[category]
[title]
Aussie content creators heading to Bali might want to think twice before tapping ‘post’. Indonesian officials are cracking down on tourist visa misuse across the holiday island, specifically targeting influencers, content creators and digital nomads. Yep, that means your feed could soon be seeing fewer smoothie bowls and sunset yoga pics.
In an update to the Smartraveller website on July 3, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) warned jet-setters to ensure they have secured the correct visa for their trip before heading north. It directly impacts the 1.5 million Aussies who travel to Indonesia each year – the vast majority of whom are bound straight for Bali.
The warning states: “It's illegal to work, conduct research or volunteer if you're on a tourist visa. This includes creating or posting online content for payment or commercial purposes… even if the content is published after you've departed Indonesia.”
Think a "free" villa stay in exchange for an Instagram story doesn't count as work? Crucially, the rules don’t just apply to those being paid. The crackdown targets influencers endorsing brands, creators making content for businesses, and anyone accepting free flights, accommodation, services or products in exchange for a cheeky social media shoutout.
Creators caught posting online for commercial gain on a basic holiday visa – whether paid or unpaid – face arrest, fines and deportation. It’s not a risk worth taking, considering that working illegally is one of the most common reasons why foreigners get kicked out of Indonesia.
Think you're safe just because you aren't posting on your grid? The visa crackdown applies to any travellers working remotely, including professional photographers and make-up artists. Instead, they’ll need to apply for a work, business, artist or remote working visa, with a single-entry social media content creator visa even available.