Middle East crisis: travel and visa updates for stranded passengers

Saudi Arabia activates emergency response at airports for stranded Gulf travelers

Last update: March 12, 2026

Accommodation facilities prepared and entry procedures streamlined for passengers forced to reroute

Saudi Arabia has activated emergency response plans at its airports to receive stranded passengers following airspace closures across the Gulf region. According to Al Arabiya English, authorities have prepared accommodation facilities and streamlined procedures to support travelers until their flights resume.

Coordination at Riyadh airport

A visit to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport revealed a high level of coordination between government bodies providing logistical services to passengers who were forced to reroute their flights to Saudi Arabia following disruptions in neighboring Gulf countries.

Streamlined entry at borders

Saudi authorities at air and land border crossings have strengthened procedures to facilitate the entry of stranded travelers, providing guidance and necessary services. Coordination is also underway with hotels and hospitality facilities to accommodate those who must remain temporarily in the Kingdom.

Heightened readiness

Airport teams across Saudi Arabia have increased readiness levels in recent hours, with ongoing coordination between security and service agencies. Authorities are monitoring the situation of passengers arriving from destinations worldwide and providing logistical support until air traffic stabilizes.

UAE allows expats with expired visas to return without new entry permit

Last update: March 12, 2026

Temporary measure applies from February 28 to March 31 for residents who could not return before visas expired

The UAE has announced that expatriate residents currently abroad whose residency visas have expired can return to the country without obtaining a new entry permit. According to Gulf News, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced the temporary measure on March 12, 2026.

The decision applies for one month, from February 28 until March 31, and is intended to support residents who were unable to return to the UAE before their visas expired due to the recent travel disruptions.

Eligible residents will be permitted to re-enter the country and regularize their residency status through official procedures after arrival.

Bahrain waives overstay fines for visitors stranded by airspace closure

Last update: March 12, 2026

Visa holders whose stay expired on or after February 28 are exempt from fines for one month after airspace reopens

Bahrain has announced that overstay fines will be waived for holders of visit visas who have been unable to leave the country due to the closure of the kingdom's airspace. According to The Daily Tribune - News of Bahrain, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Interior Ministry announced the measures on March 12, 2026.

NPRA Under-Secretary Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa explained that visitors holding any type of visit visa whose permitted stay expired on or after February 28, 2026, will be exempt from overstay fines for one month after the reopening of Bahrain's airspace.

Extensions for visitors outside Bahrain

The NPRA also announced relief for travelers who were unable to enter the country. Visit visas that were valid until February 28, 2026, will be extended for an additional three months for visitors currently outside Bahrain who applied before that date but could not travel due to the disruptions.

How to get help

The NPRA urged travelers to follow official channels for further updates. For inquiries, contact the call center at 17077077, via WhatsApp, through the virtual assistant on the NPRA's electronic channels, or by email at [email protected].

Bali Immigration offers 30-day emergency stay permits with zero overstay fines for stranded travelers

Last update: March 10, 2026

270 passengers have already received permits as Middle East flight disruptions continue

Bali Immigration is issuing emergency stay permits (ITKT) valid for up to 30 days to foreign nationals stranded due to Middle East flight cancellations. According to The Bali Sun, overstay fines have been reduced to zero rupiah for affected travelers who provide an official statement from their airline or airport authority.

The measures follow the cancellation of dozens of flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai last week, which left hundreds of passengers unable to leave the island. So far, Ngurah Rai Immigration has assisted 270 passengers in obtaining emergency permits.

How the emergency permit works

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration issued an emergency circular (Number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025) outlining the support available to stranded travelers. Under this policy:

Foreign nationals who cleared exit immigration but had to re-enter Indonesia due to force majeure events, such as war or airspace closures causing their aircraft to return, will receive immigration handling under emergency provisions.

Immigration officers at Ngurah Rai Airport will manually cancel departure stamps for foreigners required to re-enter Indonesia. Affected passengers can then obtain an ITKT valid for up to 30 days, which may be extended if needed. The permit can be issued at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

More permits expected

These measures remain in place, and authorities anticipate issuing more emergency stay permits over the coming month as the situation in the Middle East remains unstable.

