Standard visa and overstay rules are in force across the GCC. No GCC state has announced a new blanket visa-fine waiver specifically for travellers delayed by the current regional disruption.
Here is where each country stands as of 10 September 2026.
Rules change quickly and can vary by visa type, nationality, and officer discretion. Always confirm your status on the official portal before you act.
Current situation
Regional flight disruption remains possible. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s active conflict-zone bulletin for Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Oman is valid through 30 September 2026 and restricts certain operations over Gulf waters while allowing necessary arrivals and departures subject to an up-to-date risk assessment. It is an operator safety advisory, not a nationwide airspace-closure notice.
If a cancelled flight prevents you from leaving, contact the immigration authority before your visa expires. Any extension, fine reduction or waiver is case-specific unless the authority publishes a new general measure. For live flight impacts, see our Middle East air travel disruptions live blog.
GCC visa rules at a glance
| Country | Current disruption relief | What applies now |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | No active blanket waiver verified | AED 50/day overstay fine; extension rules vary by permit |
| Kuwait | No active blanket waiver verified | Check validity and eligibility with MOI or Sahel |
| Oman | No active blanket waiver verified | Eligible categories may be renewed through ROP |
| Qatar | No active blanket waiver verified | QAR 200/day overstay fine; extension rules vary by visa |
| Saudi Arabia | No active blanket waiver verified | Standard penalties; extensions via Absher where eligible |
| Bahrain | No active blanket waiver verified | Standard rules; manage via Bahrain.bh |
Country-by-Country
UAE
The ICP lists an overstay fine of AED 50 per day after the permitted stay or applicable grace period ends. Extension eligibility, duration and fees depend on the permit category; some eligible visit permits can be extended, while other categories are non-extendable. Check the specific permit in the ICP service catalogue rather than assuming a 30-day extension is available. For the full breakdown, see our UAE Overstay Fine Waiver 2026 guide.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s standard visa and overstay rules apply. No active blanket disruption-related fine waiver was verified. Check your validity and extension eligibility on the Sahel app or the Kuwait MOI e-Visa portal, and see our Kuwait visa extension guide.
Oman
Oman’s standard visa rules apply, and no active blanket disruption-related waiver was verified. Eligible visa categories can be renewed through the ROP eVisa portal; duration, eligibility and fees depend on the visa type. See our Oman visa extension guide for the process.
Qatar
Qatar’s standard visa rules apply, and no active blanket disruption-related waiver was verified. Extension periods and fees vary by visa category. Qatar’s common tourist visa guidance, for example, lists QAR 100 for one similar-period extension, while family-visit rules differ. The Ministry of Interior lists a QAR 200 daily overstay fine; its family-visit guidance states a QAR 12,000 maximum. Check the visa in Metrash2 or through the MOI Qatar portal. More in our Qatar visa extension guide.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s standard visa and overstay rules apply, and no active blanket disruption-related waiver was verified. Eligible visit visas may be extended through the Absher platform. Penalties and any exceptional relief depend on the individual case; contact Jawazat on 992 before the visa expires if disruption prevents departure.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s standard visa and overstay rules apply, and no active blanket disruption-related exemption was verified. Request any eligible extension through Bahrain.bh Visa Services before expiry. For case-specific guidance, contact NPRA on 17077077 (Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–7 PM) or [email protected].
Sources
- UAE ICP — overstay-fine service
- UAE ICP — visa-extension service
- Kuwait Ministry of Interior — e-Visa Portal
- Royal Oman Police — Visa Services Portal
- Qatar Ministry of Interior — Official Portal
- Arab News — Saudi Passport Directorate Hotline 992 for Expired-Visa Holders
- Absher — Saudi Arabia electronic services platform
- Bahrain NPRA — Official Portal
- Bahrain.bh — eVisa services
- EASA — Conflict Zone Information Bulletin 2026-07R2
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.
