An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer belt having an insulating substrate layer, an electrode layer provided on the insulating substrate layer, and a semiconductor layer provided on the electrode layer; a transfer-voltage applying device that applies a predetermined bias voltage to the electrode layer of the intermediate transfer belt; and a secondary transfer roller which is in contact with the outer circumference of the intermediate transfer belt to form a nip region and to which a predetermined bias voltage is applied. The image forming apparatus has not a member that opposes the secondary transfer roller to nip the intermediate transfer belt therebetween.