Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has granted a one-month automatic extension to all entry visas that have expired or are close to expiry, as escalating regional tensions continue to disrupt travel across the Middle East.
The measure took effect on Saturday and may be extended further depending on the evolving situation.
In a statement, Qatari authorities said the extension will be processed automatically through electronic systems, with no fees or in-person visits required.
The ministry, however, said individuals whose visas incurred penalties before 28 February must first settle outstanding fines. Once cleared, the extension and fee waiver will apply from the effective date.
Qatar said it is closely monitoring developments to ensure the legal status and stability of residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, the conflict has sharply disrupted air travel from Bangladesh. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended services on five Middle Eastern routes, while multiple foreign carriers have cancelled flights due to widespread airspace closures.
In the past four days, 182 flights to Middle Eastern destinations have been cancelled from Bangladesh. Of these, 147 were cancelled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and 35 at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
Airport officials said 38 flights from Dhaka were cancelled on Tuesday alone. The disruption began on Saturday after airspace closures in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan.
Cancellations have climbed steadily — 23 on Saturday, 40 on Sunday, 46 on Monday and 38 on Tuesday — stranding thousands of passengers.
Airlines affected include Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, flydubai, Jazeera Airways, US-Bangla Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and SalamAir. Authorities said the suspensions are directly tied to regional security concerns.
