Ngurah Rai Immigration Grants Emergency Stay Permits and Zero Rupiah Overstay Policy for Foreign Nationals

Badung, KORANTRANSAKSI.com – The closure of air routes in the Middle East has significantly impacted international flight schedules at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. Thousands of passengers departing from Bali to Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi experienced flight cancellations starting February 28, 2026.

On February 28, 1,802 passengers had their flights canceled, followed by 1,316 passengers on March 1, and 1,308 passengers on March 2. This unexpected situation put these travelers at risk of overstay (delayed residence permits).

In response, the Bali immigration authorities took proactive measures. Based on the Immigration Directorate General Circular No. IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025, Ngurah Rai Immigration Office provided Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) and implemented a zero-rupiah overstay fee policy for affected foreign nationals.

Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of Bali Regional Immigration Office, emphasized that this policy is a swift government response to a global force majeure situation affecting tourists in Bali.

"The government is here to ensure certainty, safety, and comfort for foreign nationals whose flights were delayed due to the escalation in the Middle East. The ITKT and overstay fee waiver reflect our empathy and commitment to maintaining Indonesia’s tourism image. We want to ensure that tourists are not burdened by circumstances beyond their control," Sengky said.

Following this directive, Bugie Kurniawan, Head of Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, explained that a fast and responsive service mechanism has been prepared. Affected foreign nationals can visit Ngurah Rai Immigration Office at any time to extend their ITKT.

"We guarantee that the ITKT issuance process will be completed on the same day. Our officers are on standby to handle this emergency so that foreign nationals do not need to worry about their immigration status while waiting for new flight schedules," Bugie explained.

The required documents for applying for ITKT include: the original passport, a flight cancellation certificate from the airline, and proof of the canceled flight ticket.

As of March 2, 2026, 35 foreign nationals had applied for ITKT extensions at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. Besides extending their ITKT, some affected travelers chose to reschedule their departure to safer destinations outside Indonesia.

Furthermore, Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has also provided flexibility for foreign nationals departing Bali who could not process ITKT extensions at the office. These passengers can receive an overstay fee waiver at the Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) at the airport, provided they submit an official declaration from the airport authority or airline.

As part of crisis mitigation and quality service commitment, Ngurah Rai Immigration has set up a helpdesk to provide accurate information, guide foreign nationals, and collect data on affected passengers needing immigration services. The helpdesk is located on 2nd floor of the International Departure Terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, as well as at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Jimbaran.

Additionally, Ngurah Rai Immigration is ready to provide onsite assistance at hotels where affected foreign nationals are staying. These emergency measures aim to mitigate the crisis effectively and ensure a sense of safety for international tourists stranded in Bali.

(TA/TEAM)