Indonesia deports 342 foreigners as Bali enforces C5A Content Creator Visit Visa

Bali has stepped up from routine immigration checks to task force patrols and social-media monitoring in 2026, tightening enforcement of rules that direct foreign content creators away from tourist visas.

Enforcement now extends to social media

The Dharma Dewata task force patrols areas with large foreign populations and monitors social media for suspected commercial work under inappropriate visas, CNA reported. The practical change is enforcement, not a newly created visa: Indonesia has offered the C5A Content Creator Visit Visa since May 2025.

Bali immigration deported 342 foreign nationals for various violations from January through June 2026. The agency said supervision isn’t limited to content creators, but it specifically targets misuse of tourist stay permissions for employment or commercial activity.

Personal posts and commercial work are treated differently

Ordinary sightseeing and unpaid personal travel posts aren’t the stated target. Paid campaigns, sponsored shoots, barter arrangements and other commercial content can be treated as work, requiring the C5A rather than a tourist visa or visa on arrival.

The C5A allows social-media content creation, tourism, family and friend visits and personal shopping. It doesn’t permit holders to sell goods or services or receive wages, rewards or other compensation from Indonesian people or companies. Journalistic or filmmaking work requiring separate permits remains outside its standard scope.

Remote employees working for overseas companies fall under a different route, the E33G Remote Worker Limited Stay Visa, according to official guidance. Nomads comparing those categories can find more context in Indonesia’s residency rules.

The C5A costs 2 million rupiah

The C5A permits a stay of up to 60 days and costs 2 million rupiah, about $123. The official eVisa FAQ lists these application materials:

• A passport valid for at least six months

• A personal bank statement covering three months

• A recent color photograph

• Proof of guarantee from a guarantor

• A filming-location permit from the relevant ministry

Creators planning paid or barter-based work need to secure the correct visa before entering Indonesia. Applicants must then use the C5A within 90 days of issuance, so the application should be timed to keep the planned arrival inside that window.