TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of passengers in Bali bound for Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have faced flight cancellations since Saturday, February 28, 2026. The disruptions coincided with the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
As a result, thousands of foreign nationals are at risk of overstaying their visas in Bali. The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration has responded by implementing a policy to waive overstay fees for affected travelers.
"We also provide services for Emergency Stay Permits," said Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Immigration Directorate General, in Denpasar on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
A total of 1,802 passengers had their Middle East flights canceled on February 28, 2026. Furthermore, 1,316 passengers faced cancellations on March 1, followed by another 1,308 passengers on March 2, 2026.
The decision to assist travelers follows the Immigration Directorate General's Circular Letter number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025. "This is a rapid response by the government to the global force majeure situation impacting tourists in Bali," Felucia stated.
Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Bugie Kurniawan, has followed up on these instructions. He stated that the office has established a fast and responsive service mechanism for field operations.
Furthermore, foreign nationals affected by flight cancellations can visit the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office at any time to obtain an Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) extension. "We guarantee that the process of issuing the ITKT will be completed on the same day," he said.
He mentioned that foreign nationals need not worry about their status while awaiting new flight schedules. The requirements for those applying for the ITKT extension include an original passport, a flight cancellation letter from the airline, and evidence of the canceled ticket.
As of March 2, 2026, a total of 35 foreign nationals have applied for an ITKT extension at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. Aside from seeking extensions, some affected travelers have opted to depart Indonesia by rerouting to safer destinations.
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office also provides leniency to foreign nationals departing Bali who lacked time to arrange an ITKT extension. These passengers will be exempted from overstay fines at the Airport Immigration Checkpoint (TPI).
The only requirement is to provide an official declaration letter from the airport authority or the airline.
Ngurah Rai Immigration has established a helpdesk service center to provide accurate information and guidance to foreign nationals while recording details of affected passengers who require facilities.
The helpdesk center is open on the 2nd floor of the International Departure Terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and the Jimbaran office. Additionally, staff are ready to provide information services directly to hotels where affected tourists are staying.
"These emergency measures are expected to effectively mitigate the crisis and provide a sense of security for foreign tourists while they are stranded in Bali," said Bugie Kurniawan.
Read: Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Reschedules 39 Middle East Flights
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