DENPASAR, Bali – Thousands of passengers in Bali scheduled to fly to Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have faced flight cancellations since Saturday (Feb. 28, 2026), following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East after military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The disruptions have left many foreign tourists at risk of overstaying their visas while stranded in Bali. In response, the Bali Regional Office of Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has implemented a policy to waive overstay fines for affected travelers.

“We are also providing services for Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) for tourists who require them,” said Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, in Denpasar on Tuesday (March 3, 2026).

Official data shows that 1,802 passengers had their Middle East-bound flights canceled on Feb. 28, 2026. Another 1,316 passengers were affected on March 1, followed by 1,308 passengers on March 2.

The assistance policy refers to Circular Letter No. IMI-590.GR.01.01 of 2025 issued by the Directorate General of Immigration. Felucia described the measure as a rapid government response to a global force majeure situation affecting tourists in Bali.

Meanwhile, Bugie Kurniawan, Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, said the office has established a fast-response service mechanism to assist foreign nationals impacted by the cancellations.

Foreign nationals whose flights have been canceled can visit the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office to apply for an Emergency Stay Permit extension, with authorities guaranteeing that the process will be completed within the same day.

“We guarantee the issuance process for the ITKT can be completed on the same day,” Bugie said.

Applicants are required to present their original passport, a flight cancellation letter from the airline, and proof of the canceled ticket.

As of March 2, 2026, a total of 35 foreign nationals had applied for an ITKT extension at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

Some affected travelers have also opted to leave Indonesia through alternative routes, rerouting flights to destinations considered safer.

Immigration authorities have also granted leniency to travelers departing Bali who did not have sufficient time to arrange an ITKT extension. These passengers will not be charged overstay fines at the Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) at the airport.

The only requirement is to present an official statement from the airport authority or airline confirming the flight cancellation.

To support stranded travelers, Ngurah Rai Immigration has established a dedicated helpdesk service center providing information and assistance while also recording data on affected passengers.

The helpdesk operates on the second floor of the International Departure Terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and at the Immigration Office in Jimbaran. Officers are also prepared to provide information directly to hotels where affected tourists are staying.

“These emergency measures are expected to mitigate the impact of the crisis and provide a sense of security for foreign tourists stranded in Bali,” Bugie said.