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Indonesia Emergency Stay Permit (ITKT) 2026: What Stranded Travellers Need to Know

Last updated: Mar 31, 2026

Indonesia is granting free emergency stay permits to foreign nationals stranded by Middle East flight cancellations.

The Directorate General of Immigration issued Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-133 on 1 March 2026, activating the Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa (ITKT), Indonesia’s emergency stay permit.

Table of Contents

What Is the ITKT and Who Qualifies?

The ITKT (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa) is a stay permit granted under forced or exceptional circumstances that allows foreign nationals to remain in Indonesia legally when departure is temporarily impossible.

Under Indonesian immigration regulations, four main situations qualify for an ITKT:

Humanitarian reasons, such as serious illness requiring medical care
Natural or non-natural disasters, including major transport shutdowns
Deportation processing where the individual is not in detention
Other emergency conditions such as disease outbreaks or geopolitical events affecting travel

The policy responds to airspace closures across Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran following military action in the region disrupting major Gulf transit hubs that connect Southeast Asia with Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, and leaving thousands of travellers stranded at Indonesian airports including Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), and Kualanamu (Medan).

Under the circular, affected foreign nationals face a zero-rupiah (Rp 0) overstay penalty — meaning no fine at all — as long as they can present written confirmation from airlines or airport authorities proving the cancellation.

The permit is valid for up to 30 days with zero overstay penalties and it can be extended for an additional 30 days if flight disruptions continue.

To extend, visit your local immigration office before your current ITKT expires; do not wait until after it lapses. Bring the same documents plus evidence that flights remain disrupted.

Important Visa Restrictions

ITKT holders are not permitted to work or engage in any commercial activities while in Indonesia. The permit is strictly for emergency stay purposes and it does not grant employment rights or replace a work permit.

Your existing visa and immigration obligations still apply. If you hold a business visa, retirement visa, or work permit (KITAS/KITAP), the ITKT does not replace or extend those documents.

Review your visa status separately and ensure it remains valid. The ITKT addresses force majeure circumstances and is not a substitute for formal visa extensions where eligibility exists.

How to Apply for an ITKT

The application process is straightforward and can be completed within the same day. You do not need a lawyer or visa agent. Just visit your nearest immigration office or airport immigration counter with the required documents.

Documents you need

Valid original passport
Flight cancellation letter — an official letter from your airline confirming the cancellation
Proof of cancelled ticket — your booking confirmation or e-ticket showing the affected flight

For the overstay fee waiver specifically, you also need a supporting letter or declaration from the aviation civil authority or airport authority confirming the disruption. Your airline’s cancellation letter typically covers this.

Where to apply

You can apply at any immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) with jurisdiction over your current location in Indonesia. The key locations handling the most ITKT applications right now are:

Bali: Kantor Imigrasi Ngurah Rai (Jl. Raya Taman Jimbaran No.1, Badung) or the airport immigration counter at the International Departure Terminal, 2nd floor
Jakarta: Immigration office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Medan: Immigration office at Kualanamu International Airport

Ngurah Rai Immigration has also opened a dedicated helpdesk on the second floor of the International Departure Terminal specifically for stranded travellers. Immigration can issue your ITKT electronically, so save a PDF copy on your phone and email it to yourself as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ITKT cost anything to apply for?

No, the ITKT is issued free of charge. The circular also waives all overstay penalties (normally IDR 1,000,000 per day) for affected foreign nationals who present airline cancellation proof.

Can I apply if my visa expired before the flight disruptions started?

The ITKT specifically covers overstays caused by flight cancellations. If your visa expired before the disruptions began (before late February 2026), standard overstay rules may still apply. Contact your nearest immigration office for guidance on your specific situation.

What if I’m on a Visa on Arrival — can I still get an ITKT?

Yes, the ITKT applies to all foreign nationals in Indonesia regardless of visa type. Whether you entered on a Visa on Arrival, e-Visa, or any other permit, you can apply if your departure was disrupted by the Middle East airspace closures.

Can I leave Indonesia and re-enter on an ITKT?

No, the ITKT is not a multiple-entry permit. It only authorises your continued stay in Indonesia — if you leave, you will need a new visa to re-enter.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.