Indonesia waives overstay fees for foreigners stranded following Mount Lewotobi eruption

Foreign nationals stuck in Bali and nearby regions due to flight cancellations will not be penalised for overstaying, as Indonesia’s immigration authority rolls out emergency stay permits.

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has stepped in to facilitate a series of emergency measures to assist foreign nationals affected by flight cancellations following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

The move comes under Circular Letter Number IMI-568.GR.01.01 of 2025, which enables foreigners whose travel plans have been disrupted to receive emergency stay permits. According to the authorities, immigration task forces have been deployed at key airports including Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Komodo International Airport, and El Tari International Airport in East Nusa Tenggara to assist with the process.

On 20 June 2025 (Friday), Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, said that the heads of the immigration offices at the regional offices of the Directorate General of Immigration for East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Bali had been instructed to facilitate applications for emergency stay permits for affected foreigners.

In addition to providing on-ground support, DG Yuldi implemented a zero-rupiah policy for overstay fees incurred due to the eruption. The heads of immigration offices to impose no charges on foreign nationals whose residence permits have exceeded the allowed period as a direct result of the flight disruptions.

This exemption, however, is not granted automatically. It must be formally requested by the affected foreigner or their guarantor, with a supporting statement from a government agency or the Indonesian National Police. The policy is based on Article 52 of the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 9 of 2020, which outlines the conditions under which immigration services may be provided at no cost in emergency situations.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi has significantly disrupted both domestic and international flights. As of 4:00pm Waktu Indonesia Tengah (Central Indonesia Time) on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali recorded 87 flight cancellations in a single day, with 66 affecting international routes, particularly flights to and from Australia and Singapore. Meanwhile, 2,166 passengers at Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, were also impacted by the cancellations.

These disruptions have prompted concerns over visa status, residence permits and overstays, with immigration authorities moving quickly to address potential legal uncertainties for stranded travellers.

Speaking on the government’s response, Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto said: "This step is taken to provide legal certainty regarding the immigration status of foreign nationals due to natural disasters or force majeure conditions. The Directorate General of Immigration is committed to providing the best service and convenience for foreign nationals, even in emergency situations."