The High Commission of India in Nairobi has announced a raft of relief measures to assist foreign nationals, including Kenyans, who are currently stranded in India due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
In a statement dated March 19, 2026, the commission said the decision was made in response to disruptions caused by the conflict in the Gulf region, which has affected travel plans for many individuals.
“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,” read part of the statement.
Relief for Kenyans as India Extends Visas Amid West Asia Crisis
The commission noted that all expiring or soon-to-expire visa and e-visa types will be extended by one month.
The extensions will be granted free of charge and handled on a case-by-case basis by the relevant Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs).
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In addition, the authorities have waived penalties for foreigners who have overstayed their visas after February 28, due to the ongoing developments.
“Penalty for any overstay by affected foreign nationals due to ongoing developments in West Asia after February 28, 2026, would be waived off,” read part of the statement.
The Indian High Commission has also clarified that failure to apply for visa extensions or exit permits during this period will not constitute a violation of immigration laws.
In the statement, the commission assured that affected foreign nationals will be issued exit permits at no cost, allowing them to leave the country once travel becomes feasible.
Furthermore, the government will grant Temporary Landing Permits (TLPs) free of charge to foreign nationals whose flights are diverted to the country due to the crisis.
Flight Disruptions Trigger Emergency Visa Relief Measures
The move comes after large parts of the Middle East airspace were closed following US-Iran hostilities, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of India-bound flights and leaving tourists, medical patients, and business travellers unable to depart on time.
Earlier, Air India, IndiGo, and several carriers cancelled more than 1,100 international services between February 29 and March 2, 2026, following the geopolitical tensions.
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Many visitors were forced to remain in India longer than planned or to postpone their onward tour as Business chambers warned that inadvertent overstays could damage India’s reputation as an investment destination if executives were fined or black-listed.
Under standard rules, travellers who overstay in India by even a single day must pay a penalty of ₹100–₹300 per day and risk future visa denials.
The emergency order, however, suspends those fines and allows FRROs in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to issue free extensions to affected individuals who can show proof of cancelled flights and confirmed onward travel once services resume.
