Bali steps up e-visa fraud and "workation" enforcement through mid-2026

The Bali Regional Immigration Office says the crackdown focuses on expat and content-creator hubs like Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud, and covers two separate issues: (1) copycat websites charging fees for the free Indonesia e-visa/arrival process — always use the official .go.id portal — and (2) enforcement against tourist-visa holders who accept paid brand deals, run business meetings, or do volunteer/work exchanges without the correct visa. Penalties range from fines and cancelled visas to immediate deportation and multi-year (or lifetime, for repeat/severe cases) entry bans. Ordinary sightseeing, beach time and cultural visits are unaffected — the enforcement targets undeclared paid work and visa-category misuse specifically.