When regional airspace was disrupted in late February 2026, thousands of travellers across the UAE found themselves in an impossible situation — flights cancelled, visas expiring, and overstay fines mounting through no fault of their own. In a decisive and compassionate move, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) stepped in to protect those caught in the crisis by announcing a full waiver on overstay fines. At Gulf Visa Services, we believe every traveller deserves to know exactly where they stand — and what options are available to them. Here is everything you need to know.
Tourists and visitors holding visit or tourist visas who could not depart due to flight suspensions.
Residents who had cancelled their residency permits in preparation for departure but were stranded.
Exit permit holders affected by airspace closures.
Applies only to fines incurred on or after February 28, 2026
Announced on March 4, 2026, the ICP’s waiver removes all overstay fines incurred from February 28, 2026 onward for anyone who was prevented from leaving the UAE due to the closure of regional airspace and the subsequent suspension of flights. The authority made clear that this decision was taken in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances — circumstances entirely beyond the control of those affected.
This waiver is not a general amnesty — it is a targeted relief measure for individuals whose departure was directly impacted by the airspace disruptions. If you fall into one of the categories below, you may be fully exempt from financial penalties that would otherwise have accumulated during your extended stay.
The ICP has identified three distinct groups eligible for this exemption:
Group 1 | Departure Permit Holders who exceeded their permitted grace period due to flight suspensions or rescheduling. |
Group 2 | Visit and Tourist Visa Holders whose permitted duration of stay lapsed while they were unable to depart. |
Group 3 | Cancelled Residency Permit Holders whose departure following visa cancellation was hindered due to the airspace closure. |
Not sure whether your visa has expired — or when it does? The process for checking your status depends on which emirate issued your visa. Follow the steps below based on your situation.
Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs portal at www.gdrfad.gov.ae and follow these steps:
If your visa was issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, use the ICP Smart Services platform at smartservices.icp.gov.ae:
Your search results will display your file number, Unified ID (UID), current visa status, and the issue and expiry dates of your visa. Screenshot or note down this information for your records.
The waiver reflects the UAE’s proactive response to regional airspace disruptions that left many travelers stranded. By removing penalties, the government ensures visitors and residents are not unfairly burdened by circumstances beyond their control.
Check your visa status online via ICP or GDRFA platforms.
Confirm exemption eligibility if your overstay occurred after February 28, 2026.
Keep documentation (flight cancellations, residency cancellation papers) ready in case verification is required.
Visit ICP service centers if online checks show discrepancies.
The waiver does not apply to overstays before February 28, 2026.
Travelers must ensure they depart promptly once flights resume to avoid future penalties.
Misuse of the exemption (e.g., intentional overstays unrelated to disruptions) may result in fines or legal consequences.
As of early March 2026, UAE carriers have been operating on a significantly adjusted schedule across all major airports — including Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum International (DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), and Ras Al Khaimah (RKT). While most standard scheduled services remain suspended, limited and special operations are continuing to support passengers with confirmed bookings, repatriation requirements, essential cargo, and critical travel needs.
Gulf Visa Services strongly advises all travellers to confirm their departure directly with their airline before heading to the airport. Schedules remain subject to change, and only travellers with confirmed bookings should travel to the airport at this time.
Gulf Visa Services Advisory: The ICP waiver is a relief measure — not a blanket extension of your visa. Once flights resume, affected travellers should depart or regularise their status without further delay. The waiver covers fines from February 28, 2026 onward; fines from before this date are not included in the current announcement.
Navigating visa issues, unexpected extensions, and regulatory changes can be stressful — especially during a regional crisis. Our team of experienced consultants is on hand to help you understand your status, avoid further complications, and plan your next steps with confidence. Whether you need a visa renewal, an extension, or advice on re-entry requirements, Gulf Visa Services is here for you.
Contact us today to speak with a visa specialist and get the personalised guidance you deserve.
© 2026 Gulf Visa Services | This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa rules are subject to change — always verify current regulations with official UAE government sources.
