The warning states that creating sponsored content or engaging in unpaid commercial activity on a tourist visa could result in serious penalties as these activities are not always automatically allowed under tourist or socio-cultural visas. Not adhering to the new rules could violate the conditions of the tourist’s visa and risk sanctions, permit cancellation, detention, deportation, and even re-entry bans.
Influencers and content creators have been urged to ensure their visas and stay permits are the correct ones for the purpose of their visits to the country, warning that even unpaid collaborations or content creation may violate immigration rules if they carry economic value. Officials are reportedly paying closer attention to unpaid collaborations, social media promotions and project-based activities carried out by visitors like sponsored posts, collaborations with hotels, restaurants or local brands, photo shoots, content made in exchange for free stays, meals, experiences or other benefits.
The new regulation is set to affect influencers, photographers, DJs, makeup artists, wellness practitioners amongst other business-related creators travelling to Bali for events, collaborations, retreats or exchange-based projects.
Authorities have reportedly increased surveillance in popular areas with long-stay travellers including Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak and Uluwatu in a renewed crackdown which forms part of Bali’s broader push toward what they describe as “quality tourism”. Dozens of foreign nationals have reportedly been detained by the Bali immigration patrol task force so far.
Regular travellers using Visa on Arrival permits or standard tourist visas are expected to limit their stay to leisure activities only.
