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Sri Lanka Offers Free Visa Extensions Amid Middle East Flight Chaos

Sri Lanka's immigration department has announced a free seven-day visa extension for foreign nationals stranded in the country due to cancellations of Middle East-bound flights. The concession aims to prevent legal issues for travelers unable to depart within their original visa validity. This comes amid major regional disruptions following reported joint US-Israel missile strikes on Iran, which led to widespread flight suspensions. Thousands of passengers, including hundreds of Indians, were left stranded at airports like Abu Dhabi as airspace closures crippled operations at key transit hubs.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Free Visa Extension for Stranded Travelers

  • Free 7-day visa extension
  • For stranded foreign nationals
  • Due to Middle East flight cancellations
  • Amid Iran-Israel tensions
2 min read

Sri Lanka grants free 7-day visa extension to stranded foreign nationals following Middle East bound flight cancellations

Sri Lanka grants 7-day free visa extensions to foreign nationals stranded due to Middle East flight cancellations following regional tensions.

"The Department has introduced a free seven-day visa extension for affected passengers. - Department of Immigration and Emigration"

Colombo, March 1

The Department of Immigration and Emigration on Saturday announced a special concession for foreign nationals stranded in Sri Lanka following the cancellation of Middle East-bound flights from February 28, 2026, according to the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka said.

According to the agency, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration stated that travellers unable to leave the country within their visa validity due to the flight suspensions could face legal and administrative complications.

To address these concerns, the Department has introduced a free seven-day visa extension for affected passengers. The measure is intended to allow them to remain in Sri Lanka lawfully while they make alternative travel arrangements.

As per an official notice, the extension will be granted for seven days from the date of expiry of the individual's current visa.

This comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks.

Thousands of passengers, including hundreds of Indians, were stranded at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday in the wake of tensions in the region. The escalating tensions led to the closure of the airspace disupting operations at one of the Middle East's busiest transit hubs.

The escalating tensions in the wake of Iran's military action sent shockwaves through the airport as alarms blared across terminals, sending panicked passengers towards the exits. National Guard personnel swiftly moved in, taking control of the airport premises and advising remaining passengers to stay inside the building for their safety. Within minutes of explosions, all flights were suspended, and after two anxious hours, authorities formally announced the cancellation of all departures -- leaving thousands of international travellers with no clear way forward.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday announced that 444 flights are expected to be cancelled today amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

In an X post, the MoCA stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in complete coordination with the airlines to ensure passenger safety and operational regulations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but only 7 days? What if flights are suspended for longer? The tensions sound very serious. Our government should also be ready with evacuation plans if needed for Indian nationals stranded across the region.
A
Aman W
My cousin was supposed to fly from Colombo to Dubai for work yesterday. He's now stuck. Thankfully this visa news gives him some breathing room. The real worry is the cost of staying extra days in a hotel.
S
Sarah B
A respectful criticism: While the free extension is welcome, the process to get it should be made very simple and online. Stranded people shouldn't have to navigate complex bureaucracy during a crisis.
V
Vikram M
This Middle East situation is getting out of hand. It directly impacts lakhs of Indian families whose breadwinners work in the Gulf. Stability there is crucial for our economy too. Hope diplomacy prevails.
K
Kavya N
Good neighborly gesture by Sri Lanka. In times of crisis, such small acts of kindness matter a lot. Feeling for all the passengers who were panicking at the airport. Can't imagine the stress.

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