Indonesia has begun enforcing stricter immigration rules under which it is now illegal for foreigners on a tourist visa to work, conduct research, volunteer or earn income while in the country, including in Bali. The move matters because Bali is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, and the rules explicitly capture social media activity carried out for commercial purposes, meaning many travelling content creators could unwittingly fall foul of the law.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration said the crackdown is not solely about payment, noting that authorities may consider the purpose of a visitor's stay, the type of activity, and whether it carries economic value. Covered activities include sponsored posts, brand endorsements, product promotion, offering professional services for online content, and "work-like activities that involve benefits, even unpaid". Australia's Smartraveller website updated its Indonesia advice on Friday, urging travellers to hold the correct visa and understand its conditions, entry and exit requirements.