Ngurah Rai Immigration urged affected travelers to remain calm and report to the nearest immigration office before their stay permits expire.

Important considerations

The emergency stay permit can only be granted in specific circumstances and requires documentation from the airline or airport. Travelers concerned about potential cancellations may also consider arranging a precautionary tourist visa extension.

Immigration offices in Bali will be operating reduced hours over the coming two weeks due to Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr public holidays.

How to get help

Tourists in Bali are advised to contact Indonesian Immigration directly for guidance on their specific situation. Indonesian Immigration offers a live chat service available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (WIB), Monday to Friday, via the official Indonesian Immigration website. The service is available in English.

Qatar partially reopens airspace under emergency protocol as regional restrictions continue

Last update: March 10, 2026

16 Qatar Airways flights expected to depart Doha today under ESCAT authorization

Qatar has begun allowing select flights to operate despite an active closure notice remaining in place. According to Flightradar24, the country has activated the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) protocol, permitting some flights to operate with prior permission. A total of 16 Qatar Airways flights are expected to depart Doha today.

The UAE continues to operate under the same ESCAT protocol, allowing limited flight activity.

Iran has also amended its airspace closure, clarifying that while the airspace remains closed, limited exceptions are possible with permission from the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority.

Jordan's airspace is now open, though inbound aircraft are advised to carry extra fuel to allow for potential delays.

Current airspace status

Bahrain (OBBB): Total closure, expires 16:00 UTC on March 10 Iran (OIIX): Closed with limited exceptions, expires 20:30 UTC on March 11

Iraq (ORBB): Total closure, expires 09:00 UTC on March 13

Israel (LLLL): Closed with prior permission required, expires 16:00 UTC on March 10

Kuwait (OKAC): Total closure, expires 16:00 UTC on March 10

Qatar (OTDF): Closed with restricted access via ESCAT zones, expires 03:59 UTC on March 11

Saudi Arabia (OEJD): Partial closure affecting areas bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf, expires 23:59 UTC on March 13

Syria (OSTT): Closed with Aleppo arrivals and departures via specified routes allowed, expires 21:00 UTC on March 10

United Arab Emirates (OMAE): Restricted access via ESCAT zones, expires 12:00 UTC on March 16

US embassies suspend visa services across Middle East amid ongoing conflict

Last update: March 9, 2026

Consulates in Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia halt routine operations

US embassies and consulates in multiple countries have temporarily suspended visa services as the conflict in the Middle East continues. According to Newsweek, diplomatic missions in Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have all scaled back or halted consular operations.

A State Department spokesperson told Newsweek that 36,000 American citizens have returned to the US from the Middle East since February 28.

Pakistan The US Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled all immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments from March 9 through March 13. Applicants with interviews during this period will receive instructions by email on how to reschedule. Routine and emergency services for US citizens in Islamabad will continue.

All consular services at the US Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore remain suspended until further notice following earlier security concerns.

Jordan The US Embassy in Amman announced on March 9 that all visa appointments remain cancelled until further notice. Applicants should not come to the embassy and will be contacted to reschedule once services resume.

Lebanon The US Embassy in Beirut has suspended routine consular services due to the security situation. Emergency services for US citizens remain available on a limited basis.

Iraq The US Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil have suspended all routine consular services. The embassy advised US citizens in Iraq to be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods and to leave the country if safe to do so. Commercial flights may be unavailable, but overland routes could provide an alternative.

Kuwait The US Embassy in Kuwait City has suspended operations and cancelled all consular appointments until further notice due to regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia The US Embassy in Riyadh announced on March 9 that all routine consular and visa services are temporarily suspended. US citizens requiring emergency assistance can contact the mission, but those with scheduled visa appointments should not come to the embassy.

Diplomatic missions in the region adjust visa processing operations

Last update: March 9, 2026

Schengen consulates postpone all appointments while other embassies continue with modified services

Several diplomatic missions in the Middle East have adjusted their visa processing operations amid the ongoing crisis.

Schengen consulates All scheduled visa appointments at Schengen consulates have been postponed until further notice. No new appointments are currently being issued.

