Qatar Extends Visas As Airspace Closure Leaves Travellers Waiting
Qatar will automatically extend entry visas for travellers stranded in the country after the closure of its airspace. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that all visa categories will be prolonged by one month without fees. The measure applies to visitors unable to depart due to suspended flights and will be processed without the need for individual applications.
The extension follows the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to close Qatari airspace shortly after noon local time on 28 February. Since then, no commercial flights have operated in or out of the country. Qatar Airways has been issuing daily updates before 9am local time, with the next operational statement expected on 4 March.
Passengers holding Qatar Airways bookings between 28 February and 10 March 2026 can change their travel dates by up to 14 days or request a refund. The airline has asked customers to use its website or mobile application for amendments, advising only those due to travel within 48 hours to contact customer services directly.
Visa And Travel Flexibility Measures
- All entry visa categories extended by one month
- Automatic processing without additional fees
- Date changes or refunds available for bookings up to 10 March
- Further extensions possible depending on developments
Qatar normally allows visitors from many European countries to stay for up to 90 days, while others receive a 30-day visa that can be extended once. Citizens of 102 countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival, though permitted stays vary. The extension clarifies visitors’ legal stay while flights are halted and options to leave the country remain scarce.
The move removes the risk of fines or overstays for visitors whose visas were close to expiring. It also helps those dealing with cancelled flights and unclear departure dates. As there is still no confirmed timeline for reopening the airspace, the automatic extension gives stranded visitors more time while airlines and officials work out when regular flights can restart.
