Maldives Immigration has announced that they will be granting visa extensions to tourists stranded in the Maldives due to flight disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.
Immigration said on X that some tourists stranded in the Maldives due to war-related flight cancellations may be unable to depart before their visas expire, and that tourist visa extensions will be granted to those affected.
Tourists are granted a 30-day on-arrival visa. Those who face visa expiry can apply for visa extensions through the Immigration website.
US and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted retaliatory action from Tehran, sharply heightening tensions across the Middle East. The resulting security concerns have led to widespread airspace closures and significant flight cancellations.
The Maldives has been affected as well, as many travelers transit through Middle Eastern hubs. Over the past two days, these disruptions have left thousands of tourists stranded in the country.
Yesterday, Maldives faced cancellation of 19 flights, affecting 3,530 passengers.
MACL, meanwhile, has set up a Disruption Management Centre at Velana International Airport to address difficulties faced by passengers due to flight cancellations.
