Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced a special free 7-day visa extension for foreign nationals who are unable to leave the country because of widespread Middle East-bound flight cancellations triggered by the escalating regional conflict.
Under the new concession, travellers whose current visas are due to expire while they remain in Sri Lanka can extend their stay legally for an additional seven days at no cost. The extension begins from the date the original visa expires, giving stranded tourists and business visitors extra time to reorganise travel plans and book alternative flights without facing overstay penalties or legal issues.
The move comes as airlines around the world have been forced to cancel or suspend flights heading to or over the Middle East due to safety concerns linked to an intensified conflict between Israel and Iran. As a result, many international passengers have been left with uncertain itineraries, prompting Colombo’s immigration authorities to step in with this relief measure.
Officials emphasised that this extension is automatic for those affected and designed primarily to ease administrative burdens for travellers caught off-guard by sudden travel disruptions. Authorities have encouraged visitors to contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration for guidance on how to apply if needed.
This decision is part of several emergency responses by regional governments trying to support stranded passengers as global air traffic continues to feel the impact of geopolitical tensions.
