If you’re going to visit Bali and have planned a host of video content and brand collaborations, you should heed this news. Bali has new visa rules where the province is actively cracking down on the misuse of tourist visas. In order to do this, the Indonesian province has established a special task force that will monitor social media accounts to see if tourists are sharing paid or promotional content. This new move significantly threatens the idyllic influencer lifestyle in Bali.
Bali’s New Visa Rules: Crackdown On Influencers
Bali has decided to tighten the use of tourist visas to curb their misuse. The message is loud and clear. The tourist visa is not for work or professional visits; it is strictly for leisure. This means influencers on a tourist visa will no longer be allowed to promote products and services in Bali.
Also Read: Bali Vs Thailand: Which Destination Is Better For Indian Travelers?
To that end, this Indonesian province is also establishing a task force called “Dharma Dewata Patrol”. This particular task force will parse through tourists’ social media accounts to ensure compliance with these new rules.
Also Read: Planning A Bali Trip? You May Soon Need To Provide Three Months Of Bank Records
What Counts As “Work” Under This New Bali Rule?
The Bali authorities have strictly specified that unpaid work, like bartering, is also strictly prohibited. Any activity with economic value or that functions like professional work is also disallowed on a tourist visa (C1 or Visa on Arrival). Following are a few examples:
- Sharing sponsored travel or lifestyle content
- Photography or videography assignments
- DJ performances and hairstyling
- Makeup artistry for professional shoots
- Remote working
Also Read: Bali Rolls Out Single Digital Wallet For International Travelers
What Will Happen If You Get Caught?
If caught, tourists risk immediate cancellation of their visa, deportation, and in some extreme cases, even lifetime bans on re-entry.
Also Read: Bali Announces New Rules For Tourists
FAQs
Can I Still Share My Vacation Pictures On Social Media?
Yes, but it may be flagged if it is obviously promotional of a service or a product.
What If I’m Volunteering For A Charity?
Volunteer work may also require a special visa, so if you have a tourist visa, you may still be flagged.
Is This Applicable Even If I’m Not Being Paid?
Yes. If you promote a service or product, you will get flagged even if no money changes hands.
