India grants visa extensions to foreigners stranded amid Iran war
By Emmanuel Rono, March 19, 2026The High Commission of India in Nairobi has announced a series of emergency measures to assist foreign nationals currently stranded in India.
In a notice on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the commission confirmed the extension for the foreigners stuck in India due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The commission stated that the Indian government has authorised the extension of all types of regular and e-visas, recognising the ongoing developments and conflict situation in the Gulf.
“Extension of regular Indian visa/e-visa and waiver of overstay penalty to foreigners stuck in India due to the ongoing developments in West Asia,” the Commission wrote.
Free one-month extension
The commission further stated that affected individuals whose visas are expiring or are due to expire soon will be granted a one-month extension on a free basis.
These extensions are to be processed by jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs) on a case-by-case basis.
“Taking into account the conflict situation in the Gulf region, the following has been decided: all types of visas/e-visas expiring/due for expiry soon will be extended for a month on a gratis basis for the affected nationals by jurisdictional FRROs on a case-by-case basis,” the Commission stated.
The government is also waiving penalties for overstays that occurred after February 28, 2026, specifically for those impacted by the regional crisis.
Additionally, exit permits will be provided to affected foreign nationals free of charge. The High Commission clarified that these emergency visa extensions and the non-application of standard exit permit procedures will not be treated as a violation of migration legislation.
Temporary Landing Permits (TLP)
According to the commission, the measures extend to international travellers whose journeys have been interrupted mid-flight.
Temporary Landing Permits (TLP) will be granted for free to any foreign national arriving in India due to flight diversions caused by the conflict.
“Non-application of Exit Permit and Extension of Visas by affected foreign nationals would not be treated as a violation of migration legislation, and a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) would be granted to a foreign national arriving in India due to diversion of flights on a gratis basis,” the Commission noted.