As international flights continue to be canceled many countries must deal with those international travelers whose visas are expiring. As one of the first countries affected the United Kingdom's Border Agency issued a notice Apr 17th, stating that only proof of planned travel that would have enabled one to leave the UK before their visa expired would be needed.
UKBA Notice On Apr 18th the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released an update that foreign nationals stranded in the U.S. must contact a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office to extend their stay.
USCIS Update Just today the Indian government decided to allow special landing permits or extensions of visas to foreigners stranded in India for a maximum period of 14 days without charging any fees.
Times of India Article Europa, the portal site of the European Union, posted a press release from the European Commission detailing their role in an entirely national decision to open or shut airspace in this unprecedented crisis facing Europe. It includes a section on visa problems.
Europa Press Release
These are just the issues facing people currently traveling abroad. Next come the questions that we have started to receive at our offices from travelers who have been issued visas and have had to postpone or cancel trips. Will there be refunds from foreign governments? or the reissuing of visas with new dates? Does travel insurance cover the costs of lost visas?