Japan Embassy The Japanese Embassy continues to accept visa applications but is strongly encouraging eligible applicants to apply through eVisa or Visa on Arrival channels rather than submitting manual applications.

Turkey Embassy The Turkish Embassy is accepting applications. Applicants who qualify for eVisa or Visa on Arrival are encouraged to use these options instead of manual submissions.

Saudi Arabia Embassy Visa applications continue to be accepted at the Saudi Embassy. However, an increase in application rejections has been observed, and applicants should expect stricter scrutiny during the assessment process.

More than 37,000 British nationals returned to UK since start of Middle East crisis

Last update: March 9, 2026

FCDO confirms over 40 flights scheduled to depart region as repatriation efforts continue

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has provided an update on repatriation efforts for British citizens stranded in the Middle East. In a statement posted on X, the FCDO confirmed that more than 37,000 British nationals have returned to the UK since March 1.

On Sunday, 30 flights departed from across the region carrying more than 7,000 British nationals, marking the highest number of Britons arriving in the UK in a single day since the crisis began.

Charter flights from Oman and Dubai

Three UK government charter flights have now departed Oman and landed in the UK, with the third arriving earlier on Monday morning. The government has also chartered a flight out of Dubai which, subject to conditions on the ground, is scheduled to depart later today.

More than 40 flights are scheduled to leave the region on Monday.

Register your presence

The FCDO is urging British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE to register their presence with the government to receive direct updates.

British nationals should continue to follow FCDO travel advice and local instructions, as the situation remains volatile and could escalate.

EU repatriation flights bring home over 4,100 citizens stranded in Middle East

Last update: March 9, 2026

European Commission charters first-ever rescEU flights as 23 countries request assistance

The European Union has significantly expanded its evacuation efforts, bringing home more than 4,100 European citizens from the Middle East. The European Commission announced on March 9, 2026, that two repatriation flights chartered directly by the Commission landed safely in Romania, carrying 356 passengers from Oman.

For the first time, the Commission deployed its rescEU transport and logistics capacities following a request from Romanian authorities. This mechanism is activated when no EU member states can offer transport capacity in response to a request for assistance.

42 flights completed so far

The EU has now supported 42 repatriation flights, bringing citizens safely back to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden.

23 countries have requested EU assistance More flights are planned in the coming days. A total of 23 countries have requested support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Ireland, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

The Commission remains in coordination with the European External Action Service, EU Delegations, and member states' consular authorities in the region to continue repatriation efforts.

Serbia completes second evacuation flight from Dubai, bringing home 266 passengers

Last update: March 8, 2026

Air Serbia continues airlift operation for citizens stranded in the Middle East

Serbia has completed its second evacuation flight from Dubai, safely returning 266 passengers to Belgrade. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the special flight, operated in cooperation with national carrier Air Serbia, landed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport on the evening of March 8.

A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Assistant Minister Željko Jović, traveled to the UAE earlier in the day to oversee the operation and ensure the air bridge between Belgrade and the Middle East proceeded as planned.

The flight departed Dubai following positive security assessments of the airspace over the Emirates and the wider region.

This marks the second Serbian evacuation flight from Dubai since the crisis began, as the government continues efforts to bring home citizens who wish to leave the region.

Seychelles embassy working to return luggage left behind during UAE evacuation

Last update: March 8, 2026

Passengers who left bags at the embassy to board evacuation flights will receive updates next week

The Seychelles Embassy in the UAE is working on arrangements to return luggage that passengers had to leave behind in order to board recent evacuation flights. The embassy issued a notice acknowledging that many Seychellois nationals are enquiring about their belongings.

The embassy explained that allowing luggage to be stored at its premises was an emergency measure taken to ensure everyone could board within the limited timeframe available. Officials are currently assessing the most practical and cost-effective options for handling and returning the bags. Further details on collection or shipment arrangements will be communicated during the course of next week.

Passengers wishing to make their own arrangements through private agents can contact the embassy from Monday, March 9, 2026, at 09:30 local time via phone or WhatsApp at +97150 236 5010.

The embassy asked for patience, noting that staff remain engaged in assisting other Seychellois nationals who may still require evacuation or consular support.

