BADUNG – The closure of airspace across the Middle East has significantly disrupted international flight schedules at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Thousands of passengers departing from Bali for destinations including Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have faced cancellations since February 28, 2026.
Official data recorded 1,802 passengers affected by cancellations on February 28, followed by 1,316 passengers on March 1, and 1,308 passengers on March 2. These unforeseen circumstances have put travelers at risk of exceeding their legal stay periods (overstaying).
In response, Bali’s immigration authorities are taking proactive measures. Based on the Director General of Immigration’s Circular Number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office is now providing Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) and a zero-rupiah overstay fee policy for impacted Foreign Nationals (WNA).
Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Regional Office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Bali, emphasized that this policy is a rapid government response to a global force majeure situation affecting tourists in Bali.
The state is present to provide certainty, security, and comfort for foreign nationals whose flights have been delayed due to the escalation in the Middle East. This ITKT policy and the waiver of overstay fines are expressions of our empathy and commitment to maintaining Indonesia’s tourism reputation. We want to ensure that tourists do not feel burdened by conditions beyond their control.
Following these directives, the Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Bugie Kurniawan, explained that his team has established a fast and responsive service mechanism. Foreign nationals affected by flight cancellations may visit the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office at any time to obtain an ITKT extension.
He guaranty that the issuance of these ITKT permits will be completed on the same day (same-day service). Our officers have been deployed to manage the situation on the ground.
Key Summary for Travelers:
• Target Group: Foreign nationals with cancelled flights to the Middle East (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi).
• Provision: Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) extension.
• Cost: Rp0.00 (Fees waived).
• Service Level: Same-day processing.
These emergency measures are designed so that foreign nationals (WNA) do not have to worry about their immigration status while waiting for their new flight schedules.
Foreign nationals applying for the Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) services are required to provide the following documents: an original passport, a flight cancellation letter from the airline, and proof of the canceled ticket.
As of March 2, 2026, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has recorded 35 ITKT extension applications. In addition to seeking extensions, some affected foreign nationals have opted to depart Indonesia by rerouting their travel to safer alternative destinations.
Furthermore, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office is offering overstay fee waivers for foreign nationals who are scheduled to depart Bali but have not had the opportunity to process their ITKT extension at the immigration office. To qualify for this waiver at the Airport Immigration Checkpoint (TPI), passengers must simply present an official declaration from the airport authorities or the relevant airline.
In a commitment to excellent service and crisis mitigation, Ngurah Rai Immigration has established helpdesks to provide accurate information, guide foreign nationals, and collect data on affected passengers requiring immigration assistance. These helpdesks are located on the 2nd floor of the International Departure Terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Jimbaran.
Additionally, Immigration teams are prepared to provide “proactive services” by visiting hotels where stranded foreign nationals are staying. These emergency steps are expected to effectively mitigate the current crisis and provide a sense of security for international tourists while they remain in Bali.
Repoter Daniel Herry
