News : Department of Immigration and Emigration

Free Visa Extension for Foreign Nationals Unable to Depart Sri Lanka Due to Flight Cancellations

18 03 2026 - 11:30 AM

The Department of Immigration and Emigration hereby informs that, with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, foreign nationals who are unable to depart Sri Lanka due to the cancellation of Middle East–bound flights with effect from 28 February 2026, arising from the prevailing situation in the Middle East region, will be granted a free visa extension.

Accordingly, a visa extension of up to four (04) weeks from the date of expiry of the current visa will be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to verification of the relevant circumstances. Applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of their inability to depart, such as boarding passes, flight cancellation notices, or airline confirmations.

Visa extensions may be obtained at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration or at the Airport Immigration Office at the time of departure.