Air India and Air India Express add extra flights to evacuate passengers from UAE and Gulf

Last update: March 8, 2026

Airlines operating 32 additional flights to the UAE on March 9 to bring stranded travelers home

Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express are ramping up efforts to bring stranded passengers home from the Gulf region. The airline group announced it will operate 32 special flights to the UAE on March 9, in addition to maintaining scheduled services to Saudi Arabia and Oman, where airspace remains open.

Jeddah and Muscat services continue

The two carriers will jointly run 10 flights to and from Jeddah on March 9. Air India is covering the Delhi and Mumbai routes, while Air India Express is serving Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kozhikode.

Air India Express will also operate 14 Muscat services, connecting the Omani capital with Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, and Kochi.

Special UAE evacuation flights

To help travelers stuck in the Emirates, Air India will fly 10 special services between Dubai and India, departing from Mumbai and Delhi.

Air India Express is handling the wider UAE operation, with flights connecting Indian cities to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Services will link these airports with Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kochi. All special flights require regulatory approval and are subject to slot availability.

Other Gulf routes remain suspended

Scheduled services to other destinations in the region remain suspended until March 13. Affected passengers can rebook without fees or claim a full refund through the airlines' websites or customer service lines. Air India Express passengers departing from UAE airports can switch to any of the special flights operating to India at no extra cost.

Qatar Airways restarts limited Doha operations after week-long suspension

Last update: March 8, 2026

The airline operated repatriation flights and will bring inbound passengers from six European cities on March 9

Qatar Airways has resumed limited flight operations from Doha for the first time in a week. The airline announced that it operated repatriation flights on March 8, departing Hamad International Airport for Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, and Zurich.

Priority on these flights was given to stranded passengers with families, elderly passengers, and those with urgent medical and compassionate travel needs. Each flight was pre-allocated by Qatar Airways directly to affected passengers.

Inbound flights on March 9

Following temporary authorization from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a limited operating corridor, Qatar Airways will operate inbound flights arriving at Hamad International Airport on March 9 from Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, and Muscat.

These flights are only available for passengers whose final destination is Doha. The airline emphasized that these services do not constitute a resumption of scheduled commercial operations and asked passengers not to arrive at departure airports unless they hold a valid confirmed ticket.

Regular services remain suspended

Qatar Airways' scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said it will resume full operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of airspace. A further update is expected on March 9.

Flights to Dubai International Airport halted after drone crashes near terminal

Last update: March 7, 2026

Video verified by BBC shows drone crashing close to the airport's concourse A

Flights bound for Dubai International Airport (DXB) were halted early Saturday morning after a drone crashed in close proximity to the airport. A video posted on the BBC website, filmed by a witness and verified by the broadcaster, shows the drone crashing near what appears to be concourse A, though the exact location of the impact is not clear.

Several aircraft performed go-arounds and entered holding patterns near the airport, while others began holding at cruising altitude over neighboring Saudi Arabia.

The global transport hub announced earlier in the morning that operations had been suspended. Flights have since partially resumed.

Muscat emerges as hub for relief flights as Gulf airports remain closed

Last update: March 7, 2026

Oman's open airspace makes it a lifeline for airlines and governments evacuating passengers from the region

Muscat has become the temporary center of Middle Eastern aviation as airlines and governments use Oman's open airspace to evacuate passengers stranded by airport closures across the Gulf. According to Business Insider Africa, while most Gulf countries have shut their airspace, Oman's has remained operational.

On Thursday, 144 flights departed from Muscat, compared to 125 a week earlier, according to Flightradar24 data. Private aircraft now account for nearly one-third of all takeoffs and landings.

Repatriation efforts underway

Airlines and governments are using Muscat to bring citizens home. British Airways, which does not usually serve Oman, has flown from Muscat to London three times this week. Qatar Airways is also operating from Muscat while Qatari airspace remains closed, with six aircraft departing the Omani capital on Thursday for Madrid, Rome, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin, and London.

On March 4, flights operated by SmartWings, Enter Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, and others carried foreign nationals home. On March 5, British Airways, Swiss, Qatar Airways, and the Polish government were scheduled to operate further repatriation flights.

Italy and Slovenia organized buses to transport their citizens from the UAE to Muscat, a journey of approximately five hours by road.

