Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Qatari Ministry of Interior has assured travelers stuck in the country due to the prevailing airspace closure that their entry visas would be extended without fees for one month for all entry categories.

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The extension, according to the ministry, would be processed automatically, while further extensions might be announced in the future “in line with developments”.

However, the Qatari government said those whose entry visas expired prior to 28 February, when Iran’s retaliatory strikes began, would pay overstay fines.

Oracle Intelligence reports that following indiscriminate shots of missiles from Iran, some hundreds of flights have been cancelled by Middle East airlines including Air Arabia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Kuwait Airlines.

Citizens of 102 countries around the globe can get a free visa on arrival in Qatar, but the length of stay depends on nationality. While citizens of most European nations can stay for up to 90 days, nationalities of other countries can get a 30-day visa extendable for a further 30 days.

Oracle Intelligence reports that Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority announced closure of the country’s airspace on February 28; and Qatar Airways has been posting updates about the continued suspension of flights on X. The next update is expected to announced on March 6.

While the UAE has begun exceptional flights for stranded passengers, there have been no flights in or out of Qatar since the closure began.

The updates have it that those with a Qatar Airways booking between 28 February and 10 March 2026 could move their travel dates by up to 14 days or get a refund.

Visit visas are also being extended for tourists in Thailand affected by cancellations on flights to the Middle East.