Australia warns creators: Bali content could breach visa rules

Australia has warned content creators that working while in Indonesia as a tourist may breach visa conditions, even if the content is not published until after they leave.

The warning comes as governments in destinations popular with creators grapple with how to regulate a growing industry that often blurs the line between travel and commercial work.

Updating its advice on SmartTraveller, its official travel advisory service, last week, the Australian government clarified that creating or posting online content for payment or commercial purposes while on a tourist visa in Indonesia is illegal.

Specifically, it warned that Indonesian authorities may consider it a breach of visa conditions even if the content is published after a creator has left the country.

"It's illegal to work, conduct research or volunteer if you're on a tourist visa. This includes posting content online for revenue, payment, sponsorship or other commercial purposes," the advisory states.

Indonesia has been stepping up enforcement against foreign creators working on tourist visas. In April, authorities established Dharma Dewata, a dedicated 100-strong immigration task force that monitors social media and patrols tourist-heavy areas including Canggu and Ubud. By May, 62 foreign nationals had been detained for immigration offences.

The Head of the Bali Immigration Directorate General Regional Office, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said the initiative was designed to protect Bali's tourism industry. "This oversight is carried out comprehensively to maintain security and stability," she said.

In a separate social media post, the directorate clarified that enforcement extends beyond paid work. 

"It is not always about payment. Immigration authorities may look at the purpose of stay, the type of activity, and whether there is economic value behind it," it said. 

The directorate listed product endorsement, business promotion and professional services such as photography as examples of restricted activity under a tourist visa. Penalties can include fines, deportation and a ban on re-entering the country.

The crackdown stands in contrast to the approach taken in the UAE, where the government has been actively building infrastructure to make it easier for visiting creators to work legally. 

As previously reported by The Daily Influence, the UAE has been actively expanding its infrastructure for visiting creators, including accrediting agencies to help foreign creators obtain the permits required to work legally in the country.