26/05/2026
Bali has launched a strict immigration crackdown on foreign influencers and content creators.
Authorities now treat any form of commercial activity on a tourist visa as illegal, including brand collaborations, sponsored posts, barter stays and unpaid shoots.
Since April 2026 a newly formed Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force has been actively monitoring social media and patrolling hotspots such as Canggu and Ubud.
In the first three weeks the task force detained 62 foreigners during targeted operations.
Immigration officials emphasise that unpaid promotional work still counts as commercial activity and that claiming you were not paid will not be accepted as a defence.
Penalties range from fines and deportation to multi year or lifetime bans on entering Indonesia.
Paying the tourist arrival levy does not grant the right to work on the island.
Creators who plan to produce brand content or collaborate with local businesses must secure the correct visa in advance, such as a work permit or the E33G Remote Worker Visa.
The move signals a clear end to the previous lenient approach and makes compliance essential for anyone hoping to work legally in Bali.
