Content creators have long flocked to Bali. They gather in Bali mostly due to the great digital nomad infrastructure in place offering the dream of living and working by the beach or in the jungle. However, Bali has declared war on content creators, particularly those visiting Bali on a tourist visa. Why? Well, you better put down the ring light and read on.

For quite a few years now, Bali has been the playground of the digital nomad and influencer set. Think swings suspended over jungle canopies, carefully curated cafe layouts and babes in bikini beach shots! But the Indonesian island is now putting its foot down on content creators who generate income while travelling on a tourist visa.

You can stay in Bali on a tourist visa for anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the specific visa you choose before your trip. Now if you are making money online and plan to make money online while on holiday in Bali, be aware. Indonesian immigration authorities have escalated enforcement action, with the Dharma Dewata Task Force. This is a dedicated unit of hundreds of officers actively monitoring social media. The aim is to identify violations across the island, with particular focus on Canggu and Uluwatu – both big content creator areas.

Authorities have clarified that any activity capable of generating economic benefit to the tourist, regardless of whether payment is directly received, may constitute a breach. Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate has specifically flagged:

• content creation involving promotions or brand partnerships
• professional services such as photography
• unpaid arrangements that yield goods or services in lieu of cash

If caught, penalties are significant with fines, immediate deportation, and a travel ban of at least ten years. 

Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, has confirmed enforcement will continue. The crackdown, he says, is central to maintaining Bali’s standing as a premier tourism destination.

So before you set up that tripod on one of Bali’s beaches, check Indonesia’s eVisa portal. Best to have the right visa for your Bali holiday intentions, otherwise you could be watching videos about Bali on your couch for the next 10 years!

And yes, Bali (as part of Indonesia) has an official digital nomad visa known as the Remote Worker Visa (Index E33G). Issued as a temporary residency permit (KITAS), it allows you to legally live and work in Bali for up to one year, and is renewable. 

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