UAE waives visa overstay fines amid airspace closure: Who are eligible

2026-03-05 - 05:03

DUBAI – Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have announced that tourists and certain residents affected by flight cancellations and airspace closures will not face fines for overstaying their visas due to airspace closure after the US-Israel attack on Iran sparked massive counterstrikes from Tehran. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security confirmed that no penalties will be applied starting February 28, 2026, for visitors on tourist or visit visas, those holding exit permits, and residents who had canceled their residency in preparation for departure. Special teams at airports and Customer Happiness Centres are actively assisting travelers with delayed or rescheduled flights under emergency and business continuity plans, coordinated with relevant authorities. Officials encouraged affected passengers to stay updated via official channels, emphasizing that support measures will remain in place to help them manage the disruption. The travel interruptions follow a series of airspace closures in the region after Iranian attacks prompted counterstrikes, impacting multiple countries including the UAE. Flights by UAE carriers are expected to remain suspended until at least Saturday, March 7.