Bali waives overstay fines as flights to Middle East are canceled

Flights from Bali to destinations including Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been canceled since 28 February 2026, leaving travelers stranded. Indonesian immigration has activated emergency measures under Circular Letter No. IMI‑590.GR.01.01 of 2025, waiving overstay fines and offering same-day Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) at Ngurah Rai Immigration. Applicants must present their passport, an airline cancellation letter, and proof of the canceled ticket. Helpdesks operate at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and the Immigration Office in Jimbaran, with leniency at exit checks for documented cancellations.

Travelers in Bali destined for Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have faced widespread flight cancellations since Saturday, 28 February 2026. According to official figures, 1,802 passengers experienced cancellations on 28 February, followed by 1,316 on 1 March and 1,308 on 2 March. The disruptions are linked to regional airspace closures amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

To protect foreign visitors from visa penalties during this force majeure, the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration has enacted emergency measures under Circular Letter No. IMI‑590.GR.01.01 of 2025. Overstay fines are being waived for affected tourists, and Emergency Stay Permits (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa, ITKT) are available with same-day processing.

Passengers can apply for an ITKT at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. Applicants must bring their original passport, a cancellation letter from the airline, and proof of the canceled ticket. As of 2 March 2026, thirty-five foreign nationals had applied for the permit.

For travelers who are unable to arrange an extension before leaving Indonesia, immigration officers are granting leniency at the Immigration Checkpoint. Overstays will be exempt from fines if passengers present a statement from the airport authority or the airline confirming the cancellation.

To assist those affected, helpdesks have been set up on the second floor of the International Departure Terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and at the Immigration Office in Jimbaran. Staff at these locations provide immigration guidance and record data on impacted travelers. Immigration officers are also supporting guests directly at hotels accommodating stranded tourists.

These temporary measures are intended to prevent penalties for visitors whose travel plans have been disrupted by confirmed international flight cancellations to and from the Middle East. Travelers should retain all documentation from airlines or airport authorities to support their applications and to facilitate departure when flights resume.