As the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt international air travel, Sri Lanka is adjusting its stay regulations for foreign nationals currently on its territory.
In a statement released on March 18, 2026, the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) confirmed an expansion of measures initially introduced earlier this month.
Starting March 1, authorities had already announced a free 14-day visa extension for travelers unable to leave the country due to flight cancellations to the Middle East, which have been in effect since February 28.
With disruptions ongoing, the scheme is now being broadened. Authorities indicate that extensions of up to four weeks may be granted, on a case-by-case basis, from the date of visa expiration.
The DIE stated that “with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, foreign nationals who are unable to depart Sri Lanka due to the cancellation of Middle East–bound flights with effect from 28 February 2026, arising from the prevailing situation in the Middle East region, will be granted a free visa extension.”
“Accordingly, a visa extension of up to four (04) weeks from the date of expiry of the current visa will be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to verification of the relevant circumstances,” the immigration authorities added.
To benefit from this measure, travelers must provide supporting documents demonstrating their inability to depart, such as airline confirmations, flight cancellation notices, or boarding passes. Applications can be submitted through immigration services, including at the airport.
A “global crisis” affecting “the country as a whole,” authorities say
For Sri Lankan authorities, the measure reflects a broader crisis that goes well beyond the tourism sector.
“We are aware that the current situation is a global crisis. It does not affect only the tourism sector, but the country as a whole, as well as major economies,” said today Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe.
From the first signs of air travel disruptions, the government had already implemented emergency measures by extending visas for stranded travelers. An initial two-week extension had been granted before being extended once again today.
In this context, we have decided to extend by an additional two weeks the period previously granted to individuals stranded in Sri Lanka while waiting to return to their home country. They will be allowed to remain until their departure without incurring any additional fees.
Ruwan Ranasinghe – Deputy Minister of Tourism – March 18, 2026
Visas also extended for travelers who have not yet been able to travel to Sri Lanka
Beyond those already in the country, authorities are also addressing the situation of travelers who had planned to visit Sri Lanka.
Many visitors holding a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) have been unable to travel as scheduled due to ongoing flight disruptions.
“In addition, we are aware that a number of travelers have already obtained a visa for Sri Lanka and are waiting to travel, but several days have already passed since their visa was issued,” the deputy minister noted.
For these cases, the government has announced a one-month extension of the validity of unused visas and ETAs, calculated from their original expiration date, allowing travelers to postpone their trips under better conditions.
For these travelers as well, the government has introduced a measure to extend the validity of their visa by one month. This extension will apply from the original expiration date, allowing them to travel to Sri Lanka under appropriate conditions.
Ruwan Ranasinghe – Deputy Minister of Tourism – March 18, 2026
In an uncertain international context, Colombo aims through these measures to maintain the country’s attractiveness while providing a pragmatic response to the constraints faced by international travelers.
