Maldives Visa Extension 2026: Emergency Extensions for Tourists Stranded by Middle East Conflict

Tourists stranded in the Maldives due to the Middle East conflict can extend their visas at no penalty through the official IMUGA portal. Following the closure of multiple Gulf airspaces on 28 February 2026, flights from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain to Malé were cancelled, leaving thousands of visitors unable to depart before their tourist visas expired. A US-Iran ceasefire took effect on 8 April 2026, and Gulf hub airports have since resumed partial operations — but the ceasefire is under strain, with talks stalling and capacity still significantly below normal. The emergency visa extension policy remains active.

If you’re currently in the Maldives and your departure has been disrupted, here’s what you need to know.

Who Qualifies for the Emergency Visa Extension?

The emergency extension applies to all tourists whose 30-day visa-on-arrival is expiring or has already expired while they remain unable to leave due to flight cancellations linked to the Middle East airspace closures. You qualify if:

• Your departure flight was cancelled or rerouted because of the conflict
• You cannot secure an alternative flight before your visa expires (or it has already expired)
• You were booked on routes through Middle Eastern hubs on airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Flydubai, or Air Arabia

This extension is specifically for crisis-affected tourists. If your visa is expiring for unrelated reasons, you’ll need to follow the standard process (covered below).

How to Apply Through the IMUGA Portal

The Maldives does not require tourists to apply for a visa before travel — all nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport. There is no pre-travel e-visa system. The IMUGA portal is used solely for extensions, renewals, and regularising your status if your stay has been disrupted.

All extension requests must be submitted online through the IMUGA portal (Maldives Immigration Unified Gateway). No in-person visit is required.

1. Visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv
2. Upload a photo of your visa (entry stamp or visa-on-arrival document)
3. Complete the extension request form with your personal and travel details
4. Submit — processing takes approximately 48 hours

Documents to keep handy: passport with Maldives entry stamp, proof of cancelled flight (airline notification or booking confirmation), accommodation booking, and return or onward travel ticket.

What If Your Visa Has Already Expired?

Don’t panic. The Maldives government has confirmed that no overstay fines or penalties will apply to tourists who have overstayed because of the Middle East flight disruptions. You will not face deportation, blacklisting, or any legal consequences for overstaying under these circumstances.

Here’s what you should do immediately:

• Submit your extension request now through the IMUGA portal, even if your visa has already expired
• Keep proof of your disrupted flight — airline cancellation emails, rebooking attempts, and any correspondence with your airline
• Contact Maldives Immigration at immigration.gov.mv if you face any issues with the portal
• Do not attempt to leave without regularising your status — submit the extension first so your departure records are clean

The waiver applies for the duration of the crisis. However, once normal flight operations resume, the standard overstay penalties (which can be significant) will apply again. Act promptly.

Emergency vs Standard Visa Extension: Key Differences

Flight Status: What’s Operating and What’s Not

Velana International Airport in Malé remains fully operational. A US-Iran ceasefire took effect on 8 April 2026, allowing Gulf hub airports to gradually resume operations. However, the ceasefire expires around 22 April, peace talks have stalled, and airspace restrictions remain tightly controlled across the Gulf. Flight capacity at most hubs is still significantly below pre-crisis levels. Check directly with your airline before travelling to any Gulf hub airport.

Looking to rebook? Search for available flights to and from Malé on Wego to compare options across operating airlines.

On-the-Ground Support for Stranded Tourists

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) have activated several support measures:

• 24/7 Disruption Management Centre at Velana International Airport — staffed by tourism and airport personnel for real-time travel assistance and rebooking help
• Temporary rest areas set up in the former domestic terminal for tourists awaiting alternative flights, with water, internet, and basic amenities provided
• Accommodation support — several resorts and hotels have extended stays for affected tourists without significant price increases. Check hotels in Malé or hotels across the Maldives on Wego for availability

Key contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Maldives Immigration — IMUGA Portal
2. Maldives Immigration Department
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Maldives Visa Information
4. Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Maldives
5. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)
6. Qatar Airways — Flight Network Restoration (26 March 2026)
7. Gulf Air Resumes Flight Operations from Bahrain International Airport
8. Al Jazeera — US-Iran Ceasefire Deal: Terms and What’s Next
9. Edition.mv — Visa Extensions Granted to Stranded Tourists
10. Aviators Maldives — Tourist Visa Extensions for Stranded Visitors

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.