Maldives Immigration has announced that tourist visas will be extended for travellers currently in the Maldives who are unable to depart before their visas expire due to disruptions in international travel.

In a statement, the authority said flight cancellations linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East have prevented some visitors from leaving the country within the validity period of their visas. As a result, arrangements have been made to facilitate visa extensions for those affected.

Maldives Immigration advised travellers seeking extensions to apply through the IMUGA portal.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is holding discussions with airlines from South Asia, Southeast Asia and India to arrange additional services to the Maldives amid ongoing travel disruptions.

The regional situation escalated following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Iran later announced retaliatory measures against US assets in the region and launched attacks targeting US military bases in the Middle East.

In the aftermath, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait has closed their airspace. The airspace closures have led to flight cancellations and delays affecting travel to and from the Maldives. Yesterday, Maldives faced cancellation of 19 flights, affecting 3,530 passengers.