Tourists and some residents unable to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to an airspace closure amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran can breathe a sigh of relief as they will not be fined for delayed departures, authorities said.
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said the exemption would apply to anyone unable to travel due to flight suspension or rescheduling due to “exceptional regional circumstances”.
Who is eligible for a visa overstay fee waiver?
The authority explained that the decision will apply to all cases where individuals have been unable to leave the UAE due to urgent circumstances, including visitors who hold visitor visas, tourist visas or exit permits, as well as residents who have canceled their residence permits in preparation for departure.
The exemption therefore applies to fines incurred on or after February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
The measure reflects the UAE’s “civilized and humanitarian values” with regard to emergencies, the authority said.
Dedicated teams providing support to stranded travellers
Given the current circumstances, the authority also said that specialized teams at the country’s airports continue to operate in accordance with emergency and business continuity plans and work to facilitate the resolution of cases related to delayed, canceled or rescheduled flights.
“The authority emphasized that all operational plans and risk management procedures have been activated in accordance with the highest approved standards and that coordination is underway with strategic partners and relevant authorities to guarantee the continuity of operations at the ports of entry once flight operations are fully restored,” the Federal Office for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said.
It also added that it provides accommodation and food for stranded passengers in coordination with the relevant authorities of the airport operators.
Finally, the authority also urged travelers and the general public to obtain information and updates only through official channels. emphasizing that the United Arab Emirates has an advanced infrastructure and a robust security and operational system that is able to effectively and flexibly handle various development situations.
The flight situation is still unstable
The announcement of the waiver comes as thousands of people remain stranded in Dubai and other parts of the UAE, with the Middle East conflict forcing airspace closures and flight cancellations.
While flight services are slowly being restored and airlines are taking all necessary precautions, the situation is still volatile and has even prompted wealthy fliers to pay over $200,000 to fly out of the region.
The US, in cooperation with Israel, launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran and triggering a regional conflict. As of Thursday, the sixth day of the conflict, strikes and retaliatory strikes between the two feuding camps continued with no end in sight to hostilities.
