DENPASAR, Bali – Australia has updated its official travel advice for Indonesia, reminding travelers that using a tourist visa for income-generating activities in Bali could breach Indonesian immigration laws.

The guidance, last updated by the Australian government’s SmartTraveller service on July 3, reminds travelers to ensure they hold the appropriate visa before undertaking any work or commercial activity while visiting Indonesia.

According to SmartTraveller, travelers on tourist visas are not permitted to work, conduct research or volunteer in Indonesia. The advisory also states that creating online content for payment, sponsorship, advertising revenue or other commercial purposes is not allowed under a tourist visa.

It adds that Indonesian authorities may consider travelers to have breached their visa conditions even if commercially produced content is published only after they have left the country.

The updated advisory comes as Indonesian immigration authorities continue stepping up enforcement against foreigners suspected of misusing visitor visas in Bali.

Earlier this year, the Directorate General of Immigration launched the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force, which conducts inspections in popular tourist areas such as Canggu and Ubud. Officers have also been monitoring social media as part of efforts to identify foreigners engaged in unauthorized commercial activities.

Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said the operation is aimed at maintaining public order while supporting sustainable tourism on the island.

Indonesian immigration authorities have repeatedly reminded foreign nationals to ensure their visas match the purpose of their visit and to obtain the appropriate permit before engaging in any commercial activity.

Foreigners found violating Indonesia’s immigration regulations may face administrative sanctions, including fines, deportation and bans on re-entering the country.

The updated advisory reflects growing efforts by both Australian and Indonesian authorities to ensure travelers understand and comply with Indonesia’s immigration rules before visiting Bali.