As regional tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt international air travel, several countries have already introduced visa relief measures for foreign travelers stranded within their borders. In Asia, this includes the Philippines and Thailand, while in the region directly affected by the conflict, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar have adopted similar steps.
India has now joined this effort.
In a statement issued on March 13 and relayed by several Indian diplomatic missions abroad, including those in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Switzerland, Japan, Italy, and Poland, the Indian government announced a series of exceptional provisions for foreign nationals affected by the consequences of the conflict in “West Asia,” the term used by New Delhi to refer to the Middle East.
Presented as a gesture of “goodwill and humanitarian” concern, the measures are intended to prevent travelers who are unable to leave the country from falling into irregular immigration status due to circumstances beyond their control.
India grants free one-month extensions for visas nearing expiration
Among the key provisions announced, Indian authorities will grant a free one-month extension for all types of visas and e-visas that have expired or are about to expire for affected foreign nationals.
These extensions will be issued on a case-by-case basis by the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), which are responsible for administering foreign nationals’ stays in India.
The aim is to allow stranded travelers to regularize their immigration status without facing complex procedures or additional costs, at a time when many international flights remain disrupted.
Overstay penalties temporarily waived
The Indian government has also decided to waive the penalties normally imposed for overstaying a visa.
This exemption applies to foreign nationals whose authorized stay exceeded the permitted duration after February 28, 2026, the date identified by Indian authorities as marking the start of the conflict that triggered the current air travel disruptions.
Another notable measure concerns Exit Permits, which are typically required to leave India when a visa has expired. These permits will be issued free of charge to affected travelers.
Authorities also clarified that failing to apply in advance for a visa extension or exit permit will not be considered a violation of immigration rules, given the exceptional circumstances.
Special arrangements for diverted flights
Finally, the measures also include a specific provision for travelers arriving in India as a result of flight diversions caused by regional tensions.
In such cases, foreign nationals may be granted a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) free of charge, allowing them to enter India temporarily.
Through this set of provisions, New Delhi aims to provide a flexible administrative response to the difficulties faced by some international travelers, as the repercussions of the Middle East conflict continue to affect global air transport.
