RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As flight disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict ripple across Asia, Bali has become a temporary refuge for hundreds of stranded travelers. Indonesian immigration authorities have issued 302 emergency stay permits (ITKT) to foreign nationals caught in the fallout, according to provisional data as of Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The majority of permits were processed at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, which issued 244 since March 2, while Denpasar Immigration Office granted 58. “We urge all affected foreign nationals in our jurisdiction to immediately take care of the necessary administration in person,” said Denpasar Immigration Chief R. Haryo Sakti on Friday, March 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Applicants must present a valid passport, proof of canceled flights from airlines, and documentation of the canceled tickets. The emergency permits are valid for 30 days and may be extended depending on developments.

Authorities have also waived overstay penalties for those stranded due to canceled flights. Normally, foreign nationals overstaying fewer than 60 days face fines of IDR 1 million (USD 59,08) per day.

Air connections to the Middle East remain limited. While Emirates flight EK-369 finally departed Bali for Dubai on March 5 after being grounded for four nights, other carriers remain affected. Etihad’s scheduled flight on the same day was canceled, and Qatar Airways flights on March 5–6 were also suspended, according to FlightRadar24 data.

Ngurah Rai International Airport reported that by March 4, a total of 35 international flights had been canceled -- 20 departures and 15 arrivals -- due to the crisis. The cancellations left 5,905 international passengers unable to travel.

For now, Bali immigration offices are providing stranded travelers with legal certainty and relief measures, ensuring they are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control. As tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global air travel, Indonesia’s emergency-stay permits offer a crucial lifeline for those caught in transit. ***