UAE waives visa overstay fines after airspace closure

Travellers stranded in the UAE due to recent airspace closures won’t face overstay penalties

The United Arab Emirates authorities have confirmed that travellers stranded in the UAE due to recent airspace disruptions will not be penalised with visa overstay fines.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced that fines incurred from Saturday, February 28, 2026 onwards will be waived for those unable to leave the country because of flight cancellations and delays.

The exemption applies across several visa categories, including visit visas, tourist visas and exit permits. Residents who have cancelled their residency permits but have not been able to depart the UAE will also benefit from the measure.

The decision comes as part of the humanitarian approach of the UAE in dealing with emergencies.

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In an official social media post, it explained that ‘the specialized task teams at various airports of the country and its customer happiness centers continue to work according to the emergency and business continuity plans, in coordination with the state stakeholders, to ensure that procedures and address cases related to flight delays or rescheduling are facilitated, and to provide the necessary support to travelers affected by these circumstances.’

It added that the UAE, based on its firm humanitarian values and its approach based on tolerance and solidarity with all, ensures to provide various forms of support to travelers and visitors present on its soil during exceptional circumstances, reflecting the image of the country as a safe and inclusive destination for all and capable of managing challenges efficiently and humanely at the same time.

Images: Getty Images

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