In recent days, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, Israel, and several Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, has led to partial airspace closures and widespread disruptions to international flights.
Major Gulf transit hubs, which serve as critical crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Oceania, have been directly affected…
The result: cascading cancellations, diversions, and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or forced to reroute their journeys.
In this climate of uncertainty, several tourist destinations have implemented exceptional visa and traveler assistance measures.
Sri Lanka: free visa extension and 24/7 crisis unit
In Sri Lanka, authorities quickly announced a special program aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of foreign tourists currently in the country, as well as Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad.
In response to the practical challenges faced by travelers due to air travel disruptions, the government has granted a free 14-day extension of visa validity for tourists currently in the country. The measure is intended to prevent any overstay situations resulting from circumstances beyond travelers’ control.
A coordinated action plan has also been launched in collaboration with the relevant embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide additional assistance and facilities. Authorities are working with airlines to explore alternative flight routes to facilitate tourists’ return to their home countries or their arrival in Sri Lanka.
Operational centers are active 24/7:
- The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has established a special unit accessible via hotline 1912.
- The Bureau of Foreign Employment operates an assistance center via hotline 1989.
Indonesia: emergency stay permits and waived fines
In Indonesia, the Directorate General of Immigration has moved to a state of heightened alert at major international airports, including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Bali (Ngurah Rai), and Kualanamu.
Numerous international flights have been canceled or delayed, affecting more than 2,200 passengers. In response, authorities have strengthened coordination with airports and airlines and adjusted staffing at immigration checkpoints.
Most notably, a circular dated March 1, 2026, outlines concrete measures for affected foreign nationals:
- Issuance of an emergency stay permit (ITKT) valid for up to 30 days, renewable if necessary;
- A fine set at 0 Indonesian rupiah for travelers who overstay due to flight disruptions, provided they present documentation from the airline or airport authority.
Passengers are encouraged to regularly check the status of their flights and promptly contact immigration services if needed.
Bali: reinforced mobilization at Ngurah Rai Airport
A flagship international tourism destination, Bali is facing significant disruptions, with several flights operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad affected.
Immigration services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport have activated specific emergency measures:
- Deployment of additional personnel in arrival and departure areas;
- Intensive coordination with airport operator Angkasa Pura I and airlines;
- Real-time monitoring of flight movements;
- Activation of emergency plans and adjustments to operational procedures.
Authorities also anticipate potential overstay cases. Travelers whose visas are about to expire may report directly to immigration offices for individualized processing, taking into account force majeure circumstances.
India: support through Foreigners Regional Registration Offices
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a clear message to foreign nationals currently in the country who have had to modify their travel plans due to the situation in West Asia.
Travelers needing to extend their visas or regularize their stay are encouraged to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
These offices are responsible for assisting foreign nationals with the necessary formalities.
This pragmatic approach aims to ensure that travelers already strained by flight disruptions do not face administrative violations.
Maldives: visa extensions for stranded travelers
The Maldives has officially announced a measure extending tourist visas in response to flight disruptions related to the February 28, 2026 conflict.
In a statement issued by Maldivian immigration services, authorities specified that tourist visas will be extended for visitors currently in the country who are unable to depart before their authorized stay expires due to flight cancellations.
The decision is intended to protect travelers from involuntary overstays at a time when several international routes to the archipelago have been affected. A dedicated contact mechanism has been set up by Maldives Immigration to assist impacted tourists.
Travel diplomacy in times of crisis
While the situation in the Middle East remains fluid and uncertain, these decisions reflect a shared objective: not to penalize travelers caught in a geopolitical situation beyond their control.
By temporarily adjusting visa regulations and strengthening assistance mechanisms, these destinations are sending a reassuring signal to the global tourism industry: international mobility can still be safeguarded, even in times of turbulence.
