102 countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival.
However, the permitted length of stay varies by nationality:
- For most European countries, the authorized stay is 90 days;
- Other nationalities are granted a 30-day visa, extendable for an additional 30 days.
As a result, a significant number of tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers may be affected by the newly announced measure.