Cairo and Istanbul become key connections

Flight patterns have shifted significantly. Previously, Dubai and Salalah were the most popular destinations for flights leaving Muscat. On Thursday, Cairo and Istanbul took the top spots, with Cairo rising from four flights to 15 and Istanbul from two to 12. From these cities, passengers can more easily find onward connections worldwide.

Twelve of the 144 flights made brief stops before continuing to Europe. A British government-chartered Airbus A320 stopped in Cairo before reaching London. Slovenia's chartered flight went via Jordan to Ljubljana, and Czech airline SmartWings operated three flights stopping in Hurghada, Egypt, before continuing to Oslo.

Oman ready to support airlines

Oman Airports said Thursday that it is "well-positioned" to support airlines because it operates 24 hours a day with no constraints on takeoffs and landings. The airport authority added that it will help new airlines "facilitate and expedite regulatory approvals wherever possible."

By contrast to Dubai International Airport, which handled 95 million passengers last year as the world's busiest for international traffic, Muscat handled around 12 million passengers in 2025. The UAE has partially reopened its airspace but remains operating at about a quarter of its typical capacity, according to Flightradar24. However, Emirates said Friday that it "anticipates a return to 100% of its network within the coming days."

Airspace closures continue across Middle East with Azerbaijan extending restrictions

Last update: March 6, 2026

Muscat remains the main hub for flight activity while Dubai allows limited waves of departures and arrivals

Airspace closures and restrictions remain in place across much of the Middle East, with Azerbaijan extending its closure after drone strikes on its territory. According to Flightradar24, Muscat continues to serve as the primary hub for flight activity in the region, while Dubai is infrequently permitting waves of flights to depart and arrive.

Current airspace closures

• Azerbaijan (UBBA): Southern sector closed, expires 20:00 UTC on March 6

• Bahrain (OBBB): Total closure, expires 16:00 UTC on March 6

• Iran (OIIX): Total closure, expires 08:30 UTC on March 7

• Iraq (ORBB): Total closure, expires 09:00 UTC on March 7

• Israel (LLLL): Total closure, expires 10:00 UTC on March 9

• Kuwait (OKAC): Total closure, expires 16:00 UTC on March 6

• Qatar (OTDF): Total closure, expires 16:00 UTC on March 6

• Saudi Arabia (OEJD): Partial closure affecting areas bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf, expires 22:00 UTC on March 6

• Syria (OSTT): Total closure, expires 21:00 UTC on March 7

• United Arab Emirates (OMAE): Restricted access through Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones, all expire 12:00 UTC on March 9

Dozens of airlines suspend Middle East flights as conflict disrupts major hubs

Last update: March 6, 2026

Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi closures leave tens of thousands of passengers stranded worldwide

The closure of key Middle Eastern aviation hubs is causing widespread disruption to global air travel, with dozens of airlines suspending or cancelling services. According to Reuters, tens of thousands of passengers remain stranded as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi airports remain affected by the ongoing conflict.

Below is a summary of the latest flight suspensions by airline.

European carriers:

Aegean Airlines (Greece) has halted services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil, and Baghdad until March 13. Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights are suspended until March 12, with Riyadh and Jeddah routes paused until March 9.

Air Baltic (Latvia) has grounded Tel Aviv flights through March 9 and Dubai services through March 8.

Air Europa (Spain) has suspended Tel Aviv operations until March 11. Air France has paused Tel Aviv and Beirut services through March 8, with Dubai and Riyadh flights halted until March 6. KLM has suspended Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam flights until March 8 and has cancelled Tel Aviv services for the rest of its winter schedule.

British Airways has stopped Tel Aviv flights through March 9, while services to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, and Doha are cancelled through March 7. Larnaca is operating on a reduced schedule. Iberia Express has halted Tel Aviv flights through March 10.

Finnair has cancelled Doha and Dubai services until March 29 and is rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi, Iranian, Syrian, and Israeli airspace.

ITA Airways (Italy) has suspended Tel Aviv flights until March 22 and Dubai services until March 10.

LOT Polish Airlines has cancelled Tel Aviv flights through March 18, Dubai services until March 6, and Riyadh flights until March 8.

Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines) has suspended Tel Aviv flights through March 22, Beirut through March 28, Amman and Erbil through March 15, Tehran through April 30, and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam through March 10. Larnaca services resume March 7.

Norwegian Air has pushed back its planned Tel Aviv launch from April 1 to June 15, and Beirut from April 4 to June 15.

Wizz Air has suspended services to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman through March 15. Jeddah and Medina flights resume March 8.

North American carriers:

Air Canada has suspended all Dubai and Tel Aviv flights and plans to resume services on March 23.

Delta has cancelled New York-Tel Aviv flights through March 22 and Tel Aviv-New York services through March 23.

Middle Eastern carriers:

El Al and Sundor have cancelled all flights to and from Israel until 2 a.m. local time on March 8.

Emirates is operating a reduced schedule until further notice.

Etihad Airways will resume limited commercial flights from Abu Dhabi to select destinations from March 6.

Qatar Airways remains grounded due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Turkish Airlines has removed Iran flights until March 12 and suspended services to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan until March 9. Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE are not operating on March 6. Pegasus Airlines has suspended Iran flights until March 20. Asian carriers

Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) has cancelled Dubai and Riyadh flights through March 14. Japan Airlines has suspended Tokyo-Doha flights from February 28 to March 14 and Doha-Tokyo services until March 15.

Malaysia Airlines has suspended Doha flights until March 7 and temporarily resumed Jeddah and Madinah services from March 4-8.

Singapore Airlines has cancelled Dubai flights through March 7. Its low-cost arm Scoot has suspended Jeddah services through March 7.

US embassy in Israel offers bus service to Egyptian border for Americans wanting to leave

Last update: March 6, 2026

The service departs from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border crossing as Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to outgoing passengers

The US embassy in Israel has begun offering a bus service to the Egyptian border for American citizens wanting to leave the country. The embassy announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026, that buses would depart on Friday from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, taking Americans to the Taba border crossing.

The embassy warned that Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's main entry and exit point, is not yet open to outgoing passengers.

The efforts come days into the conflict as the State Department faces criticism for its delayed response in offering Americans safe passage out of the Middle East.

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and Maldives ease visa rules amid Middle East crisis

Last update: March 4, 2026

Destinations are offering free extensions and waiving fines for travelers stranded by airspace closures

Several tourist destinations are easing visa requirements for travelers stranded by airspace closures following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and the Maldives have all announced measures to prevent visitors from falling into irregular immigration status due to flight disruptions.

The conflict, involving Iran, Israel, and several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, has led to partial airspace closures affecting major transit hubs between Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Thousands of passengers have been left stranded or forced to reroute their journeys.

Sri Lanka: free 14-day visa extension

Sri Lanka has announced a special program to ensure the safety and welfare of foreign tourists currently in the country. The government is granting a free 14-day extension of visa validity for tourists affected by air travel disruptions.

Authorities are also working with airlines to explore alternative flight routes and have launched a coordinated action plan with embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Operational centers are active 24/7, with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reachable via hotline 1912 and the Bureau of Foreign Employment assistance center available at 1989.

Indonesia: emergency stay permits and waived fines

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration has moved to heightened alert at major international airports, including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Bali (Ngurah Rai), and Kualanamu. More than 2,200 passengers have been affected by cancellations and delays.

In a circular dated March 1, 2026, authorities outlined measures for affected foreign nationals. These include the issuance of an emergency stay permit (ITKT) valid for up to 30 days and renewable if necessary. Overstay fines have been set at zero rupiah for travelers who can present documentation from the airline or airport authority.

Immigration services at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport have deployed additional personnel and activated emergency plans. Travelers whose visas are about to expire can report directly to immigration offices for individualized processing, taking into account the circumstances.

India: contact regional registration offices

India's Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory for foreign nationals who need to modify their travel plans due to the situation.

Travelers needing to extend their visas or regularize their stay are encouraged to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The approach aims to ensure that travelers already affected by flight disruptions do not face administrative violations.

Maldives: visa extensions for stranded tourists

The Maldives has announced via its immigration services 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.

A dedicated contact mechanism has been set up by Maldives Immigration to assist impacted tourists.