Just In: Foreigners In India Get 30-Day Visa Extension, Overstay Penalty Waived Amid Middle East Tension

India has granted temporary immigration relief to foreigners unable to leave due to the West Asia conflict, offering one-month visa extensions, waiving overstay fines and issuing free exit or landing permits.

India has announced temporary immigration relief for foreign nationals stranded in the country due to travel disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Travellers unable to depart because of affected flight routes across parts of the Gulf region will be granted one-month visa extensions, while overstay penalties will also be waived.

The Consulate General of India in Dubai confirmed the measures in a post on X, noting that the initiative is intended to support travellers whose journeys have been unexpectedly delayed as regional air travel continues to face disruptions.

“Extension of Regular Indian Visa/E-Visa and waiver of over stay penalty to foreigners stuck in India due to the ongoing developments in West Asia,” the consulate said while outlining the temporary immigration relief.

According to the announcement, all categories of Indian visas—including e-visas—that are nearing expiry will be eligible for a one-month extension at no cost. The extensions will be processed by the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), which will review and grant them on a case-by-case basis for travellers affected by the ongoing disruptions.

Authorities have also clarified that penalties for overstaying after February 28, 2026 will be waived for foreign nationals whose travel plans have been affected by the ongoing developments in West Asia.

“Taking into account the conflict situation in the Gulf region, the following has been decided,” the Consulate said in its statement. Under the updated measures, affected travellers will also be able to obtain exit permits free of charge, allowing them to depart India smoothly once flight routes resume normal operations.

Officials have also clarified that foreign nationals who are unable to apply for visa extensions or exit permits during this period will not be treated as violating immigration rules, acknowledging the exceptional circumstances created by the regional conflict.

In addition, India will issue Temporary Landing Permits (TLPs) free of charge to travellers whose flights are diverted to the country because of disruptions in West Asian airspace.

The measures come as escalating tensions in the region continue to affect commercial aviation routes, leaving travellers stranded in several countries, including India.