Maldives Extends Tourist Visa Flexibility for Travellers Stranded by Gulf Flight Disruptions

The Maldives has introduced temporary visa relief for foreign tourists unable to leave the country due to widespread flight disruptions caused by the closure of Gulf airspace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Maldives Immigration said visitors whose 30-day tourist visas are due to expire because of cancelled or delayed flights can apply for an extension to remain in the country legally until they are able to depart.

Tourists affected by the disruption have been advised to submit their visa extension requests through the Immigration online portal, while support teams have also been stationed at Velana International Airport to assist travellers with visa-related inquiries.

The move comes as the Maldives faces disruptions to international travel, with many flights operating through major Gulf hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have been affected by regional airspace restrictions.

Several other countries have also introduced temporary measures for stranded visitors. Qatar has automatically extended eligible entry visas by one month free of charge, while Thailand is waiving overstay fines and offering visa extensions for affected tourists. India has instructed immigration authorities to fast-track free visa extensions for eligible travellers, and Sri Lanka has granted a seven-day extension to foreign visitors impacted by the disruptions.

The temporary measures are intended to ensure that travellers are not penalised for circumstances beyond their control while international flight schedules gradually return to normal.