Indonesia tightens rules for bloggers and influencers with tourist visas
Indonesian authorities have tightened control over the activities of foreign bloggers, influencers, and digital content creators staying in the country on tourist visas.
New rules primarily affect the popular tourist island of Bali, where immigration authorities have stepped up inspections and warned of serious sanctions for violating the visa regime.
According to the new requirements, foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in any income-generating activity while in Indonesia on a tourist visa. This includes creating content for social networks if it is produced for commercial purposes, including posts made as part of advertising integrations, sponsorship agreements, or other forms of monetization. A violation is considered even if the material was filmed during a stay in Bali but published after departure from the country.
Indonesia's immigration service also reminded that a tourist visa does not grant the right to work, conduct research, or participate in volunteer activities. For such purposes, foreigners must obtain the appropriate type of visa in advance.
According to local authorities, enhanced inspections are already underway in Bali. In recent weeks, the Dharma Devata immigration patrol task force has detained dozens of foreign nationals. Agency staff are not only conducting raids in popular tourist areas, including Canggu and Ubud, but are also monitoring social media posts to identify possible violations of immigration law.
Strict liability measures are provided for failure to comply with the new requirements. Violators may face fines, deportation, and in the most serious cases, a lifetime ban on entering Indonesia.
The head of the Bali Immigration Office, regional representative Felusia Sengki Ratna, stated that the measures are aimed at protecting the island's tourism industry and ensuring compliance with migration legislation. She urged foreign bloggers, influencers, and other content creators to verify in advance that their visa matches the purpose of their trip.
The immigration service also noted that engaging in labor activity on a tourist visa remains one of the most common reasons for the deportation of foreign nationals from Bali.
Source: NewYorkPost
