Visa extension granted to foreigners affected by Middle East tensionsSmoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs Haret Hreik neighborhood on March 5, 2026. Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday, March 13, announced visa relief for foreign nationals whose flights were affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. After the United States and Israel struck Iran, violence in the Middle East has escalated, prompting mass cancellations of flights in the region. BI chief Frederick Vida issued a department order allowing foreigners whose visas expired last February 28 to legally stay in the Philippines until April 1, 2026. Analysts fear that the war may be prolonged, as neither side has shown signs of backing down.

Source: Philippine Star March 13, 2026 07:31 UTC