Bali Immigration Issues More Emergency Stay Permits As Middle East Travel Disruptions Continue
While international travel is beginning to stabilise following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, tourists in Bali are still advised to stay alert for last-minute flight changes. Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport was one of the many transport hubs affected by airspace closures in the UAE and Qatar.
As a result of dozens of flight cancellations to Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai last week, Ngurah Rai Immigration assisted 270 passengers in obtaining Emergency Stay Permits. The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration issued an emergency circular letter to enable stranded passengers to access the support they needed.
These measures are still in place, and it is anticipated that more Emergency Stay Permits will be issued over the coming month as the situation in the Middle East remains unstable.
As explained by Ngurah Rai Immigration “Based on Circular Letter Number IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025 by the Directorate General of Immigration, it is conveyed that foreign nationals who have cleared exit immigration but must re-enter Indonesian territory due to force majeure events-such as natural or non-natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, disease outbreaks/epidemics/ pandemics, war, or threats of terrorism) which result in the aircraft returning to an airport in Indonesia —will receive immigration handling in accordance with the prevailing regulations.”
The Immigration Office explained, “In response to the situation, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has established the following technical measures: Immigration Officers at Ngurah Rai Airport will manually and systematically cancel departure stamps for foreigners required to re-enter Indonesia. Affected passengers are entitled to an Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) with a maximum validity of 30 days, and may be extended in accordance with applicable provisions. It may be issued at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.”
The statement explained further, “Overstay resulting from such circumstances shall be subject to a tariff of Rp0,00 (zero rupiah), provided that an official statement letter from the airline or airport authority is submitted.” Concluding “This policy aims to provide legal certainty and lawful immigration services for Foreign Nationals in emergency situations.”
Speaking to reporters this week, the Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said that her office is committed to ensuring that services and supervision for affected foreign nationals will continue to run optimally.
She explained, “We understand the difficult situation faced by foreign nationals due to this emergency situation in the Middle East. Therefore, Bali Immigration is committed to providing fast and easy immigration services.”
The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration confirmed that he has instructed all Immigration Technical Implementation Units (UPT) in Bali to be on alert and respond quickly to any developments.
Complaint channels such as call centers, social media, and direct complaint services are also operating at maximum capacity to assist foreign nationals seeking information regarding their immigration status.
He explained, “We urge all foreign nationals affected by flight cancellations to remain calm, immediately report to the nearest Immigration Office before their stay permits expire, and to always comply with applicable Indonesian laws and regulations.”
It is important to note that the Emergency Stay Permit can only be granted in specific circumstances, and a series of criteria must be met.
It may be the case that the most appropriate course of action for tourists is to arrange a precautionary tourist visa extension if they are concerned that their flight may be cancelled. It is also important to note that Immigration Offices in Bali and around Indonesia will be operating different hours in the coming two weeks due to Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr public holidays.
Tourists in Bali are advised to contact the Indonesian Immigration directly to understand the best course of action in their specific situation.
Indonesian Immigration has a live chat service available from 9 am to 3 pm (WIB), Monday to Friday, via the Official Indonesian Immigration website. This service is available in English.
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