Bali rule every Aussie should know about as authorities crack down: 'It's illegal'

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 23:27, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 23:44, 6 July 2026 One of Australia's most popular overseas holiday destinations is cracking down on tourists creating social media content for commercial purposes. Indonesia recently enforced stricter immigration rules, where it is now illegal for foreigners to work, conduct research, or earn income while on a tourist visa. The laws also apply to sponsored social media posts, brand endorsements, or non-cash rewards.  'It's not always about payment,' the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration recently stated. 'Immigration authorities may look at the purpose of [foreigners'] stay, the type of activity, and whether there is economic value behind it.' Activities included offering professional services for online content, product endorsement and business promotion on social media and 'work-like activities that involve benefits, even unpaid'. Australian government website Smartraveller updated its advice for Indonesia on Friday, urging travellers to ensure they have the right visa and to understand its conditions, entry and exit requirements. 'It's illegal to work, conduct research or volunteer if you're on a tourist visa,' the latest update states. One of Australia's most popular overseas holiday destinations is cracking down on tourists creating social media content for commercial purposes (stock image) 'This includes creating or posting online content for payment or commercial purposes. 'Indonesian authorities may consider it a breach of visa conditions if you create content for commercial purposes while you're on a tourist visa, even if the content is published after you've departed Indonesia.'  Of the more than 1.67million Australians who visit Indonesia each year, 1.5million flock to Bali. That is in addition to an estimated 10,000 Aussie expats who call the holiday island home or work remotely. Foreigners can apply for a digital nomad visa to work in Indonesia but must have proof of an annual salary of at least US$60,000 ($A86,548) and a work contract with companies overseas. The new laws have sparked confusion among content creators and local businesses. Many influencers have been reluctant to publicly comment on the new rules. 'This is going to make life a lot harder for people who do that kind of work while living it up in Indonesia,' an unnamed Aussie content creator told nine.com.au. Indonesia recently enforced stricter immigration rules, where it is now illegal for foreigners to work, conduct research, or earn income while on a tourist visa (stock image) 'There are so many people I met there who were doing the same thing, everywhere you look there are co-living and co-working spaces for creators, influencers, and remote workers.' Canadian content creator Zsolt Zsemba argued that enforcing new rules will be a challenge for authorities. 'If someone eats a meal and posts about it, do they automatically assume it's paid advertising?' he said. 'Social media influencers spread mostly good vibes about Indonesia and Bali. This may hinder some of the social media coverage of the island.' However he did agree that influencers being paid 'should have the proper visas'.  Indonesian travel writer Yun Damayanti added: 'It's time to review and distinguish permits for nomad workers/visitors versus genuine tourists.  'Immigration needs to learn from tourism industry professionals so they can recognise and understand the profile of each market/nationality.'