Bali Waives Overstay Fees for Tourists Affected by Flight Cancellations Amid Iran Conflict
Bali, March 3, 2026 – The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration has announced a policy to waive overstay fees and provide emergency assistance to foreign tourists stranded on the island due to widespread flight cancellations in the wake of recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Since February 28, flights from Bali to Middle Eastern destinations such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have experienced massive cancellations. As of March 2, a total of 4,426 passengers faced disruptions, with 1,802 cancellations on February 28, 1,316 on March 1, and 1,308 on March 2. Emergency Stay Permits and Overstay Fee Waivers
To assist tourists affected by these disruptions, the Bali Regional Immigration Office has implemented rapid response measures following the Indonesian Immigration Directorate General’s Circular Letter number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025. The policy includes waiving overstay fines and offering Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) to those unable to depart Bali due to flight cancellations.
Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Bali Regional Immigration Office, emphasized the government’s commitment to helping affected visitors through these emergency procedures. The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, under Head Bugie Kurniawan, has established a fast-track and responsive service system to process permit extensions within the same day.
Tourists seeking ITKT extensions must provide their original passport, an airline-issued flight cancellation letter, and proof of their canceled ticket. As of March 2, thirty-five foreign nationals had applied for such extensions.
Additional Support and Services
For travelers lacking time to extend their permits before departure, Ngurah Rai Immigration guarantees exemption from overstay fines at the airport’s Immigration Checkpoint, provided travelers show a declaration letter from the airport or airline.
Furthermore, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has opened a helpdesk service center at the International Departure Terminal’s 2nd floor of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and the Jimbaran office. Staff have also been deployed directly to hotels where stranded tourists are staying, to provide information and assistance.
Bugie Kurniawan underscored that these emergency measures are crucial to managing the crisis effectively and ensuring foreign visitors feel secure while stranded in Bali due to circumstances beyond their control.
Context
The disruptions correlate with escalating tensions and military actions in the Middle East, where U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have led to global travel disturbances affecting transit hubs, including Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport. Indonesia continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety and legal status of foreign nationals within its borders.
This initiative reflects Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian and practical support for international tourists caught up in geopolitical crises, mitigating the impact of unexpected travel interruptions.
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